EDINBURGH 2011: BWW Reviews: SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE, C, Aug 13 2011

Now one of Sondheim's most popular musicals, Sunday in the Park With George is inspired by Seurat's famous Impressionist painting 'Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grand Jatte'. It follows an artist, George, as he obsessively tries to perfect his painting, amid criticisms that his work has no life. Weaved throughout the story are strands of the relationships in George's life, and we see how they all affect, and are affected by, George's painting.

One Academy tackle this complex and subtle piece with confidence, and create a beautiful, emotional production. The standard of both acting and singing is high, particularly from the ensemble as a whole who perform a wonderful rendition of the well-known Act I finale 'Sunday'. It'd also be a huge oversight not to recognise the substantial contribution of the orchestra, who tackle the challenging score with skill.

The sets used are effective both visually and functionally, utilising the Impressionist style as their inspiration for moveable set pieces to represent elements of Seurat's painting.

An impressive production.

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