Type – Stephen Sondheim!
If you liked – Sondheim by Sondheim, sophisticated, complex, witty lyrics and music
Putting It Together: A dazzling celebration of Stephen Sondheim’s work
If there is any theatregoer or musical fan in the Western world who has not heard of Stephen Sondheim, I’ll eat my hat. But just in case there is someone who has never been blown away by Sondheim’s genius, then this is the show they need to get a ticket to immediately. For those who already know and love the work, this show provides another opportunity to immerse themselves in two hours of Sondheim ecstasy.
The joy of this performance is made all the more compelling due to the utter brilliance of the performers. Caroline O’Connor and Michael Cormick are consummate veteran performers, Nigel Huckle and Stefanie Caccamo bring the new blood, and going by their performances have marvellous careers ahead of them. Bert LaBonté provides the wry, witty, eyebrow-raised narrator who frames the performance for us with precision comic timing and verve. Together, they deliver incredible vocal power, with natural charisma and chemistry on stage that is a delight to experience. Their combined talent is greater than the sum of its parts, and really, what more can any audience hope for?
The show is loosely framed as a dramedy between the five characters, playing out over a night at a cocktail party. Nick Fry’s set evokes a split-level art-deco apartment straight out of a Carole Lombard classic comedy, with white pianos, chandeliers and towering drapes. Nigel Shaw’s costumes explore every embellishment that could happen to black fabric, from O’Connor’s glittering flares, to classic tuxedos for the men, and Caccamo’s draped chiffon. LaBonte’s black brocade waistcoat and jacket are stunning! Cameron Mitchell’s dynamic direction makes good use of the wide, but narrow, stage, and the night just flies by.
This revue has been staged at various times since the 1990s on Broadway and elsewhere, and the list of songs has varied with the times. This production’s playlist explores the themes of relationships: their inception, their development and, of course, their breakdown. And, because it is Sondheim, the exploration is mature, witty, complex and thoroughly compelling. The songs are in essence little one-act plays in themselves, and when you experience a cleverly curated selection such as this, Sondheim’s genius is laid bare on the stage for us to enjoy.
Is Putting it Together Worth Seeing in Sydney?
With two excellent pianists and a marvellous percussionist live on stage, three musicians immerse us in their masterful performances that do credit to the songs. As Sondheim would say, “It’s a hit! It’s a palpable hit! It’s a blockbuster, socko, a giant, a gem!”
If you hadn’t realised it yet, I’m urging anyone with a grain of interest in music or theatre to see this show. In fact, if you have a grain of interest in humanity, see this show. It will transport you for two short hours away from the grime of our current troubles, to a beautiful place.
Tickets and Practical Info for Putting it Together in Sydney 🎟️
Words and Music by Stephen Sondheim
Devised by Stephen Sondheim and Julia McKenzie
Produced by Impresario Productions
Directed and choreographed by Cameron Mitchell
The Foundry Theatre, at The Star, Pyrmont
Tickets: https://www.foundrytheatre.com.au/putting-it-together#times
Until 31 January 2026
Orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick
Musical Supervisor and Arrangements: Guy Simpson
Directed and choreographed by Cameron Mitchell
Musical Direction by Kevin Wang
Set Design by Nick Fry
Costume Design by Nigel Shaw
Lighting Design by Trudy Dalgleish
Sound Design by Michael Waters
Creative Producer: Sharon Millerchip
Produced by Impresario Productions
Licensed exclusively by Music Theatre International (Australasia)
