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The Actors Coop presents Side By Side By Sondheim

Presented by The Actors Coop at Dougherty Arts Center

July 8-July 10, 2011

Avg. Event Rating (4.2 Stars):
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About Side by Side by Sondheim
The sophistication, wit, insight, heart and genius of Broadway’s most innovative and influential artist is at the center of this tribute to composer-lyricist Stephen Sondheim.
This dazzling array of some of Sondheim’s best-known songs features numbers from landmark shows that revolutionized the musical theatre with their masterful craft and astounding creativity: COMPANY, FOLLIES, A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM, ANYONE CAN WHISTLE and PACIFIC OVERTURES, not to mention the classics written with musical theatre giants Leonard Bernstein, Jule Styne and Richard Rodgers, WEST SIDE STORY, GYPSY, and DO I HEAR A WALTZ? Also included are delectable rarities from the television musical Evening Primrose, the film The Seven Percent Solution and the hit revue The Mad Show.
The cast features Joe Penrod, Cathie Sheridan, Angela Davis, Rodnesha Green, Daryn Eslinger, Glenn Bagley and Melita McAtee. Directed by Barbara Schuler. Music direction by David Blackburn. Choreography by Michelle Stuckey.

• At-a-
  Glance

  • Venue Info

    Dougherty Arts Center

    1110 Barton Springs Road
    Austin, TX 78704

    Full map and directions

  • Admission Info

    Tickets:

    General Addmission $20
    Student and Seniors $15

    Info Phone: 512-474-8497

    Email

    Buy Tickets

    Check for Discount Ticket

  • Dates & Times

    Dates:
    July 8-July 10, 2011

    Times:
    

    7:30 pm on Friday and Saturday
    2 pm Matinee on Sunday

  • Accessibility Info

    

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    Currently, additional images/videos have not been submitted for this event.

  • Member Reviews

    Add review/comment

    • Event Name: The Actors Coop presents Side By Side By Sondheim
      "Singing Sondheim Songs"
      Review posted by: Pammyla Brooks from Austin, Texas, Jul 11, 2011
      

      Are you in the mood for a nice mix of songs from musicals? Don’t feel intimidated if you aren’t familiar with Stephen Sondheim; many of the featured songs are from musicals that were not very... Expand

      Are you in the mood for a nice mix of songs from musicals? Don’t feel intimidated if you aren’t familiar with Stephen Sondheim; many of the featured songs are from musicals that were not very successful. So, this might be the only way to hear those songs. The production opens with an uplifting rendition of “Comedy Tonight” that you may or may not recognize. The first act presents songs about marriage; the second act seems more upbeat and features some of his more popular songs from “West Side Story” and “Company.” There is also a very nice medley at the end. The entire event is pulled together nicely with a narrator who possesses a good sense of humor. Since Sondheim is also the composer for “Sweeney Todd,” I was curious why none of those songs were included. I learned that this production was commissioned in the 1970’s, BEFORE Sondheim completed “Sweeney Todd.” The Actors Coop is a new group, and I was very impressed with this first production with very talented singers. Collapse

    • Event Name: The Actors Coop presents Side By Side By Sondheim
      "Show Tunes by the, e-r-rr ... BOATload"
      Review posted by: Preston Kirk, ACA Member from Spicewood (Austin) TX, USA, Jul 09, 2011
      

      Prepare to be dazzled. Not just by the remarkable breadth of Stephen Sondheim’s musical creativity – he wrote some clunkers (“Can That Boy Foxtrot”) – but by this fresh take on a... Expand

      Prepare to be dazzled. Not just by the remarkable breadth of Stephen Sondheim’s musical creativity – he wrote some clunkers (“Can That Boy Foxtrot”) – but by this fresh take on a 35-year-old, stage gem produced by the year-old Austin-based The Actors Coop. The singing-acting resumes of Glenn Bagley, Angela Davis, Daryn Eslinger, Rodnesha Green, Melita McAtee, Joe Penrod, Cathie Sheridan + pianist David Blackburn are impressive, global and well-deserved. (Not enjoyed one of these talented cast members somewhere before? You must be living under a rock.) The vocal ensemble is simply costumed in coordinated colors, mostly primary. Toss in a few chairs, rolling wardrobe racks, a handful of subtle props and a large back-screen with Sondheim’s signature. Voila! You have a set that nicely avoids detracting from those amazing voices. Hats off to Barbara & Jim Schuler and Ken Johnson who produced this wonderful revue. Michelle Stuckey’s graceful, carefree choreography adds splendor to the show. Collapse

    • Event Name: The Actors Coop presents Side By Side By Sondheim
      "27 Songs + 28-Song Medley"
      Review posted by: Ronda Dale Kirk, ACA Member from Spicewood (Austin) TX, USA, Jul 09, 2011
      

      The inaugural Actor’s Coop production and first performance went well, except for a few tiny musical miscues in a fast-paced show. Seven talented singers and David Blackburn (keyboard) recap... Expand

      The inaugural Actor’s Coop production and first performance went well, except for a few tiny musical miscues in a fast-paced show. Seven talented singers and David Blackburn (keyboard) recap Stephen Sondheim’s well-known songs and several lesser-known pieces. 27 songs plus a medley-finale reprising parts of previous works and some fresh tunes made the show a tad long for my taste – almost 2.5 hours. But the Dougherty audience thoroughly enjoyed it! Singer Melita McAtee, serving as MC-narrator had interesting details about the composer and his creativity. She suitably hammed it up a bit. Cathie Sheridan’s incredible voice and expressions made her a cast standout, song after song. From the opening number “Comedy Tonight” to the poignant “I’m Still Here,” the troupe smoothly and energetically weaved comedy, movement and minimal set pieces to add interest to a genuinely engaging show. Expect SS's usual relationship themes. Even if you think this is "Sondehim for Dummies," you'll enjoy it. Collapse

    • Event Name: The Actors Coop presents Side By Side By Sondheim
      "Sondheim's music soars"
      Review posted by: Michael A Foster, ACA member from Austin Texas, Jul 09, 2011
      

      Seven talented singers/players delighted us with 27 songs from Stephen Sondheim. The singing was spectacular, as was the choreography and acting. Whether you are a longtime Sondheim fan or just... Expand

      Seven talented singers/players delighted us with 27 songs from Stephen Sondheim. The singing was spectacular, as was the choreography and acting. Whether you are a longtime Sondheim fan or just desiring quality entertainment you will be thrilled by attending Side By Side. Melita McAtee acts as MC to introduce many of the songs-- some of them quite familiar and some mostly unknown, and ALL very ably performed. She also sings and joins in the madness and merriment of this production which showcases the works of one of the greatest American composers and lyricists for stage and film. The final piece was a compilation of 27 of his works and was very funny. The talented singers received a standing ovation and performed an encore. Go....and enjoy! Collapse

    • Event Name: The Actors Coop presents Side By Side By Sondheim
      "Saw the Preview last night.."
      Review posted by: SondheimFan from Austin, TX, Jul 08, 2011
      

      I was fortunate to see the preview of Side by Side by Sondheim last night. It was absolutely spectacular. The harmonies couldn't have been more perfect and the quality was superb! It would be a... Expand

      I was fortunate to see the preview of Side by Side by Sondheim last night. It was absolutely spectacular. The harmonies couldn't have been more perfect and the quality was superb! It would be a mistake to miss this short run. Collapse

• Media
  Gallery

  • All Media Gallery

    Currently, additional images/videos have not been submitted for this event.

• Member
  Reviews

  • Member Reviews

    Add review/comment

    • Event Name: The Actors Coop presents Side By Side By Sondheim
      "Singing Sondheim Songs"
      Review posted by: Pammyla Brooks from Austin, Texas, Jul 11, 2011
      

      Are you in the mood for a nice mix of songs from musicals? Don’t feel intimidated if you aren’t familiar with Stephen Sondheim; many of the featured songs are from musicals that were not very... Expand

      Are you in the mood for a nice mix of songs from musicals? Don’t feel intimidated if you aren’t familiar with Stephen Sondheim; many of the featured songs are from musicals that were not very successful. So, this might be the only way to hear those songs. The production opens with an uplifting rendition of “Comedy Tonight” that you may or may not recognize. The first act presents songs about marriage; the second act seems more upbeat and features some of his more popular songs from “West Side Story” and “Company.” There is also a very nice medley at the end. The entire event is pulled together nicely with a narrator who possesses a good sense of humor. Since Sondheim is also the composer for “Sweeney Todd,” I was curious why none of those songs were included. I learned that this production was commissioned in the 1970’s, BEFORE Sondheim completed “Sweeney Todd.” The Actors Coop is a new group, and I was very impressed with this first production with very talented singers. Collapse

    • Event Name: The Actors Coop presents Side By Side By Sondheim
      "Show Tunes by the, e-r-rr ... BOATload"
      Review posted by: Preston Kirk, ACA Member from Spicewood (Austin) TX, USA, Jul 09, 2011
      

      Prepare to be dazzled. Not just by the remarkable breadth of Stephen Sondheim’s musical creativity – he wrote some clunkers (“Can That Boy Foxtrot”) – but by this fresh take on a... Expand

      Prepare to be dazzled. Not just by the remarkable breadth of Stephen Sondheim’s musical creativity – he wrote some clunkers (“Can That Boy Foxtrot”) – but by this fresh take on a 35-year-old, stage gem produced by the year-old Austin-based The Actors Coop. The singing-acting resumes of Glenn Bagley, Angela Davis, Daryn Eslinger, Rodnesha Green, Melita McAtee, Joe Penrod, Cathie Sheridan + pianist David Blackburn are impressive, global and well-deserved. (Not enjoyed one of these talented cast members somewhere before? You must be living under a rock.) The vocal ensemble is simply costumed in coordinated colors, mostly primary. Toss in a few chairs, rolling wardrobe racks, a handful of subtle props and a large back-screen with Sondheim’s signature. Voila! You have a set that nicely avoids detracting from those amazing voices. Hats off to Barbara & Jim Schuler and Ken Johnson who produced this wonderful revue. Michelle Stuckey’s graceful, carefree choreography adds splendor to the show. Collapse

    • Event Name: The Actors Coop presents Side By Side By Sondheim
      "27 Songs + 28-Song Medley"
      Review posted by: Ronda Dale Kirk, ACA Member from Spicewood (Austin) TX, USA, Jul 09, 2011
      

      The inaugural Actor’s Coop production and first performance went well, except for a few tiny musical miscues in a fast-paced show. Seven talented singers and David Blackburn (keyboard) recap... Expand

      The inaugural Actor’s Coop production and first performance went well, except for a few tiny musical miscues in a fast-paced show. Seven talented singers and David Blackburn (keyboard) recap Stephen Sondheim’s well-known songs and several lesser-known pieces. 27 songs plus a medley-finale reprising parts of previous works and some fresh tunes made the show a tad long for my taste – almost 2.5 hours. But the Dougherty audience thoroughly enjoyed it! Singer Melita McAtee, serving as MC-narrator had interesting details about the composer and his creativity. She suitably hammed it up a bit. Cathie Sheridan’s incredible voice and expressions made her a cast standout, song after song. From the opening number “Comedy Tonight” to the poignant “I’m Still Here,” the troupe smoothly and energetically weaved comedy, movement and minimal set pieces to add interest to a genuinely engaging show. Expect SS's usual relationship themes. Even if you think this is "Sondehim for Dummies," you'll enjoy it. Collapse

    • Event Name: The Actors Coop presents Side By Side By Sondheim
      "Sondheim's music soars"
      Review posted by: Michael A Foster, ACA member from Austin Texas, Jul 09, 2011
      

      Seven talented singers/players delighted us with 27 songs from Stephen Sondheim. The singing was spectacular, as was the choreography and acting. Whether you are a longtime Sondheim fan or just... Expand

      Seven talented singers/players delighted us with 27 songs from Stephen Sondheim. The singing was spectacular, as was the choreography and acting. Whether you are a longtime Sondheim fan or just desiring quality entertainment you will be thrilled by attending Side By Side. Melita McAtee acts as MC to introduce many of the songs-- some of them quite familiar and some mostly unknown, and ALL very ably performed. She also sings and joins in the madness and merriment of this production which showcases the works of one of the greatest American composers and lyricists for stage and film. The final piece was a compilation of 27 of his works and was very funny. The talented singers received a standing ovation and performed an encore. Go....and enjoy! Collapse

    • Event Name: The Actors Coop presents Side By Side By Sondheim
      "Saw the Preview last night.."
      Review posted by: SondheimFan from Austin, TX, Jul 08, 2011
      

      I was fortunate to see the preview of Side by Side by Sondheim last night. It was absolutely spectacular. The harmonies couldn't have been more perfect and the quality was superb! It would be a... Expand

      I was fortunate to see the preview of Side by Side by Sondheim last night. It was absolutely spectacular. The harmonies couldn't have been more perfect and the quality was superb! It would be a mistake to miss this short run. Collapse

• Media
  Reviews

  • Media Reviews

    There are currently no media reviews for this event.