10/10
"There are only two worthwhile things to leave behind when you depart this world of ours: children and art."
8 September 2013
Thought-provoking, emotionally soulful and extremely clever, Sunday in the Park With George is another Stephen Sondheim hit. Not his masterpiece(Sweeney Todd, though that is a subjective and very difficult choice to make) or his most accessible(Company), but it is a great show that will make you appreciate Sondheim more perhaps. Like a previous reviewer, some very close friends of mine disliked Sondheim initially but after hearing Sunday in the Park With George they converted and while not fans as such they appreciate him highly now. To get yourself acquainted or to re-visit the magic of this musical it doesn't get better than this production. Lushly produced, very intelligently staged and directed and well-photographed, this production of Sunday in the Park With George is a must see for Sondheim fans and admirers. The songs and score are wonderful, beautifully structured and highlights like Move On, Putting it on and Finishing the Hat are memorable. They are also very clever, because not only do they make an emotional impact but they interweave so well with the story and the characters' motivations and actually enhance them, often telling us what's happening within the music and lyrics. The arrangements are just beautiful and played and conducted just as much. Bernadette Peters and Mandy Patinkin don't just have great voices but they are also great actors, and put real emotion into what they're singing and acting. Patinkin's voice is in slightly better shape, Peters occasionally sounds tired but mostly her singing is fine. And while Patinkin gives one of his best and accomplished performances, Peters is a revelation playing two different characters- sometimes in very quick changes- and is incredibly heartfelt. The supporting cast that include the likes of Dana Ivey and Charles Kimbrough are also on point, Frank Kopyc and Judith Moore are hilarious as ignorant American tourists with the over-exaggerated hand gestures and such. Also look out for Brent Spiner as a German servant, he's a pleasant surprise. In conclusion, beautiful, clever and affecting, couldn't be recommended more highly enough. 10/10 Bethany Cox
2 out of 2 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink

Recently Viewed