Star-Studded Cast Set to Shine in ‘A Little Night Music’ Concert at Lincoln Center
Lincoln Center is poised to host a momentous concert rendition of Stephen Sondheim’s ‘A Little Night Music’ for an exclusive four-night engagement from June 27 to 29. The production promises a captivating experience, boasting the talents of Tony Award winners Cynthia Erivo and Ruthie Ann Miles, Tony nominee Ron Raines, and celebrated opera luminary Susan Graham. This illustrious ensemble, under the adaptation and direction of John Doyle, is set to breathe new life into Sondheim’s masterpiece.
What sets this production apart is its commitment to musical excellence, underscored by the involvement of original orchestrator Jonathan Tunick. Tunick, who brings five decades of Broadway experience, will not only provide new orchestrations but also conduct the esteemed Orchestra of St. Luke’s. This concert marks a significant departure from recent trends in theater, offering a 53-piece orchestra—nearly double the size of the original production’s ensemble, allowing Sondheim’s score to be experienced in its full symphonic splendor. Tunick expressed his enthusiasm for this ‘rare opportunity to present Sondheim’s score in its full symphonic glory,’ highlighting the vital, yet often overlooked, contribution of the orchestra to theater.
Joining the headlining stars are Kerstin Anderson, Jonathan Christopher, Jason Gotay, and a robust cast that further elevates the production. Vocal direction is helmed by Rob Berman, with Ken Billington managing lighting design and Dan Moses Schreier overseeing sound design, ensuring a production of the highest caliber.
‘A Little Night Music,’ which premiered on Broadway in 1973 under the direction of Harold Prince, is celebrated for its intricate narrative and the iconic ballad ‘Send in the Clowns.’ The musical, Sondheim’s eighth, features a Tony-winning book by Hugh Wheeler and is adapted from the 1955 film ‘Smiles of a Summer Night.’ With 12 Tony Award nominations and six wins, including Best Musical, the work remains a testament to Sondheim’s enduring legacy in the musical theater landscape.
The upcoming concert at Lincoln Center not only offers audiences a chance to witness a gathering of theatrical titans but also serves as a poignant reminder of the rich, complex beauty of live orchestration in theater—a rarity in today’s streamlined productions. As the theater community continues to navigate the challenges of modern production, this presentation of ‘A Little Night Music’ stands as a beacon of artistic integrity and musical excellence.
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