Review: Utah Repertory Theater Company Outdoes Itself with A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC

Remarkably well cast, directed, performed, and designed, Utah Repertory Theater Company has outdone itself once again with its production of Sondheim's A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, directed by Chris Clark.

While each show the company has produced had much to recommend it, the overall quality is increasing with time as Utah Rep cements itself as one of the premier theatre companies in the state.

A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC (music and lyrics by Stephen Songheim, book by Hugh Wheeler) spins questions about familial and romantic love, relationships, and sexual politics, as it unravels a tangled web of interconnected characters and situations surrounding successful actress Desiree Armfeldt. Intimately involved are her former lover, Fredrik Egerman, his young wife, Anne, and his grown son, Henrik.

The set, designed by Daniel Whiting, is astounding. Nestled within the black box theater is a full-sized turn-of-the-century proscenium stage with exquisite woodworking and other details, along with beautiful backdrops. The staging itself is stripped down in a way that wonderfully complements both the design and the writing of the piece itself.

The costumes, designed by Nancy Cannon, are stunning in every detail. No stone is left unturned as each facet of the costuming, and hair by Cindy Johnson, is gorgeously rendered.

The cast members bring with them impressive resumes and fit their roles perfectly.

Susan Facer (who played Christine in THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA on Broadway) is genuine and earthy as Desiree Armfeldt.

Doug Irey as Fredrik Egerman and Matt Dobson as Count Carl-Magnus Malcom are well-matched foils, with each well suited to his part.

In the hands of Diana Graham, Countess Charlotte Malcom is a leading role of weight and substance. She is deliciously acerbic, yet sympathetic.

Marissa Smith plays Anne Egerman with vivaciousness and innocence, but not naiveté.

Jon Rose as Henrik Egerman is extremely likeable in his melancholy daze.

Elizabeth Hansen's Madame Armfeldt is indomitable but droll, and Bailee Johnson displays wisdom beyond her years as her granddaughter, Fredrika.

Casey Matern also showcases strong vocal chops in the featured role of Petra.

A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC plays at the Sorensen Unity Center Black Box Theater through January 30, 2016. To buy tickets and for more information, visit www.utahrep.org.

Photo Credit: L-R Doug Irey (Fredrik Egerman) and Susan Facer (Desiree Armfeldt)

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