Stagecrafters Presents SONDHEIM ON SONDHEIM

Stagecrafters proudly presents Sondheim on Sondheim on Stagecrafters 2nd Stage, Friday, March 1 through Sunday, March 10, 2019.

Part musical revue, part documentary, Sondheim on Sondheim gives an intimate portrait of famed songwriter Stephen Sondheim in his own words and music. Through archival video footage and live musical performances, the show pays tribute to the life and genius of the legendary songsmith.

Sondheim, who will turn eighty-nine this year, has been hailed by many as the father of the modern musical. In a celebrated career that has spanned more than six decades, he has earned eight Tony Awards, eight Grammys, a Pulitzer Prize and in 2015 was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Among the many shows he has composed and/or written lyrics for are West Side Story, Gypsy, Follies, Sweeney Todd, A Little Night Music and Into the Woods.

Featured songs in Sondheim on Sondheim include a range of popular hits as well as lesser known selections from his body of work, such as "Comedy Tonight," "Something's Coming," and "Send in the Clowns." All showcase Sondheim's distinctive and critically acclaimed lyrical style and compositions. Singers love the challenge of performing his music, and audiences will love the arrangements that showcase the beauty and strength of each voice.

For director Bruce Thorburn, Sondheim on Sondheim is a labor of love. A longtime admirer of the songwriter, Thorburn was eager to bring the show to Stagecrafters' 2nd Stage, where the intimacy of the theatre provides a perfect setting for this unique multi-media production. Eight singers and an accompanist provide the music onstage; Sondheim himself tells his story with warmth and humor in video projections of in-depth interviews interspersed with documentary footage.

"Anyone who knows and loves the work of Sondheim will want to see this show," says Thorburn. "Anyone who may not be familiar with Sondheim's work will be immersed in his music, lyrics, life and artistic process. They will hear the words, melodies and life story of a man many have called 'the most worshipped and revered composer-lyricist in American Musical Theatre.'"

Sondheim on Sondheim is a moving, funny and fascinating look at a renowned theatre icon, and promises to be an engaging and entertaining evening for all music lovers.

Tickets for Sondheim on Sondheim are now on sale at Stagecrafters.org, or by calling the ticket office at 248-541-6430, Monday through Friday, 10:00AM to 2:00PM. Tickets are $20. Discount tickets available for Veterans and Students for Thursday performances. Due to the intimacy of 2nd Stage and the proximity of the stage to the door and seating area, there will be NO LATE SEATING. 2nd Stage is wheelchair accessible via our elevator, however, there is no space for wheelchair parking to watch the show. Patrons must be willing to transfer to a seat (steps involved) if they would like to attend a 2nd Stage production. Please call the office in advance of purchasing tickets if you are a wheelchair user.

Thursday, February 28, is open to the public as a "Pay-What-You-Can" (PWYC) night. The admission price is at the discretion of the patron. There are no advance sales and doors open at 7PM and close at 8PM (no late seating). Patrons are encouraged to pay cash; credit/debit cards require a $5 minimum. Admission is general seating, first come, first served, with no refunds/exchanges.