BWW Interviews: Matthew Gardiner Talks SIMPLY SONDHEIM and Sondheim's Relationship with Signature Theatre

It has been a busy year for Matthew Gardiner. However, if there's been one constant its been Stephen Sondheim.

Earlier this year, Gardiner directed the critically acclaimed production of Sunday in the Park with George which opened Signature Theatre's silver anniversary season. Next up, he's directing their brand new Sondheim revue Simply Sondheim.

Gardiner recently spoke with DC BroadwayWorld about Simply Sondheim, the composer's special relationship with Signature, what audiences can expect from this new revue and some of his favorite Sondheim moments.

Benjamin Tomchik (BT): Simply Sondheim is being billed as, "An original tribute celebrating Stephen Sondheim and Signature Theatre's special partnership over the last 25 years." Can you talk about what Sondheim means to Signature Theatre and why this partnership is so special?

Matthew Gardiner (MG): Signature Theatre established a relationship with Stephen Sondheim very early on. The first Sondheim production we ever presented was Sweeney Todd and since that time we've presented 24 Sondheim productions. His work means a great deal to us because it has become a huge part of who we are as a company. Every year we present the Stephen Sondheim Award to an artist for his or her contributions to interpreting, supporting, and collaborating on Stephen Sondheim's work. This year, the award will go to James Lapine. So Stephen Sondheim is in our blood.

BT: Since Simply Sondheim is a completely new revue, what can you tell us about the show?

MG: This is the first and only time Simply Sondheim will ever be presented so it is definitely crafted for our audiences and is a celebration of our unique relationship with his work. The show has new orchestrations and vocal arrangements by long time Sondheim collaborators Jonathan Tunick and David Loud. Oh, and there's a 17 piece orchestra. You're going to hear Sondheim's music the way it was intended by some of Signature Theatre's favorite performers.

BT: When it comes to Sondheim revues there's been: Side by Side by Sondheim, Putting It Together and Marry Me A Little, to name a few. Why do you think Sondheim's music and lyrics lends itself so well to the musical revue format?

MG: Because the work is so strong. It stands on its' own. The thing I've come to realize about his work is that I learn new things every time I listen to it. There's so much to mine there. So much depth and complexity in his work.

BT: Having directed a Sondheim revue with Side by Side by Sondheim in 2011 and Sunday in the Park with George earlier this season, both at Signature, what are the challenges in directing a musical revue versus a traditional book musical?

MG: Making sure that the story telling is clear. In a traditional book musical the songs lead from point A to point B because the focus is always on the story-telling. In a revue you have to come up with creative ways to tie the material together so that the evening feels cohesive.

BT: Finally, if you could pick your favorite Sondheim show and song, what would they be and why?

MG: Of course my favorite is Sunday in the Park with George and my experience with it this fall only reaffirmed my deep love for the show. I also am in love with A Little Night Music. "Weekend in the Country" from A Little Night Music next to the "Act One Finale" of Sunday in the Park with George - it doesn't get more perfect than that.

Simply Sondheim runs April 2nd thru April 19th at Signature Theatre 4200 Campbell Ave. Arlington, Virginia 22206. For tickets please call (703) 820-9771 or click here.

Photo: Matthew Gardiner. Credit: Signature Theatre

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