In Praise of Women

A Little Night Music – Boho Theatre

 

Following the success of his concept musicals, “Company” and “Follies,” Stephen Sondheim went to work on his ninth show, adapting Ingmar Bergman’s romantic film, “Smiles of Summer Night.” Unlike his previous works, “A Little Night Music” returned to a more traditional plot. Sondheim wrote both the clever lyrics and the music, which is primarily in waltz time, collaborating with writer Hugh Wheeler on the book. This sophisticated, enchanting and slightly risque’ musical cemented Stephen Sondheim as America’s premiere, late 20th century composer for the musical stage. In 1973 the show garnered the Tony, Drama Desk and Theatre World Awards for Best Musical. The original cast album even took home a Grammy for Best Musical Show Album. It went on to become a film, a National Tour, with several productions in London and Australia and a brilliant Broadway revival in 2009.

While most productions of Sondheim’s beautifully bewitching musical are quite formal and visually sumptuous, often produced by opera companies around the country, this highly respected storefront theatre company creates its own Smiles of a Summer Night in a more intimate presentation. With the theatergoers seated never more than a few yards from the stage, this story of liaisons and love plays out in close proximity to the audience. In addition, Musical Director Tom Vendafreddo takes centerstage at his baby grand, surrounded by his musical quartet: Mike Matlock on woodwinds, Sarah Kim on violin and Magdalena Sustere almost adding a new character to the production with her cello. Keeping Sondheim’s lush score at the forefront, which has been splendidly re-orchestrated by Malcolm Ruhl, is one of this production’s finest attributes.

BoHo’s production is dominated by the ladies, making Sondheim’s solo for Count Carl-Magnus, “In Praise of Women,” especially meaningful. It begins with Director Linda Fortunato’s feminist vision of this musical, creating a female-centric Edwardian series of love stories and follies. The brilliant 

actress/singers in this cast outshine their male counterparts, beginning with the talented Greek choral Quintet, often called the Liebeslieder Singers. The three women and two men open each act, taking on incidental roles and commenting through song on the ridiculous behavior of the other characters, the idle rich. Led by the wonderfully talented Nicole Bessa, Rachel Klippel and, especially, the bewitching Emily Goldberg, the Quintet, which also includes talented Lazaro Estrada and Ross Matsuda, weave a haunting, and often humorous, spell. They charm with such numbers as “The Night Waltz,” “Remember” and “The Sun Won’t Set.”

One of Chicago’s finest actresses, Jeff Award-winner Kelli Harrington is musically stunning and dramatically captivating in her honest, grounded portrayal of Desiree Armfeldt. Ms. Harrington’s rendition of the show’s hit ballad, “Send in the Clowns,” is quite simply, magnificent. Portraying a middle-age actress, who’s been touring through small towns playing the classics, Desiree’s also learned how to play the men who wander into her life. At the moment, the two gents, whose affections Desiree is currently toying with, are her former lover, Fredrik Egerman (nicely played by Peter Robel), and her current conquest, Count Carl-Magnus (portrayed with relishing rancor by Christopher Davis). Both of her paramours are already married, which creates its own set of problems and complications. Desiree also has a worldly wise daughter, Fredrika, who understands far more about life than her young years might indicate. She’s nicely played by Isabelle Roberts. Both mother and daughter have been mentored in the affairs of the heart by Desiree’s liberal-minded mother, Mme. Armfeldt. She’s portrayed with cool dignity and dry humor by Marguerite Mariama.

Three other women hold this production in the palm of their kid-gloved hands. The first is Rachel Guth, a delightful actress making her debut at BoHo. She’s just a Northwestern University senior, but, if this is any indication, is sure to have a fine career ahead of her. This young actress is radiant and reliable as Fredrik’s young, virginal wife, Anne. Ms. Guth expertly captures all the giddy innocence and carefree frivolity of this character, while the actress’ lovely voice carries many of the musical numbers. 

She’s joined by Stephanie Stockstill, another BoHo newcomer, as Charlotte, Count Carl-Magnus’ put-upon wife. The Countess knows that her husband is easily angered and is constantly involved in multiple extramarital affairs. However, she also loves her husband enough to put up with his awful behavior. Charlotte immediately becomes Anne’s confidante and friend. Ms. Stockstill also possesses quite a lovely voice, as well, demonstrated in her duet with Ms. Guth, “Every Day a Little Death.” 

The third actress who makes a strong statement in this production is Teressa LaGamba, in the role of Anne’s maid, Petra. A worldly young woman, Petra dallies with the affections of Fredrik’s teenage son, Henrik (played with passion by Jordan Dell Harris). She also finds pleasure and, perhaps, romance with a female servant at the Armfeldt mansion, after which she sings a stirring version of “I Will Marry the Miller’s Son.” It should be noted that in the original production, this servant is usually a handsome young man, named Frid; in this female-dominated version, the nameless servant is a lovely woman, played by the exquisite Emily Goldberg.

Linda Fortunato’s production is many things. But first and foremost, it’s a wonderful celebration of the gorgeous, lilting melodies and the witty and wise wordplay composed by Stephen Sondheim. Professionally sung and skillfully accompanied, audiences are guaranteed an enjoyable evening in this BoHo revival. But there’s more. Directed with a feminist’s eye, this production truly belongs to the story’s talented ladies. With a strong showing by each and every actress, there are no weak performances on the Greenhouse stage. This is “A Little Night Music” that most certainly is “In Praise of Women.”

Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas  

         

Presented May 25-July 8 by BoHo Theatre at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago.

Tickets are available at the box office, by calling 773-404-7336 or by going to www.BoHoTheatre.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.