✭Matinée Wednesday: Round Twenty-One…
Initially, when my brother had asked for tickets to A Little Night Music for Christmas, I expressed little desire to see the show myself. I really hate “Send in the Clowns,” so I thought: what’s the point? Then as time went on, I began to hear all of the wonderful reviews, in particular (surprisingly enough) for Catherine Zita-Jones.
Jones’ appearance in A Little Night Music marked her Broadway debut. Playing the daughter of seasoned stage and television star, Angela Landsbury, the cast ran the gamut of skill and ability. Aside from the big-named talent, the lesser known principles and ensemble were really quite remarkable.
I was not familiar with the story of the show, but as it turned out, the plot is very cute. It’s not terribly deep or profound, but it is poignant in the sense that it focuses on the importance of love and how each of the characters interpret “love.” Relationships are forged amongst the oddest and obvious pairings.
The set was really quite wonderful as was the choreography. I was, however, a little disappointed with the music — this is a Sondheim show, after all! There really aren’t any ‘take-away’ songs that you leave the theatre humming. Only one large, ensemble piece which is hardly a ‘show-stopper.’ The only song that most people know from this musical is “Send in the Clowns,” (which I have already voiced my disdain for), and it’s placement in the show is very random.
It was a very enjoyable show, but I don’t think it has the staying power that a show like Phantom or Le Miz enjoyed. When the big names’ contracts expire, that’s when the expiration date will be stamped on the marquis.
