MILT THOMAS

Stephen Sondheim and musical theater have been synonymous for the past 50 years. As proof, you only need to see the latest Riverside Theatre/Waxlax stage production of Side by Side by Sondheim. The cast of four singer/performers accompanied by a piano and acoustic bass all on a minimalist stage treated the opening night audience to a roller coaster ride of emotions from the tender “Send in the Clowns” to manic “Getting Married Today,” innuendo-laden “Can That Boy Foxtrot” and funny, but gruesome, “A Little Priest” from Sweeney Todd.

The cast of Becca Ayers, Kelly McCormick, Will Ray and David Schmittou sang what must have been a Guinness record of 49 songs, 19 of which were covered in a dizzying set piece medley to end the show. My voice was hoarse afterwards in sympathy to this troupe who covered so much material in two and a half hours (which included intermission). Music Director/pianist Mark Fifer even sang along on one of the songs.

David Schmittou, who served as an interlocutor/ narrator as well as a singer actually did double duty, performing the part of Glad Hand the inept chaperone in West Side Story playing next door on the Stark Stage, then running over to appear in most of the Sondheim show. It was only appropriate since Sondheim wrote the lyrics for both shows. (Mr. and Mrs. Richard Stark sat in the first row by the ‘stark’ Waxlax stage).

Of course, Sondheim wrote music and/or lyrics for more than the stage. Becca Ayers gave a sultry and – shall we say – athletic performance singing “I Never Do Anything Twice” from the film, The Seven-Per-Cent Solution.

Here’s some trivia for Sondheim buffs: He also wrote music for the Academy Award-nominated Best Picture of 1981, Reds, starring Warren Beatty; co-wrote 11 episodes of the early 50s TV sitcom, Topper; and did a guest voice-over on The Simpsons, but who hasn’t.

Frankly, it was difficult keeping track of the songs without a scorecard, but the audience laughed, applauded and even attempted to sing the “By Side” when prompted during the show’s theme tune.

The intimate setting, terrific performances, great Sondheim songs and enthusiastic audience all added up to a grand evening of entertainment. A must see for any fan of the composer’s work.