Review: A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC at Smithtown Center For The Performing Arts

It is truly a pleasure to see Tony award winning musical A Little Night Music. A traditional musical, it is sophisticated and cleverly created by two masters of Broadway; Stephen Sondheim (score) and Hugh Wheeler (book). The tale follows the romantic lives of several couples with - of course - some twists and turns along the way.

The incarnation currently running through November 8th at Long Island's Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts boasts a super talented cast.

One of the storylines follows a self-centered formally famous actress named Desiree Armfeldt - portrayed exquisitely by Melanie Lipton - who is now touring in what is certainly not the "glamorous life". Ms. Lipton carries the beautiful score, set to mostly Waltz music, superbly. Indeed, an audience favorite is her masterful rendition of the classic "Send In The Clowns". She is also the former lover of lawyer Fredrik Egerman, portrayed excellently here by Ken Young, who is currently married to eighteen-year-old Anne (Kelsey Gronda).

To add, the pompous and gullible Count Carl-Magnus Malcolm, portrayed strongly by Steve Corbellini, is Desiree's current lover while he still married to Countess Charlotte portrayed by Brianne Boyd (who also serves as the production's sound designer). And Smithtown Center vet Phyllis March is marvelous as Desiree's mother Madame Armfeldt particularly with her version of "Liaisons" as she reminisces about her trysts with royals.

I really could go on and on about the outstanding cast. Everyone in the company has a moment to shine and is truly top notch.

An additional highlight is Tim Golebiewski's stunning set. Translucent curtains hang from the rafters and the multi-level stage serves as a myriad of locations. This is enhanced beautifully by Chris Creevy's lighting design and the gorgeous costumes created by Ronald R. Green III.

And so, A Little Night Music is certainly a hit for the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts. While it may not be a "laugh out loud" type of show, this is venerate theatre at its finest. Attend this show to be dazzled with the intricate music, beautiful set, and remarkable cast.