The art of making art is putting it together!
Stephen Sondheim is widely regarded as one of musical theatre’s greatest storytellers. His genius has shaped productions from Into the Woods and Sweeney Todd to Gypsy and West Side Story. Now, Australia’s only Sondheim repertory company, Watch This, pays tribute with Colour & Light: The Art of Sondheim—a revue that celebrates his legacy. Sondheim’s compositions are not for the faint of heart. Even for a seasoned company like Watch This, bringing these handpicked numbers to life is a formidable challenge.
Colour & Light weaves Sondheim’s beloved classics with lesser-known gems into a brisk, two-act show. Directors Melanie Hillman and Dean Drieberg shape the show around the artistic principles cited by Georges Seurat in Sunday in the Park with George—Order, Design, Tension, Balance, Harmony—using these as its structural spine. Designer Rob Sowinski transforms Theatre Works’ stage into a landscape of crimson curtains, vintage lamps, Roman statues, and multilayered platforms. On this evocative canvas, four performers can sing their hearts out… and they truly do!
On the piano is Dr Trevor Jones, a featured artist and the show’s musical director. Jones must have rehearsed the cast like a drill sergeant because the singing from all is superb, and Tomas Strode’s sound design ‘rings like a bell.’ From the opening number, “Putting It Together,” to the closing, “Being Alive,” this small but mighty troupe of five gives it all they’ve got. They commit to Sondheim’s tricky material and rarely falter.
Nick Simpson-Deeks brings a manly grace to “Send in the Clowns” and measured charm to “Buddy’s Blues.” His rich, smooth voice could melt sorrow, and he commands the stage with ease. Johanna Allen is deliciously wicked, offering up “The Worst Pies in London,” and her take on Madonna’s “Back in Business” from the film Dick Tracy is upbeat, sassy and hip. Vidya Makan delivers a comical, well-timed rendition of “The Boy From…” (a parody of “The Girl from Ipanema”), while her bawdy, full-bodied interpretation of “The Miller’s Son” beckons us to ‘wink and wiggle and a giggle on the grass’ and seize the day. Jacob Rosario adds a touch of camp by gender bending “Can That Boy Foxtrot,” and warms the cockles of the heart with his tender vocal performance of “Not While I’m Around” from Sweeney Todd.
On an evening brimming with beautifully sung Sondheim numbers, it’s hard to choose standout moments. But if pressed, I’d highlight the exceptional company vocals in “Losing My Mind” and “Being Alive”—both showcasing the ensemble’s talents in their finest light. Equally poignant was the duet between the two boys, “The Best Thing That Has Ever Happened,” a gentle reminder that love is love, regardless of gender. It’s hard to fault such a solid production. If I must, I’d say the second act could have been a little tighter, and one or two songs felt somewhat miscast.
Colour & Light is a superb revue, showcasing strong performances across the board. The songs are powerful, and the lyrics are universally resonant. From heartbreak to hilarity, each number reveals the wit and emotional depth that have defined Sondheim’s career. Whether you’re already a fan or a curious newcomer, Colour & Light: The Art of Sondheim is a musical lover’s paradise.
Photographer – Ben Fon
This production is proudly presented by Watch This in collaboration with Theatre Works.
Colour & Light: The Art of Sondheim:
Venue: Theatre Works
Runs until the 27th September
More Info: https://linktr.ee/noelanderson
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