Steadstyle Chicago
	June 2009 Theatre Review by Alan Bresloff
	A Little Night Music If we we were to examine what makes a theatrical experience something special and why, we would find that the experience is special when the work inspires the audience to think, to analyze, to discuss and of course walk out of the theater with a feeling of satisfaction.  When Light Opera Works puts on a production, it appears that they also feel that these expectations should be met and do their productions with this in mind.  Each production they do is staged with care so that the audience can see the story unfold and with a full orchestra, the music of the composer is brought to life as it was written. Their current production, " A Little Night Music" has music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.  Need I say more than his name to let you know that what you will hear is the work of a master of words and music?  The book by Hugh Wheeler is suggested or based on a story by Ingmar Bergman, another genius, so this is one that you must find a way to see.  I guess the biggest problem with Light Opera Works is that they are limited to a short run, thus by the time Chicagoland hears of the perfection in Evanston, it is gone. "A Little Night Music" is a sort of romantic romp where love is not all that it is meant to be and some couples who are meant to be together are not.  But after many complicating situations, everyone ends up where they should be and we get a somewhat happy ending for all.  Director and Choreographer Rudy Hogenmiller has put together a splendid cast; a cast that truly understands Sondheim, which makes this musical farce work.  The Liebslieder Quintet: Brian-Alwyn Newland, Rebecca Caliendo, Sara Stern, Paul W. Thompson and Julia Black opens the show, with the marvelous orchestra, under the direction of  Roger L. Bingaman, doing the Overture, which is a mixture of music and words.  This is a little different than the norm and the actors are all brilliant singers as well.  The stories are many, but the key to this musical is staying with the story from start to finish. Fredrik Egerman (skillfully handled by Chicago favorite Larry Adams) is a lawyer who has married Anne (Natalie Ford), an 18 year old friend of the family after his wife passed away.  They have been married for 11 months, but to date have not consummated the wedding.  As it turns out his 19 year old son Henrik (Mike Reckling who has a marvelous voice) is in love with this stepmother, and is off to the seminary to stay away from home.  Meanwhile he is also having a thing with their maid Petra (the charming Megan Long).  Confused yet?  Just wait! Fredrik and Anne go off to see a play starring Desiree Armfeldt, who at one time was Fredrik's amour.  She recalls with feeling that time.  Desiree is played by the dynamic Catherine Lord, whose rendition of "Send In The Clowns" is worth the ticket price alone.  Meanwhile she has a lover, Count Carl-Magnus Malcom who is very jealous although he himself has a wife.  Michael Cavalieri plays this role with graet spirit and comic timing and Jessye Wright is brilliant  as the Countess, with just the right touch to make her the woman you love to hate, but truly cannot as she is so lovable.  There is also another twist in that Desiree has a daughter Fredrika (think about that for a second or two), played by the charming Amanda Hays.  Fredrika has been living with Desiree's mother, Madame Armfeldt.  Jody Goldman makes this character truly the only sane one in the play and while she helps to tell the story and tie the pieces together, she has her own little secrets as well.  When they all head off to Madame Armfeldt's for "A Weeekend In The Country" (the song that ends the first act), all hell breaks loose and the comic touches grow stronger. If all of this sounds confusing, it is meant to.  This is a tricky little show filled with wonderful music and spectacular lyrics (this is Sondheim after all).  But if you truly listen from the overture on, all of this will fall into place easily.  While the songs are not memorable, except of course "Send In The Clowns," I love the trio of "Now," "Later" and "Soon," three little solos that end up telling a marvelous little story about the characters.  "Remember" is also one of my favorites as is "You Must Meet My Wife".  You will also fall in love with Ms. Goldman when she does her "Liaisons" walk down memory lane.  Some younger audiences will not appreciate this work of art but it would be wise to open their eyes to the genius of this musical experience.  If one gets into Sondheim at a young age, one can get the full experience of what he offers and Light Opera Works production will enhance this experience to the nth degree. The performance schedule is Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m.  I told you this was limited. The place is Cahn Auditorium at 600 Emerson Street at Sheridan Road in Evanston on the campus of Northwestern University. Tickets range from $30-$88.  The quality of this fully professional troupe is as you would get in any of the major theaters downtown.  To get your tickets call 847-869-6300 or go to www.LightOperaWorks.com.  Don't delay, you don't want to miss this one!   About Alan Bresloff Alan Bresloff, once an actor himself, has been covering the Chicago Theater Scene since 1993, first as the Theater and Arts critic for LaRaza newspaper, then with Salsachicago.com and then onto Extra Newspaper and The Epoch Times.  He also writes for ElImparcial and TeleGuia.  His reviews can also be seen on www.theatreinchicago.com.  Alan does not call himself a "critic" but a "reviewer" as he tries to educate the reader about theater itself, what is a good value, what to look for in a play or musical and more.  "Exposure to theater is a very important part of a young person's life" he says. "Learning about the arts and culture is in fact learning about life" and he tries to explain more in his reviews than just if it is good or bad.  Even some of the poor productions have some value, he often says and he would love your feedback on shows that you have seen.  You can write him here or at albresloff@sbcglobal.net.