L-R: Tommy Malek, Josh Mooney, Alex Gubler, and Christian Hudspeth. Photo by Brandon Bentley.
“Putting it Together,” a musical review of Stephen Sondheim’s songs, is a fast-paced, intimate portrayal of the bright and dark aspects friendship, marriage, and relationships. Loosely contained in the framework of an evening cocktail party, we see men and women start off “rich and happy,” with their best party faces on. Gradually, and with the aid of a fair amount of alcohol, the mood and behavior of each participant dissolves into flirtation, anger, jealousy, or desire. Sondheim himself, collaborating with Julia McKenzie, constructed this revue. The Colonial Players gives us the 1999 version.
Under Vincent Musgrave’s direction, song after song hits its mark…a treat for all Sondheim fans.
We are introduced to the evening by the impish and playful Tommy Malek, who gives invocation and instructions to the audience before the party starts. His energy and delivery are delightful in each of his numbers, making him the audience favorite each time he appears on stage as a maid, bartender, or director.
The host couple, played by Pam Shilling and Josh Mooney, are gratifying to watch as they navigate through the evening’s road blocks. Shilling wears her heart on her sleeve as she watches her husband flirt and make advances to another and realizes their marriage is actually at risk. Mooney is frighteningly real as a philandering, disinterested husband before he comes to his senses.
When a beautiful woman (played by a graceful Ashley Gladden-Vellon) appears at the gathering, all bets are off as the cast launches into “Lovely,” “Hello Little Girl,” and “My Husband the Pig,” the titles saying it all. A slinky Gladden-Vellon makes her way around the male cast before choosing her target, and leaves quite an impression. Other partygoers, played by Liz Mulligan, Alex Gubler and Christian Hudspeth enrich the evening with their beautiful voices.
The skyline paintings at either end of the theatre are beautiful and appropriate backdrops for the spare set of only a swivel chair, a bar cart, and a few crates.
Of course, it’s all about the music. The musical quartet—presented and conducted by pianist Linda Christensen, keyboardist Trent Goldsmith, bass players Reid Bowman and Jeff Eckert, and percussionist Tony Fidyk—make the evening’s presentation come alive. Music director Andrew Gordon allows his talented cast to shine.
What a wonderful thing for us that Sondheim has such a body of work from which to mine gems for this revue. Under Vincent Musgrave’s direction song after song hits its mark, making the partygoers’ evening much more than what they expected. Sondheim’s turn of phrase and the depth of emotion that he wrings from each line remind us we are seeing a master at work. “Putting It Together” is a treat for all Sondheim fans.
Running time: Two hours with one 15-minute intermission.
“Putting It Together” runs through May 6, 2023 at The Colonial Players of Annapolis, 108 East Street, Annapolis, MD 21401. For tickets or more information please call 410-268-7373 or go online here. Masks are optional, though strongly encouraged. “Mask-Mandatory” performances will be held on the Sunday, April 30 matinee and the Friday, May 5 evening performance.
