Putting it Together: Sophisticated Show to Wow Audiences

Put on your bling, and sip on a martini and then you would feel at home with the cast, music and setting of Sondheim’s Musical Review, Putting It Together.  This is a sophisticated hi-brow production that challenges the minds and entertains the audience through a plethora of Sondheim songs.  It is not a light and frothy show.

Set at a black-tie party in a Manhattan penthouse given by wealthy hosts ‘Charles’ (Chris Green) and ‘Amy’ (Andrea Potts), the couple look back through their relationships and its various emotions and marital difficulties.

Another couple at the party, ‘Barry’ (Bradford Meurk) and ‘Julie’ (Amy Hunt) are in a completely different stage of a relationship, being younger and more optimistic.

Known only as ‘The Observer’ (Andrew Norman) puts the songs into context as they are all extracted from a long list of Sondheim musical productions such as Merrily We Roll Along, Sweeny Todd, Follies and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.

Solos, duos and group numbers, the small cast of five works well together with both their rich-toned voices and characterisations.  These are challenging roles and the cast require more than just a great voice – it requires dynamic musical theatrics.

Potts is at her best in some of her solo performances.  With comedic timing her Not Getting Married Today had the audience gasping in support of her musical athleticism.  The duet with Amy Hunt – Lovely – was also another highlight.  Both women got the chance to show off their abilities to a maximum level and were well appreciated by the audience.

The men also shined in their roles with some beautiful and soulful renditions of some delightful songs while Norman had the challenge of filling in various roles and linking the songs together.

The simple but striking set is brought to life with ever-changing and effective shadow projections.

The four-piece band conducted by Barry Jones is set at the back of the stage and their challenging effort of continuous playing during the 34 songs was superb and deserving of full credit.

Scott Andrew’s tight direction and Norman’s choreography ensures the show works well and is entertaining.  It could be easy to get the direction of this show quite wrong.

Putting It Together will be appreciated by a mature audience who enjoy classy musical entertainment.