Review: SONDHEIM ON SONDHEIM at Cherry Creek Theater

Stephen Sondheim is one of the most celebrated and revered icons of modern musical theatre. His work has been lighting up Broadway for over 5 decades, and while not all of his shows have been major hits, his work, even in the failures, has been well-respected by all. Sondheim on Sondheim is a wonderful look into the life of the artist, and a celebration of his successes as well as an exploration of his flops.

Director Pat Payne has taken on quite a challenge with this living documentary about composer Stephen Sondheim. The show is half narrated by the composer in video, and a barrage of his music is presented by 8 talented singers. Payne has assembled quite a musical powerhouse of performers, led by music director Rob Lowe, who accompanies the entire show with just a keyboard. All of the performers gave outstanding performances, but two in particular moved me with their work in the show. Susie Roelofsz delivered a heartbreakingly-beautiful rendition of a solo from Passion that nearly brought me to tears. Stephen Day presented the most honest and spectacular rendition of "Being Alive" from Company that I have ever heard. In all, the very difficult music seemed like child's play to this incredible ensemble.

The show itself is a difficult choice for many community theatres. While the documentary-like style of this piece was fascinating to musical theatre lovers who already know Stephen Sondheim's works, I feel like the show didn't land with a few of the audience members who came for entertainment alone. At almost three hours in duration, it seemed like a lot of waiting for the bigger musical numbers that really wowed the audience. The venue is a back room of the Shaver-Ramsey carpet gallery, and tech for the show, while minimal, was well-used in the space.

While the show was not your typical musical comedy affair, it was beautiful, and well-done. It was an insightful look into the life and process of a brilliant composer, and was performed by some extremely talented singers.

Sondheim on Sondheim plays the Shaver-Ramsey gallery weekends, October 2 - 25. For tickets and information go to www.cherrycreektheater.org or call 303-800-6578.