How well do you know the musical *A Little Night Music*? Test your knowledge of Stephen Sondheim’s sophisticated story, featuring one of his most famous songs, "Send in the Clowns." From its Broadway debut in 1973 to a film adaptation starring Elizabeth Taylor, this musical has captured audiences around the world. Explore intriguing trivia about its revivals, star-studded cast, and more.
Adaptations
- A Little Night Music was adapted into a film in 1977 directed by Harold Prince, starring major stars like Elizabeth Taylor and Diana Rigg.
- The 1977 film adaptation featured Elizabeth Taylor as Desiree and moved the setting from Sweden to Austria.
- A concert version of the musical was performed in June 2024 at David Geffen Hall in Lincoln Center.
International Productions
- The 2008 London revival of the musical transferred from the Menier Chocolate Factory to the Garrick Theatre in the West End and then to Broadway.
- Opera Australia's 2009 production in Melbourne featured renowned actors Sigrid Thornton as Desiree and Nancye Hayes as Madame Armfeldt.
- The Houston Grand Opera staged the musical in 1999, showcasing opera's embrace of this popular musical theatre work.
- The Nederlands Reisopera staged a version of the musical in 2019 with Susan Rigvava-Dumas as Désirée.
- The successful Stockholm staging in 1978 of the musical was directed by Stig Olin.
Musical Composition
- The title 'A Little Night Music' is a direct English translation of Mozart's 'Eine kleine Nachtmusik', reflecting the musical's romantic and nocturnal themes.
- The score of 'A Little Night Music' is heavily influenced by the operetta and light opera genres, requiring considerable vocal strength and range from most of its performers.
- The original Broadway production of 'A Little Night Music' featured a 17-piece orchestra, including strings, brass, woodwinds, and percussion.
- Jonathan Tunick won an Oscar for his orchestral work on the score of 'A Little Night Music'.
- Sondheim wrote new lyrics for 'Night Waltz' and a new version of 'The Glamorous Life' for the 1977 film adaptation.
- The evolution of the musical 'A Little Night Music' involved cuts and replacements of numbers during rehearsals and pre-Broadway runs, including 'Two Fairy Tales' and 'Silly People'.
- 'Send In the Clowns' has become one of Sondheim's most famous and frequently covered songs, showcasing the composer's ability to blend theatrical storytelling with emotionally rich lyrics.
- Stephen Sondheim wrote the song 'Send In the Clowns' specifically for actress Glynis Johns, who played Desiree in the original Broadway production.
Production Facts
- Before closing, the 2009 Broadway revival of the musical recouped its initial investment.
- The 2009 Broadway revival featured original Broadway cast members' daughter, Ramona Mallory, continuing the familial legacy of the show.
- Catherine Zeta-Jones made her Broadway debut in the 2009 Broadway revival, winning a Tony Award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical.
- Anna Kendrick, before her rise to major stardom, played Fredrika in New York City Opera's 2003 staging of the musical.
- Judi Dench won the Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her role in the 1995 London revival.
- A Little Night Music's story was inspired by the 1955 Ingmar Bergman film 'Smiles of a Summer Night', integrating themes of romance and midsummer festivities.
- The musical opened on Broadway in 1973 and has become a popular choice for revivals and regional productions due to its sophisticated music and lyrical complexity.
- A DVD release of 'A Little Night Music' was issued in June 2007.
