A Little Night Music – Great Theatre

Going to the Old Town Theatre is like visiting an old friend. Great sight lines, nice stage, tiny lobby, and, well, the restrooms are inadequate. Great news, though; Cygnet Theatre is taking over the facility, introducing their audiences to it with the production of Stephen Sondheim’s A Little Night Music. Then, they’ll close it down for some serious renovations.

Another old friend is the musical. Sadly, it isn’t performed enough. Happily. director Sean Murray brings us many of the best singers/actors in the greater San Diego area, including himself in the role of Fredrik Egerman, a middle-aged lawyer. Courtney Evans plays his child bride and second wife, Anne Egerman, who, after almost a year of marriage, has refused to have sex with him. Alas, she has eyes for extremely gloomy Henrik (Sean Cox), Fredrik’s son. Not to worry; Fredrik has taken up with former lover Desiree Armfeldt (Marci Anne Wuebben) much to the amusement of her daughter, Fredrika Armfeldt (Nicki Elledge), and to the chagrin of her wheelchair-bound mother, Madame Armfeldt (Sandra Ellis-Troy).

The plot doth boil over as Desiree is seeing the dashing Count Carl-Magnus Malcolm (Randall Dodge). His lovely wife, Countess Charlotte Malcolm (Sandy Campbell), while not happy with that arrangement, does have joyful compensation.

Anne’s servant, Petra (Melissa Fernandes) has a roll in the grass with Frid (Trevor Hollingsworth), Madame Armfeldt’s handsome servant. In spite of, or because, of the peccadilloes of many of the characters A Little Night Music is an absolute delight.

Based on the Ingmar Bergman film Smiles of a Summer Night, it is a classical tale of love, intrigue, and the joy of love and romance. It is Sondheim’s most romantic scores complete with a Greek chorus and elegant waltzes. There are the ladies, Mrs. Nordstrom, Mrs. Segstrom, and Mrs. Anderson (Shelly Hart Breneman, Susan Hammons, and Amy Northcutt) who join in with the principals in song and dance. Also, supporting and adding vocal embellishments are Michael Dooling as Mr. Lindquist and Brian Imoto as Mr. Erlanson. Alas, we see much too little of Kim Strassburger as Malla.

The very sophisticated, literate and stylish A Little Night Music is seldom produced because of the demand that most of the cast be triple threats (Actors, Singers and Dancers). Director Murray cast deftly. This production, which includes James Vasquez’s excellent choreography and Don LeMaster’s fine musical direction, is ready for Broadway. The Designers and production staff all deserve accolades for the show an other bravo for Cygnet is in order.

Cast

Shelly Hart Breneman, Sandy Campbell, Sean Cox, Randall Dodge, Michael Dooling, Nicki Elledge, Sandra Ellis-Troy, Courtney Evans, Melissa Fernandes, Susan Hammons, Trevor Hollingsworth, Briam Imoto, Sean Murray, Amy Northcutt, Kim Strassburger, Marci Anne Wuebben

Technical Staff

AD/Choreographer James Vasquez, Scenic Design Sean Fanning, Costume Design Jeanne Reith, Lighting Design Matthew Novotny, Sound Design George Ye, Wigs/Hair Designer Peter Herman, Properties Design Bonnie L. Durben, SM Corrine Essary

Genre: Musical

Author: Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, Book by Hugh Wheeler

Director: Sean Murray, Musical Director Don LeMaster

Running Time: 160 minutes with a 15-minute intermission

Dates: Thursday to Sunday, thru May 4, 2008

Cygnet at the Old Town Theatre

4040 Twiggs St.

San Diego, CA 92110

Box Office Phone: 619 337-1525

www.cygenttheatre.com

Hot this week

Did David Wineland and Serge Haroche Steal Idea For The Nobel Physics Prize?

Dr. Omerbashich says the Royal Swedish Academy is a Crime Scene and he has the proof that Nobel laureates stole his discovery.

New Approaches to Disaster Relief Challenges

Disaster relief has always been a challenge. NASA, Google,...

3 Legitimate Money Making Methods to Supplement Your Income

In a perfect world, when your landlord raises your...

2016 Predictions by World Renowned Medium and Psychic Lindy Baker

World renowned medium and psychic Lindy Baker is interviewed by The Hollywood Sentinel, discussing psychic power, the spirit world, life after death, areas of concern in 2016, and much more.

Digital Coupon Customers Spending More Than Double At Stores

A new study shows that customers who use digital coupons go shopping more for groceries and other household goods more often and spend more on their shopping trips.

Proper Lawyer Tips and Legalities to Know About Within the Tobacco Industry

The tobacco industry is one of the most highly...

The 2-State-Solution: Dead and Cannot Be Revived

Danny Burmawi (@dannyburmawi) is a Jordanian; CEO of Project...

Glazed Skylight: A Stylish and Functional Roofing Solution

Today, glazed skylights are a common feature in residences across Australia, offering both aesthetic appeal and functional benefits.

How to Keep Cockroaches Out of Homes This Summer

As summer temperatures rise, household pests become a growing concern. Warmer weather and humidity create ideal breeding conditions for cockroaches, making them one of the most common infestations in homes and offices.

Delta Airlines Miles: Unlocking SkyMiles Rewards Potential

Uncover the secrets of maximizing Delta Airlines miles as you explore a free program full of endless possibilities—but what happens when miles meet dynamic pricing?

DIY Home Decor Ideas: Creative Projects to Try

Unleash your creativity with DIY home decor as we explore how egg carton flowers and colorful glassware transform your space—what will surprise us next?

Franna Cranes: The Best Option for Crane Hire in Melbourne

Many construction owners and project managers turn to Franna crane hire in Melbourne. The Australian-made pick-and-carry cranes are popular.

Skillion Roofs Offer Practical Benefits for Machinery Sheds

Many Australians choose to add machinery sheds to their farms to keep farm equipment safe and secure. Incorporating a skillion roof provides several practical advantages.
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img