Music and
Lyrics by Stephens Sondheim – Book by Hugh Wheeler
Directed by
Dean Bryant – Musical Direction by Michael Tyack
Set Designed
by Jeremy Allen – Costumes designed by Angela Doherty
Lighting
Design by Veronique Benett – Sound Design by Dylan Robinson.
Presented by
Hayes Theatre Company - Hayes Theatre, Sydney until 18th November
2023.
Matinee
performance on 2nd November reviewed by BILL STEPHENS OAM
With “Sweet
Charity”, his inaugural production for the tiny Hayes Theatre, Dean Bryant demonstrated
how classic musicals could be invigorated, even rediscovered, by stripping away
everything unnecessary to the core premise of the show.
Now, nearly
10 years later, by returning to Stephen Sondheim’s preference for choosing
actors over perfectly trained voices to bring his songs alive, Bryant’s created
this gem of a production, crammed with memorable performances and unexpected
nuances
With Music
and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by Hugh Wheeler, “A Little Night
Music” was inspired by the 1955 film “Smiles of a Summer Night” and revolves
around the complicated love-life of several couples. Originally set in Sweden around 1900, Bryant
has deliberately made the timing and locale for his production ambiguous.
Jeremy Allen
has designed a beautiful setting in which most of the acting takes place on a
small raised, blue and white tiled stage. A gilded settee and occasional tables
are the only furniture. Behind the acting area, a glassed-in area, suggests an
elegant conservatory in which a small orchestra, led by Michael Tyack, five
Liebeslieder singers (students from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music) and
various characters during the play, can be observed rehearsing or going about their business.
When not
actually involved on stage, the principal actors occupy chairs each side, observing
and reacting to the action, costumed in Angela Doherty’s stylish creations which
also support the ambiguousness of Bryant’s concept. It works a treat.
 |
| Nancye Hayes (Madame Armfeldt) - Pamelia Papacosta (Frederika Armfeldt) |
Bryant’s masterstroke
however is placing the character of Madame Armfeldt at the centre of his
production. Portrayed stunningly by Nancye Hayes, after whom the Hayes Theatre is
named, Madame Armfeldt sets the tone and pace of the production, dominating it with
her elegant, restrained performance as the wise old dowager who’s seen it all.
Hayes’ interpretation
of “Liaisons” in which she joyously recalls her own romantic adventures, is a
highlight, while her silences and meaningful looks are as powerful as her
impeccably delivered lines, as she wryly guides her young granddaughter,
Frederica, through the chaos and confusion caused by the shenanigans
surrounding the energetic love-life of her famous actress daughter, Desiree.
 |
| Leon Ford (Fredrik Egerman) - Blazey Best (Desiree Armfeldt) |
Similarly
the casting of Blazey Best as Desiree is a revelation. Best’s interpretation of Desiree is original and brilliant. Earthy, funny
and thoroughly captivating as the famous actress, the toast of the town as “Hedda
Gabler”, but at home, revelling in her own sexuality, much to the disdain of
her celebrated mother, Best commands the stage throughout.
Desiree’s confusion,
when events force her to reflect on the effects of her actions on other lives,
is masterfully interpreted by Best, climaxing in a genuinely moving
interpretation of the most famous song in the show, “Send in the Clowns”.
As Desiree’s
former lover, the lawyer, Fredrik Egerman, Leon Ford offers a superbly wrought comedic
performance. His duet with Desiree, “You Must Meet My Wife”, following his
disclosure that his young wife, Anne (charmingly portrayed by Melanie Bird), is
still a virgin after 11 months of marriage, is another highpoint in this
production.
 |
| Jeremi Campese (Henrik Egerman) - Melanie Bird (Anne Egerman) |
Equally
entertaining is Joshua Robson as the
peacockish, Count Carl- Magnus Malcolm, whose own wife, Charlotte (Erin Clare),
while outwardly accommodating, seethes with
jealousy over his continuing affair with Desiree. The interaction
between Fredrik Egerman and Carl-Magnus Malcolm provide many of the funniest
moments in the show,
Another stand-out
is Jeremi Campese, as Fredrik Egerman’s son Henrik, who impressed, not only for
his ability to accompany himself on the cello for his song “Now”, but with his ability to garner audience
sympathy with his hilarious portrayal of
a serious young man coping with his burgeoning sexuality while trying to hide
his love for his father’s young wife.
Charming performances by Pamelia Papacosta as
Frederika Armfeldt and Kiana Daniele as Petra, round out the accomplished cast
A particular
pleasure with this production is how the intimacy of the Hayes Theatre,
together with clever chamber orchestra re-arrangements by Matthew Moisey of the
original orchestrations, allowed every word of Wheeler’s witty dialogue and
Sondheim’s sophisticated lyrics to be heard and relished.
“A Little
Night Music” has always been acknowledged as a musical theatre classic. This
jewel of a production, brilliantly re-imagined, superbly mounted and
wonderfully performed, will remain a treasured memory for all those fortunate
enough to see it during this much too short season.
Images by John McRae
An edited version of this review first published in the digital edition of CITY NEWS on 6.11.23