Tuesday, October 27, 1998
Show celebrates songs of Sondheim
THEATER: Fans forgive loose plot as revue puts together favorite
music
By Stephanie Sheh
Daily Bruin Senior Staff
There are precious few people who are secretly suspected to be a
god. With music and lyric credits for 13 musicals and a handful of
Tonys (as well as an Oscar) to his name, Stephen Sondheim is at the
top of that list. So what better body of work for a little night
music than Sondheim’s.
On Sunday night, a funny thing opened at the Mark Taper Forum.
"Putting It Together" stars John Barrowman, Carol Burnett, Susan
Egan, John McCook and Bronson Pinchot. Directed by Eric D.
Schaeffer, the latest version of this musical revue, which runs
through December 6, does not attempt to force a story, showing that
it knows the art of making this production art. Although the show
does have a loose plot that strings the songs together, what it
really excels at is celebrating the music of Sondheim.
Discarding dialogue and romping through witticism, it revels in
what its composer and stars are best at.
The laughter and applause in response to Pinchot’s opening lines
proved the audience also knew why they were there. They set the
tone for the evening as Pinchot greeted, "Good evening and welcome
to the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber. Unfortunately Mr. Webber is
not here. He is getting his bangs trimmed and if there is a God,
shampooed."
Pinchot, a natural for starting off the show with the fast-paced
comic lines that are so classically Sondheim, quickly jumped into
"Invocation and Instructions to the Audience" from "The Frogs." He
advised, "Don’t go Å’Oh’ whenever there’s a song you know."
Then leading into the title number, the cast took the stage one
by one. When Burnett’s spotlight disappeared, she addressed the
electrician, singing, "A little more light, George/ A little to the
right, George."
By making familiar lines work so well in completely different
contexts, Schaeffer showed that he has definitely got it
together.
Hard-core Sondheim fans delighted at hearing songs change
meaning with new contexts. And the lines from songs that have been
altered to fit the different scenarios are just as puny and
poignant as the originals, so they come as little surprises and not
disappointments. Since his songs sometimes need several listenings
before they are appreciated, "Putting It Together" was probably
most enjoyed by those who are most familiar with his work. And on
Sunday night, those well-versed in Sondheim’s repertoire noticeably
leaned forward for their favorite numbers and whispered to their
neighbor, "Oh, I love this one," during the song’s intro.
Nearly everyone sat farther forward as Burnett performed. The
actress’ shrewd timing, coupled with Sondheim’s clever lyrics,
culminated in a slew of uproarious moments. Numbers such as
"Lovely" and "The Ladies Who Lunch" showed off classic Burnett,
complete with vocal scoops and sarcastic wails. But "Putting It
Together" also tapped into Burnett’s dramatic capabilities.
The rest of the cast proved that Burnett was in good company. No
longer in the virginal, Belle-type role, Egan was sharp and sassy.
Her great comedic timing displayed her acting range. Barrowman’s
stage presence and voice were equally powerful. Unfortunately, his
numbers in "Putting It Together" did not allow him to fully
showcase the musical range and emotional depth that he
possesses.
Pinchot, while musically not as strong, was still able to carry
his own and infused the night with an appropriate detached sarcasm
as The Observer. But John McCook’s portrayal, while not completely
inadequate, was uninteresting and appeared lackluster in the
presence of his co-stars’ performances.
A few could justifiably wag their fingers at the show’s lack of
a concrete plot or complex characters, but art isn’t easy. And as a
celebration and appreciation for Sondheim’s work, "Putting It
Together" succeeded. The audience forgot the intricacies of
storytelling for a night and enjoyed the actors as they merrily
rolled along.
THEATER: "Putting It Together" runs through Dec. 6 at the Mark
Taper Forum. For more information call (213) 628-2772.Jay
Thompson
(Left to right) John McCook, Susan Egan, John Barrowman, Bronson
Pinchot and Carol Burnett perform "Putting it Together".
Jay Thompson
Susan Egan and John Barrowman in "Putting it Together," which
runs through Dec. 6, at the Mark Taper Forum.
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