Side by Side by Sondheim

This revue of Stephen Sondheim songs premiered in London in 1976, prior to the debuts of some of the celebrated songwriter's watershed works. Sondheim-compilation shows are scarcely a rare commodity; indeed a new one is slated for Broadway this season. Yet those of us who adore the master's body of work are always up for an evening of his unforgettable music and ingenious lyrics. Director Dane Whitlock has assembled a talented five-member ensemble to perform 30 numbers—augmented with fascinating historical tidbits about the shows and songs, written by Ned Sherrin. The results are generally quite satisfying, bolstered by lovely voices and fresh approaches to the material.

The forceful and assured soprano of Jenny Ashman brings brio to such classics as "Losing My Mind" and "Another Hundred People" Also sounding terrific is versatile Morgan Duke, whose wide-ranging numbers include "Send in the Clowns" and "The Miller's Son." She teams up with Ashman in a riveting dramatic rendition of "A Boy Like That." Vivacious Jennifer Blake gets most of the comic numbers ("Getting Married Today" and "Ah Paree"), and excels in her efforts.

Joe Donohoe boasts a rich and powerful voice. He's at his best in "Could I Leave You?" a song delivered by a fed-up wife in "Follies" but here given to the husband. Nimble Nick Sarando, exuding an elfin charm, excels in his big moment: the heart-wrenching "Being Alive." As a gender-bender, he joins the gals in lively renditions of "You Could Drive a Person Crazy" and "Gotta Get a Gimmick." Less successful is the half-hearted and contrived gay slant given to "You Must Meet My Wife," in which Sarando fills the shoes of Desiree, expressing jealousy as Donohoe sings of the charms of his young bride. Another discordant note is the tasteless use of suggestive props in "Can That Boy Fox Trot?" sung by Duke and Blake. Sondheim is about subtlety and wit—not requiring crude impositions on the material.

The designs are modest but effective, and Richard Berent's music direction and accompaniment are splendid.


Presented by and at the Attic Theatre & Film Center, 5429 W. Washington Blvd., L.A. Mar. 12-Apr. 18. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m. (323) 525-0661. www/attictheatre.org/tickets.