STAGE TUBE: Stephen Sondheim Talks SWEENEY, Songwriting & More on PBS NEWSHOUR WEEKEND
by Tyler Peterson - Sep 8, 2013
Master composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim appeared on this evening's new edition of PBS NEWSHOUR WEEKEND. Sondheim's interview with PBS' chief correspondent for arts, culture, and society Jeffrey Brown, featured his thoughts on SWEENEY TODD, songwriting, and a BroadwayWorld mention! Check out his entire appearance below!
Houston Grand Opera Presents First RING CYCLE, American/World Premieres & More
by Christina Mancuso - Sep 5, 2013
Houston Grand Opera's (HGO) 2013–14 season includes the launch of the company's first Ring cycle, in a visionary and captivating production by the Catalan company La Fura dels Baus; the hotly anticipated American premiere of Mieczyslaw Weinberg's Holocaust opera The Passenger; the world premiere of Ricky Ian Gordon's A Coffin in Egypt, based on the play of the same name by renowned Texas writer Horton Foote and starring iconic mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade; a new HGO production of Carmen from Broadway sensation Rob Ashford; revivals of Aida, Rigoletto, and Die Fledermaus; and, in tribute to the nation's homegrown musical theater tradition, Stephen Sondheim's A Little Night Music designed by fashion star Isaac Mizrahi. Through its HGOco S o n g o f H o u s t o n project—winner of the National MultiCultural Institute's Leading Lights Diversity Award—the company continues to celebrate Houston's cultural diversity with the world premieres of two new commissions exploring the city's Vietnamese and Indian communities as part of the East + West series.
Houston Grand Opera Announces 2013-2014 Season, Including Favorites Like Sondheim as Well as World Premiere Pieces
by Courtnie Mele - Sep 5, 2013
Houston Grand Opera's (HGO) 2013-14 season includes the launch of the company's first Ring cycle, in a visionary and captivating production by the Catalan company La Fura dels Baus; the hotly anticipated American premiere of Mieczyslaw Weinberg's Holocaust opera The Passenger; the world premiere of Ricky Ian Gordon's A Coffin in Egypt, based on the play of the same name by renowned Texas writer Horton Foote and starring iconic mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade; a new HGO production of Carmenfrom Broadway sensation Rob Ashford; revivals of Aida, Rigoletto, and Die Fledermaus; and, in tribute to the nation's homegrown musical theater tradition, Stephen Sondheim's A Little Night Music designed by fashion star Isaac Mizrahi. Through its HGOco Song of Houston project-winner of the National MultiCultural Institute's Leading Lights Diversity Award-the company continues to celebrate Houston's cultural diversity with the world premieres of two new commissions exploring the city's Vietnamese and Indian communities as part of the East + West series.
Stephen Sondheim & Wynton Marsalis Collaboration, A BED AND A CHAIR: A NEW YORK LOVE AFFAIR to Play City Center in November
by Nicole Rosky - Aug 15, 2013
Stephen Sondheim and Wynton Marsalis will collaborate on A BED AND A CHAIR: A New York Love Affair, a new musical event featuring Sondheim's music arranged and performed by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis. This Encores! Special Event, directed by frequent Sondheim collaborator John Doyle, with choreography by Parker Esse and musical supervision by David Loud, was conceived by Peter Gethers, Jack Viertel and John Doyle, and will run for seven performances, November 13 - 17 at City Center.
BWW CD Reviews: Masterwork Broadway's Remastered A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC (Original Soundtrack Recording) Waltzes Well
by David Clarke - Aug 13, 2013
Stephen Sondheim's A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC holds a special place in my heart. A particularly impressive production at a community theatre was my first time to see a Stephen Sondheim musical staged, and it began my love affair with the man's music. The Tony Award winning and successful 1973 musical features a score written entirely in schmaltzy waltz time signatures and has a delightfully soapy plot derived from Ingmar Bergman's 1955 Swedish film Sommamattens leende (In English: Smiles of a Summer Night). In 1977, a film version of A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC was released, starring Elizabeth Taylor, Lesley-Anne Down, and Diana Rigg, with Len Cariou, Hermione Gingold, and Laurence Guittard reprising their Broadway roles. While the critical reception to the stage musical was glowing, the critical reception of the film was notoriously underwhelming. Despite this, Jonathan Tunick received an Oscar for his orchestrations of the memorable, lovely, and tuneful score, which is magnificently preserved on Masterworks Broadway's digital and CD re-release of A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC (Original Soundtrack Recording).
Stephen Sondheim to Receive 54th Edward MacDowell Medal Today
by BWW News Desk - Aug 11, 2013
The MacDowell Colony will award composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim with its 54th Edward MacDowell Medal today, August 11. The MacDowell Colony, the nation's first artist residency program, has awarded the medal annually since 1960 to an individual artist who has made an outstanding contribution to his or her field. This year marks the first time a luminary has been chosen from the realm of musical theatre and Sondheim's generous offering of his talents to the stage made him a clear choice.
STAGE TUBE: On This Day 8/3- A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC
by - Aug 3, 2013
Today in 1974, A Little Night Music closed at the Shubert Theatre, where it ran for 601 performances. A Little Night Music is a musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by Hugh Wheeler. Inspired by the Ingmar Bergman film Smiles of a Summer Night, it involves the romantic lives of several couples. Since its original 1973 Broadway production, the musical has enjoyed professional productions in the West End, by opera companies, in a 2009 Broadway revival, and elsewhere, and it is a popular choice for regional groups. It was adapted for film in 1977, with Harold Prince directing and Elizabeth Taylor, Len Cariou, Lesley-Anne Down and Diana Rigg starring.
A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC Soundtrack Available For Pre-Order
by Pat Cerasaro - Jul 29, 2013
The soundtrack for the 1978 feature film adaptation of the celebrated romantic musical A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC by Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler is set to be released in remastered form at long last in a special early release on August 13 (nationwide on September 10) and it is now available for pre-order in either the digital download or CD-R edition.
Sebastian Arcelus, Fred Dalton Thompson, John Douglas Thompson Join A TIME TO KILL on Broadway
by Nicole Rosky - Jul 19, 2013
Producers Daryl Roth and Eva Price announced today that Sebastian Arcelus, Fred Dalton Thompson (in his Broadway debut), and John Douglas Thompson will star in the new Broadway courtroom drama A Time to Kill, Tony Award-winning playwright Rupert Holmes' stage adaptation of John Grisham's best-selling novel. This new Broadway play holds the distinction of being the first-ever John Grisham property to be adapted for the stage. A Time to Kill is set to open on Broadway on October 20, 2013 at the John Golden Theatre (252 West 45th Street). Previews begin September 28th. Ethan McSweeny will direct. The remainder of the high-powered ensemble cast of 13 will be announced shortly. For more information, visit www.ATimeToKillOnBroadway.com.
Stephen Sondheim to Be Awarded 54th Edward MacDowell Medal on 8/11
by Nicole Rosky - Jul 16, 2013
The MacDowell Colony will award composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim with its 54th Edward MacDowell Medal on Sunday, August 11. The MacDowell Colony, the nation's first artist residency program, has awarded the medal annually since 1960 to an individual artist who has made an outstanding contribution to his or her field. This year marks the first time a luminary has been chosen from the realm of musical theatre and Sondheim's generous offering of his talents to the stage made him a clear choice.
BWW Interviews: A Weekend in the Country with Opera Theater of Pittsburgh's A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC
by Alexandra Strycula - Jul 2, 2013
Stephen Sondheim's A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC - which contestably features his most well-known hit, 'Send in the Clowns' - opens in Pittsburgh this Sunday as part of Opera Theater of Pittsburgh's second-annual SummerFest. SummerFest is a three-week artistic celebration that 'brings together a pack of independently-spirited, joyfully unconventional people to celebrate community as well as cultural values' through the presentation of six distinct operas for theatergoers of all ages and interests.
Arden Theatre Company Presents A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, 5/23
by Kelsey Denette - Apr 23, 2013
Arden Theatre Company closes its 25th season with A Little Night Music, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by Hugh Wheeler. Directed Terrence J. Nolen, A Little Night Music will run on the Arden's F. Otto Haas Stage from May 23 through June 30, 2013.
Stephen Sondheim & Wynton Marsalis to Collaborate on A BED AND A CHAIR Concert at New York City Center, Nov. 13-17
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 18, 2013
Stephen Sondheim and Wynton Marsalis will collaborate on A BED AND A CHAIR: A New York Love Story, a new musical event featuring Sondheim's music arranged and performed by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, announced Arlene Shuler, President & CEO of New York City Center. This Encores! Special Event, directed by frequent Sondheim collaborator John Doyle, and conceived by Peter Gethers, Jack Viertel and John Doyle, will run for seven performances, November 13 - 17 at City Center. City Center's annual Gala Benefit will take place on Thursday, November 14 and will include a post-performance dinner at the Plaza Hotel.
STAGE TUBE: On This Day 2/25- A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC
by Nicole Rosky - Feb 25, 2013
Today in 1973, A Little Night Music opened at the Shubert Theatre, where it ran for 601 performances. A Little Night Music is a musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by Hugh Wheeler. Inspired by the Ingmar Bergman film Smiles of a Summer Night, it involves the romantic lives of several couples. Since its original 1973 Broadway production, the musical has enjoyed professional productions in the West End, by opera companies, in a 2009 Broadway revival, and elsewhere, and it is a popular choice for regional groups. It was adapted for film in 1977, with Harold Prince directing and Elizabeth Taylor, Len Cariou, Lesley-Anne Down and Diana Rigg starring.
A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, il gioiellino di Sondheim arriva finalmente in Italia!
by Nino Prattico - Feb 7, 2013
Dopo il grande successo riscosso a Broadway e nel West End londinese dal 1973 ad oggi, arriva finalmente anche in Italia in anteprima esclusiva A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, il pluripremiato musical di Stephen Sondheim con libretto di Hugh Wheeler, prodotto dalla compagnia nascente “I perFORMErs” con “Atti Sonori” in collaborazione con “BSMT-Bernstein School of Musical Theatre”.
Houston Grand Opera Announces 2013-14 Season
by Kelsey Denette - Jan 17, 2013
Houston Grand Opera (HGO)-the only opera company with two Grammys, two Emmys, and a Tony - continues to raise the bar for American opera with next season's gripping new line-up.
John Treacy Egan, Jill Paice, and More Set to Lead LEND ME A TENOR at Paper Mill Playhouse
by Nicole Rosky - Jan 8, 2013
Paper Mill Playhouse (Mark S. Hoebee-Producing Artistic Director, Todd Schmidt-Managing Director) has just announced the cast for its winter comedy, Ken Ludwig's Lend Me a Tenor. This hysterically funny, door-slamming comedy will feature Broadway stars and Paper Mill Playhouse favorites including: Judith Blazer (Maria), John Treacy Egan (Tito), Donna English (Diana), Nancy Johnston (Julia), David Josefsberg (Max), Michael Kostroff (Saunders), Jill Paice (Maggie) and Mark Price (Bellhop). Lend Me a Tenor will be directed by Don Stephenson. Lend Me a Tenor will run at the Millburn, New Jersey, theater from February 13 through March 10, 2013. The official press opening is Sunday, February 17, at 7:00pm.
Stephen Bogardus, Jeffry Denman, and More Join Classic Stage Company's PASSION- Full Cast Announced!
by Nicole Rosky - Jan 3, 2013
Classic Stage Company, under the leadership of Artistic Director Brian Kulick and Executive Director Greg Reiner, today announced complete casting for the company's upcoming new production of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's Tony Award-winning musical PASSION, to be directed by John Doyle (director of the acclaimed Broadway revivals of Sondheim's Sweeney Todd and Company). Joining previously announced Melissa Errico (Clara), Judy Kuhn (Fosca) and Ryan Silverman (Giorgio) in the production are Stephen Bogardus (Colonel Ricci), Jeffry Denman (Lieutenant Barri), Jason Michael Evans (Private Augenti), Amy Justman (understudy), Ken Krugman (Lieutenant Torasso), Orville Mendoza (Sergeant Lombardi), Tom Nelis (Doctor Tambourri) and Will Reynolds (Major Rizzoli/Ludovic). PASSION is slated to begin performances on February 8, 2013 at CSC (136 East 13th Street), with an official press opening scheduled for Thursday, February 28, playing a limited engagement through Sunday, April 7. Tickets will go on sale to the public beginning at Noon on Thursday, January 3.
STAGE TUBE: On This Day 12/13- A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC
by Nicole Rosky - Dec 13, 2012
Today in 2009, A Little Night Music opened at the Walter Kerr Theatre, where it ran for 425 performances. A Little Night Music is a musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by Hugh Wheeler. Inspired by the Ingmar Bergman film Smiles of a Summer Night, it involves the romantic lives of several couples. Since its original 1973 Broadway production, the musical has enjoyed professional productions in the West End, by opera companies, in a 2009 Broadway revival, and elsewhere, and it is a popular choice for regional groups. It was adapted for film in 1977, with Harold Prince directing and Elizabeth Taylor, Len Cariou, Lesley-Anne Down and Diana Rigg starring.
STAGE TUBE: On This Day 8/3- A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC
by Nicole Rosky - Aug 3, 2012
Today in 1974, A Little Night Music closed at the Shubert Theatre, where it ran for 601 performances. A Little Night Music is a musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by Hugh Wheeler. Inspired by the Ingmar Bergman film Smiles of a Summer Night, it involves the romantic lives of several couples. Since its original 1973 Broadway production, the musical has enjoyed professional productions in the West End, by opera companies, in a 2009 Broadway revival, and elsewhere, and it is a popular choice for regional groups. It was adapted for film in 1977, with Harold Prince directing and Elizabeth Taylor, Len Cariou, Lesley-Anne Down and Diana Rigg starring.