Full Synopsis
Side by Side by Sondheim is a collection of Stephen Sondheim songs, some he has written by himself and some for which he has written the lyrics and collaborated with other composers. The numbers are a mix of well known favorites from Sondheim's work as well as some more obscure pieces, or songs that didn't make it into famous shows. A Narrator guides the evening, interjecting interesting stories between the numbers. Some of the stories focus on Sondheim's life and career, while others relate to the shows from which the songs come or set up the moment before the song. In some cases, certain songs can be substituted with other songs from the Sondheim catalogue if that substitution is appropriate for the singers. These moments of substitution are noted in the script, and which song should be substituted is also noted.
The show is described by the Narrator as more of a "show than a play." It has very little plot and it was born from three British performers in the 1970s who hoped to introduce Sondheim's work to the English. The order of the songs is as follows:
"Comedy Tonight"
"Love Is in the Air"
"Comedy Tonight" (Original Version)
"If Momma Was Married"
"You Must Meet My Wife"
"The Little Things"
"Getting Married Today"
"I Remember"
"Can That Boy Foxtrot"
"Company"
"Another Hundred People"
"Barcelona"
"Marry Me a Little"
"I Never Do Anything Twice"
"Beautiful Girls"
"Ah Paree!"
"Buddy's Blues"
"Broadway Baby"
"You Could Drive a Person Crazy"
"Everybody Says Don't"
"Anyone Can Whistle"
"Send in the Clowns"
"We're Gonna Be Alright"
"A Boy Like That"
"The Boy From…"
"Pretty Lady"
"You Gotta Get a Gimmick"
"Losing My Mind"
"Could I Leave You?"
"I'm Still Here"
"Conversation Piece" (Medley)
"Side by Side by Side"
Show History
Inspiration
Side by Side by Sondheim is a musical revue featuring the songs of Stephen Sondheim. Its title is derived from the song, "Side by Side by Side," from Company.
The musical had its origins when David Kernan was asked by Cleo Laine and her husband, John Dankworth, to put together a revue as a benefit for The Stables, a theatre that they owned in Wavendon, England. Kernan contacted director, Ned Sherrin, and suggested that they do a revue of Sondheim material. The producer, Cameron Mackintosh, saw the benefit revue, which featured Millicent Martin, Julia McKenzie, Kernan and Ned Sherrin as the narrator, and agreed to produce it.
Productions
The original Side by Side by Sondheim had its premiere on May 4, 1976, at London's Mermaid Theatre, where it ran for 59 performances. It subsequently transferred to Wyndham's Theatre and then the Garrick for a grand total of 806 performances. Ned Sherrin directed, but Stephen Sondheim also worked with the cast and made many suggestions.
Hal Prince produced the Broadway version. The production, again directed by Sherrin, opened on April 18, 1977, at the Music Box Theatre and later transferred to the now-demolished Morosco Theatre. Between the two venues, it ran for a total 384 performances and six previews.
Critical Reaction
"The sparkling sophistication and elegance of Mr. Sondheim's work is brightly presented in this well-thought-out and cleverly executed production."
– The New York Times, 1987
"On the theory that Washington can never get enough of Stephen Sondheim, Signature Theatre has programmed a revue of the composer s songbook at the very same time that the Kennedy Center is rolling out its new revival of Sondheim s Follies.And you know what? That supposition is borne out in large measure by Side by Side by Sondheim."
– The Washington Post, 2011
Tony® Award
Drama Desk Award
Connect
Billing
- Music by
- Lyrics by
- Continuity by
Requirements
Video Warning
In accordance with the Performance License, you MUST include the following warning in all programs and in a pre-show announcement:ANY VIDEO AND/OR AUDIO RECORDING OF THIS PRODUCTION IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
Included Materials
| Item | Quantity Included |
|---|---|
| ERRATA LIST | 1 |
| LIBRETTO | 6 |
| PIANO CONDUCTOR'S SCORE ACT 1 | 1 |
| PIANO CONDUCTOR'S SCORE ACT 2 | 1 |
| SONG PACKET | 1 |
| VOCAL BOOK | 4 |
Production Resources
| Resource |
|---|
| HOW DOES THE SHOW GO ON-10/CS |
| HOW DOES THE SHOW GO ON? |
| PRODUCTIONPRO-DIGITAL SCRIPT/SCORE |
| REFERENCE RECORDING |
| STAGE WRITE APPLICATION |
STANDARD ORCHESTRATION
| Instrumentation | Doubling |
|---|---|
| PIANO | |
| PIANO 2 |