Court Theatre's SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM Begins 2/11

By: Kelsey Denette Jan. 31, 2012

Glitz, glamour and the most popular songs from a Broadway icon are all brought to The Court's new stage in SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM. David McPhail narrates the musical revue, whilst Ali Harper, Michael Lee Porter and Juliet Reynolds-Midgley romp through the career of Stephen Sondheim, performing songs from WEST SIDE STORY, GYPSY, A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM and FOLLIES.

Director Ross Gumbley says "Sondheim's lyrics are still fresh as a daisy" and SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM "knits the songs together into a witty, clever and brilliant musical revue."

While SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM is a comedic journey, Gumbley feels that many of the songs will resonate with Christchurch audiences. "After the February earthquake, I listened to the song 'I Remember' and had tears in my eyes. That feeling of longing for something that you had and lost, or something you want again, mirrors the way many people feel about Christchurch."

"Sondheim's combination of music and lyrics is second to none," adds musical director Richard Marrett. "It's a great pleasure to be working with this cast."

Gumbley and set designer Julian Southgate have set the revue in "what starts out as a 1970s theatre – as if this was the venue for the very first performance of the show but nothing had been staged there since. The set evolves as the show rolls on, so that by the end it has all the glitz and glamour of Broadway," says Gumbley "it seems appropriate to include a theme of restoration and rebuilding in The Court's production." The production also features two baby grand pianos on stage.

David McPhail describes his role as "a bridge between the show and the audience." McPhail last appeared at The Court in the 2007 stage adaptation of his popular TV series LETTER TO BLANCHY: STIR CRAZY, and has been actively involved in the fundraising efforts to build the new theatre.

"This is a uniquely theatrical production of SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM that I don't think anyone has seen before," says cast member Michael Lee Porter.

SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM has a strictly limited three-week season and runs from February 11 until March 3.

Tickets: Adults $48 | Senior $41 | Groups (10+) $39 | Student $29 | Child $19

Bookings: 03 963 0870 or www.courttheatre.org.nz