Musical revue to be first production in new theater

Thursday, August 14, 2003

Ginny, our daughter Jessica, and I were last night privileged to be in the audience of the dress rehearsal for the very first show in the Community Council for the Performing Arts‚ premier season in the old, but brand-spanking new-looking, Fox Theater on Main Street. Nevadans who previously complained about the seating being uncomfortable in Welty's Cow Palace, the Red Brick Theater, and those other places where the homeless CCPA had to take refuge in the past, are going to have to change their tune: this theater has positively luxurious reupholstered seats with plenty of leg room. They're also going to have to trump up another excuse for not hearing the players: the sound system makes even the faintest singing voice easy to hear. In fact, every square inch of this auditorium is now one large theater (the partitions that used to separate the movie theaters have been removed). The show that's been chosen to inaugurate the CCPA's 2003-04 theater season is "Side by Side by Sondheim," a musical review that focuses on music rather than story. When you watch a Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, you are quick to pick up the tunes: they lodge in your head for days on end because, almost without exception, they're tuneful. Not so with Sondheim. His songs are subtle and indirect (although after hearing them a couple of times they can be delightful). His lyrics are thoughtful and witty (in how many songs by other composers, for example, can you find the word "ineffectual"?) You can't nod off with Sondheim. It's been said that Stephen Sondheim has two major themes: love in its many manifestations; and New York. Of the 26 Sondheim songs presented at the Fox last night, the overwhelming majority are about love, and they are sung with brightness and energy by Wes Morton (who is also the show's music director), Edi Gragg, and Shanna Johnson. Shanna's husband. Charlie (CCPA is a family affair) serves as the show's stage manager. These are the CCPA's "old pros." The two pianists, Norma Mooneyhan and Janice Runyan together create a stunning accompaniment. Sponsored by Neal and Nora Quitno,and directed by Sandy Davis, "Side by Side by Sondheim" is a wonderful beginning for CCPA's new season but does not signal the end of CCPA's need. As CCPA Board President Charlie Johnson has written, "Come join us! We're always looking for 'new blood.' Whether you wish to be in the audience or on stage, behind the scenes with technical, sets, props and costume design, bringing new ideas for programming, or working on the ever-present fund-raising, the CCPA wants you. "Side by Side by Sondheim" will be performed Aug. 14, 15 and 16.

Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: