Theatre Review 'Side By Side By Sondheim' At Theatre Three

By Cindi Sansone-Braff

Photos Steven Uihlein, Theatre Three Productions

Go See Theatre Three’s Side by Side by Sondheim

Side by Side by Sondheim Theatre Three Company and BandSide by Side by Sondheim, a cabaret-style revue, features a treasure trove of hits from Stephen Sondheim’s inimitable song collection. Mr.  Sondheim, who passed in 2021, was an award-winning composer and lyricist credited with having “reinvented the American musical.” 

Mr. Sondheim’s shows tackled dark and troublesome themes that were often philosophical, exploring the complex inner workings of the human mind, the angst-filled entanglements of love, and the volatile ups and downs of married life. This new introspective way of storytelling was a major reason why so few of his shows from the 1970s were financial successes. However, they have withstood the test of time to become beloved American classics.

This musical revue premiered in 1976 and showcased songs from those early works, including Company, Follies, Pacific Overtures, and A Little Night Music. Sondheim also collaborated as a lyricist with great composers such as Leonard Bernstein, West Side Story, Jule Styne, Gypsy, and Richard Rodgers, Do I Hear a Waltz? Songs from these classic shows are included in this production.

Side by Side by Sondheim Theatre Three Emily Gates, Jack Seabury, Ana McCasland, Linda May, Ryan NolinAt first glance, Side by Side by Sondheim seems like a ’70s TV variety show. An onstage band and four performers revisit Sondheim’s earlier songs, and a comedic narrator thematically ties the whole shebang together. But anything Sondheim is more complicated, nuanced, and layered than meets the eye, and before long, your whole being becomes engaged in this electrifying production. Expertly directed by the talented Christine Boehm, the audience remained spellbound as they laughed, cried, and sang along to 30 of Sondheim’s memorable show tunes. 

Ana McCasland, as the narrator, was charismatic, well-spoken, and polished. She had a rapid-fire way of delivering her comedic lines and is also a talented physical comedian. Ms. McCasland further captivated the audience with her riotous rendition of “I Never Do Anything Twice,” a racy song from the film The Seven-Per-Cent Solution. Ms. McCasland’s portrayal of a madam in a Viennese brothel, who uses feathers, more feathers, and then some more feathers to make her point, was spot on.

All four of the show’s singers had star quality, incredible onstage chemistry, and abundant talent. Each performer was entertaining, energetic, and engaging throughout the show. 

Side by Side by Sondheim Theatre Three Ryan Nolin, Linda May, Emily GatesBeloved Theatre Three veteran Linda May showcased her stellar vocals and strong acting skills throughout the show. She had the audience in stitches with her hilarious performance of “The Boy From,” and her moving rendition of “Send in the Clowns” brought tears to my eyes. Emily Gates has a mesmerizing stage presence, and her powerful voice was apparent in every number she sang. I loved her heartrending performance of “Losing My Mind.” Ms. Gates and Ms. May’s duo, “A Boy Like That and I have a Love” from West Side Story, was unforgettable and one of the show’s highlights. 

The other performers, Jack Seabury and Ryan Nolin, are two of the most talented performers you will see on any stage. I enjoyed Mr. Seabury’s gut-wrenching rendition of “Anyone Can Whistle,” a song that calls for no artifice, just pure heartfelt emotion, and Mr. Seabury was up for the task. As for Ryan Nolin, he was outstanding in every song he performed, but my favorites were “Could I Leave You?” and “Being Alive.”

At the opening of Act II, the audience uttered a collective “Wow,” when they saw all four performers dressed to the nines in Jason Allyn’s fabulous evening costume designs. Mr. Allyn hit a home run with the giant-colored wings in the showstopper, “You Gotta Get a Gimmick.”

The amazing onstage band didn’t miss a beat and featured Jeffrey Hoffman on piano, Logan Freidman on Bass, and Don Larsen on percussion. Steven Uihlein’s creative lighting design set the proper mood for each song. His clever use of lighting during “Company/Another Hundred People” was one of the show’s high points.

Spend some time with Sondheim, spectacular singers, and a well-staged show! Running now through March 18, for ticket information, call the box office: (631) 928-1130, Monday-Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm, or visit their websites at www.TheatreThree.com.

Cindi Sansone-Braff is an award-winning playwright. She has a BFA in Theatre from UCONN and is a member of the Dramatists Guild. She is the author of Grant Me a Higher Love, Why Good People Can’t Leave Bad Relationships, andConfessions of a Reluctant Long Island Psychic. Her short play, No Rest of a Soul, is in the Think Fast Theater Project Festival.    www.Grantmeahigherlove.com.