Odyssey Theatre Ensemble has put together a fun and touching concert to honor Stephen Sondheim, who dedicated his life to musical theatre. Three opera singers present an impressive catalog of songs, covering some of Sondheim’s most celebrated pieces of musical theatre.
Soprano Angelina Réaux, baritone Michael Sokol, and bari-tenor Bernardo Bermudez display their singing and performance skills in two acts. Included in this collection are pieces from Into the Woods, Sweeney Todd, Sunday in the Park with George, Follies, Gypsy, West Side Story, Marry Me a Little, and more.
William Ah Sing plays the piano for all of the songs, giving the voices and the piano an intimate atmosphere to appreciate the poetry and sensibility of Sondheim’s lyrics and music. As expected, the voices of opera-trained singers add a great deal of depth and texture to the songs. The theatricality of their performances is a unique intersection of opera and musicals, elevating the experience.
Some of the most amazing numbers are “Can That Boy Foxtrot” (Michael & Bernardo), “A Little Priest” (Angelina & Michael), “I’m Still Here” (Angelina), “Ah Paree!” (Michael), “Not A Day Goes By” (Bernardo), and “Send In the Clowns” (Angelina). The three singers offer anecdotes of how they came across Sondheim’s music and the impact on their lives. In the case of Réaux, she had the opportunity to work with Sondheim on Sweeney Todd, an experience where the expression break a leg took on a new meaning in her life.
This performance is a brilliant addition to the Odyssey’s catalog of shows supporting the varied landscape of performing artists. This is a rare opportunity to enjoy the extensive legacy of one of the greatest lyricists and composers of the 20th century in the voices of three exceptional and experienced opera singers.
3 Faces of Steve: Sondheim in Concert
Odyssey Theatre
2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd.
Los Angeles CA 90025
Performances: Sept. 6 – Sept. 29:
• Thursdays at 8 p.m.: Sept. 12, Sept. 19. Sept. 26
• Fridays at 8 p.m.: Sept. 6 (opening night), Sept. 13, Sept. 20*, Sept. 27
• Saturdays at 8 p.m.: Sept. 14, Sept. 21, Sept. 28
• Sundays at 2 p.m.: Sept. 15, Sept. 22
• Sunday at 5 p.m.: Sept. 29 ONLY
*Wine Night Fridays: Enjoy complimentary wine and snacks after the show on the third Friday of every month.
Tickets: odysseytheatre.com
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Directed by Angelina Réaux. Music Director William Ah Sing. Starring soprano Angelina Réaux, baritone Michael Sokol, and bari-tenor Bernardo Bermudez. Presented by the Odyssey Theatre Ensemble, Ron Sossi Artistic Director. Lighting designed by Leigh Allen and graphic design by Peter Simpson Cook. The stage manager is Katie Chabot.
