Putting it Together: Sondheim Puts Together a Treat

Putting It Together, Abbey Theatre's latest production by Stephen Sondheim, had many parallels with the delicious complimentary dessert, a chocolate gateaux, I was given before the show began.  The show was rich but not too heavy, there were whipped cream moments but also some of pure dark chocolate.  At the end you felt replete, but not overwhelmed, challenged, but joyful.

Set in an upmarket apartment, the show follows a cocktail party, and the developing, and perhaps decaying, relationships between the four characters, introduced and commented on by 'The Observer'.

Using songs from many of his other shows, Sondheim and Julia McKenzie have put together a "review" - a look back - that they hope will challenge and invigorate their audiences.

Chris Green and Andrea Potts, playing 'Charles' and 'Julie', bring experience and maturity to their characters.  The sadness of a long-time relationship in trouble, along with the love that has sustained it, provides pathos and humour.

The younger couple, 'Barry' and 'Julie', played by Bradford Meurk and Amy Hunt, showed a freshness that excited the audience.  Andrew Norman, as 'The Observer', introduced, commented, and almost stole the show in his Buddy's Blues.  I particulary enjoyed the interaction between the women - the jealousy, the fake friendship and eventually the acceptance; the comic irony lifted the intensity.

Each of the actors had a fine voice, and I would have loved tohear them sing without microphones as they were all strong, confident singers, and some of the integrity of the characterisation was lost due to the slightly tinny amplified sounds.

They were ably supported by the band, made up of Barry Jones, Melanie Smith, Ben Michael, Jonathan Woolley and Liam Prince.

The set was minimalist, just as you would expect from the apartment of such a wealthy couple, but enhanced by interesting use of gobos, for different effects such as street facades.  The use of levels, hidden windows and trapdoors was also effective.

The direction team. director Scott Andrew, musical director Barry Jones and choreographer Andrew Norman have put together a slick, professional show, one that invites reflection but also entertains.

I thoroughly recommend this performance.  From the dessert to the finale, it was a treat worth savouring.