Night Waltz

A Little Night Music

Set in Sweden around the turn of the century, this lushly romantic musical is a multigenerational celebration of Amour, sometimes as folly, but mostly as a powerful life force. After the Liebeslieder Quintet opens the show and sets the mood with a gently swaying “Night Waltz,” this operatic Greek Chorus” often returns to comment musically on the characters. The five gifted artists who comprise this chorale include Peter Ruger, Mizha Lee Overn, Michael Penick (also cast as Frid, Madame Armfeldt’s caregiver), Madison Kaufman (who later plays the Egerman’s saucy maid, Petra), and the exquisitely talented Tessa Newman (who steps out of the Quintet to portray Desiree’s precocious  young daughter, Fredrika). Throughout the next two-and-a-half hours, this magnificent musical eavesdrops on the loves, disappointments and tangled web of affairs enjoyed by the various star-crossed individuals. 

Following the success of his two concept musicals, COMPANY and FOLLIES, Stephen Sondheim wrote his ninth show, adapting Ingmar Bergman’s romantic film, “Smiles of a Summer Night.” Unlike his previous works, A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC returned to a more traditional, plot-driven format. Sondheim wrote both the clever lyrics and the sumptuous score, which is primarily in 3/4 meter, better known as waltz time. For the book, Sondheim collaborated with playwright Hugh Wheeler on the script. This result? This sophisticated, seductive and slightly risque musical left no doubt that Stephen Sondheim was America’s leading composer for the contemporary musical stage. 

In 1973 the show earned the Tony, Drama Desk and Theatre World Awards for Best Musical. The original cast album even took home the Grammy for Best Musical Show Album. The musical went on to become a film, a National Tour, a regional theatre favorite, several international productions, many opera and concert versions and ultimately a brilliant, star-studded Broadway revival in 2009.

Bravo to one of Chicagoland’s most talented and creative theatrical teams, Director L. Walter Stearns, Musical Director Eugene Dizon and Choreographer Brenda Didier. Any time theatergoers see these three names connected with a show, they know they’re in for a polished and professionally produced presentation. While many productions of this beautifully bewitching musical are formal and visually sumptuous, this much-loved, critically-acclaimed Cabaret Theatre company has winningly put their own stamp on this show, creating their Smiles of a Summer Night in a more intimate, nightclub-like presentation. 

Theatergoers are never seated more than a few feet from the playing area. This story of love and liaisons plays out in close proximity to the audience, with the actors able to speak or sing directly to individual audience members. In addition, Eugene Dizon’s talented, four-member onstage musical ensemble, composed of keyboard, violin, reeds and cello, hovers in the shadows above the stage. Keeping Sondheim’s lush score at the forefront, which also features additional orchestrations by Linda Madonia, A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC may be one of this theatre company’s finest productions.

The entire gifted cast is deserving of every standing ovation they receive. Three-time Jeff Award-winning Chicago actress Colette Todd is magical in the leading role of Desiree Armfeldt. Enjoyed in such musicals as ASPECTS OF LOVE, PASSION and MAMMA MIA!, Ms. Todd is an actor’s actor. Listen to her glorious vocals caressing songs, like the heartbreaking, “Send in the Clowns,” and her cynical look at a theatre career, “The Glamorous Life.” Then watch how she tells the story, not simply through Desiree’s dialogue, but through subtle facial expressions and body language. Colette Todd was born to play this role.

Talented Patrick Byrnes, whose resume boasts performances from every theatrical genre, is perfect as Fredrik Egerman, Desiree’s love interest. Previous roles have included gut-busting comedies, such as CLUE, captivating dramas, like CASA VALENTINA and other beautiful musicals, such TITANIC. In this production he radiates with star power as a charming and believable romantic lead. Byrnes’ plaintive solo “Now” and “You Must Meet My Wife,” sung with Ms. Todd, are delightful.

Popular Chicago cabaret star and Jeff-nominated actress, Honey West is particularly warm and wonderfully witty as Desiree’s worldly mother, Madame Armfeldt. Whether delivering her comic lines with droll, deadpan seriousness or enchanting the audience with her heartfelt musical monologue, “Liaisons,” Ms. West is sensational in a role originally created by Hermione Gingold, and played more recently by Angela Lansbury.

As Count Carl-Magnus Malcom, Desiree’s chauvinistic dragoon, Kevin Webb is hilarious. This Jeff Award-winning actor for Kokandy’s SWEENEY TODD at times goes a little overboard in his portrayal of the temperamental womanizer. However, Webb is nothing if not a great comedian and accomplished singer. Extremely possessive, the Count is the very definition of “wanting to have your cake and eat it too.” He seeks to control the affections of both his lover, Desiree, and his wife, Countess Charlotte Malcolm. She is played with passion and comedic precision by the lovely Maya Rowe. Webb’s duet with Byrnes, “It Would Have Been Wonderful,” his delightful solo, “In Praise of Women,” and Ms. Rowe’s melancholy duet “Every Day a Little Death,” sung with Anne Egerman (nicely played Theo favorite, Chamaya Moody) are highlights of this production.

Theo Ubique’s production is absolutely terrific. It’s a breathtaking celebration of love told through Stephen Sondheim’s gorgeous, lilting melodies and his witty and wise wordplay. Professionally sung, dynamically directed, skillfully choreographed and beautifully accompanied, audiences are guaranteed an enjoyable evening at the Evanston-based Cabaret Theatre. With a strong showing by each and every actor, there are no weak performances on the Theo Ubique stage. This is 

A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC that dreamily sways to the gentle beat of the “Night Waltz” and right into every theatergoer’s heart.        

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented May 24-July 14 by Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre, 721 Howard Street, Evanston, IL.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling 800-595-4849 or by going to www.Theo-u.com.

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