Inspired by Ingmar Bergman’s film Smiles of a Summer Night, the story is a series of trysts, twists, and revelations that climaxes during a weekend gathering at a country estate.
I’ll be very honest and say that I am not a huge fan of Stephen Sondheim musicals (with the exception of Sweeny Todd), however, Patrick Street Production’s staging of Stephen Sondheim’s A Little Night Music did help me take a step closer in being one.
Photo: David Cooper
The brilliant book by Hugh Wheeler, combined with the soothing score by Stephen Sondheim gave for a very entertaining production, executed beautifully by Vancouver’s finest in theatre – headed by Warren Kimmel (as Frederik Egerman) and Katey Wright (as Desiree Armfeldt) whose on-stage chemistry makes you root for them, even though they are actually displaying unacceptable behaviour. Excellently supported by a cast where each managed to shine on their own, Patrick Street’s director, Peter Jorgensen, achieved a casting coup that may be challenging to equal, if not surpass.
But while great recognition is given to the players, the 6-piece orchestra lead by Sean Bayntun that beautifully played the score acoustic style deserves accolades as it perfectly highlighted the show with music lingering in the semi-intimate theater in very raw form.
Classic, smart, and sharp, A Little Night Music is the perfect show to create awareness of the existence of the Anvil Centre and its success hopefully will pave the way for more productions at the Royal City.
Patrick Street Production’s A Little Night Music continues its run until May 21st.
the real /darryl 