BWW Reviews: PUTTING IT TOGETHER At Main Street Theater

PUTTING IT TOGETHER is a cabaret-style show featuring songs from 12 of Stephen Sondeheim's musicals, as well as some of his compositions from the movie Dick Tracy.
The compilation of Sondheim selections is smart and works well dynamically in this production. As with all cabaret story lines, the plot was rather loose and general, which is appropriate and true to the style. Four "characters" are dealing with relationship highs and lows such as marriage, infidelity, and divorce. As the characters navigate a Manhattan cocktail party, romantic connections are made (and unmade), and the song selections create an emotional story arc.

The first act starts with a short comedic monologue of sorts, performed by The Observer, played by David Wald. Wald seems a bit nervous in this master-of-ceremonies role. Many of the jokes fell rather flat and there is a sense that much of the humor contains "inside" jokes. It would've been more effective to begin with the music. Wald's singing and performance in "Instructions To The Audience" is much more successful and enjoyable than the speaking that precedes it.

One of the strongest moments in the first act is "Pretty Women", sung by Justin White. White has a soulful quality to his singing- he seems to connect emotionally to everything he sings. His voice is pure and committed, quite perfectly suited to this Sweeney Todd ballad. The harmony added by The Husband, played by Terry Jones, doesn't really work. Jones and White have very different voice types and the blend just doesn't happen. It would've been more affective to have White sing the entire song as a solo.

Tamara Siler owns "Could I Leave You?" with her richly present voice and adept emotional dynamics. Siler has a gift for making a song her own and her broad-spectrum voice is a pleasure to listen to.

Christina Stroup does a bang up job with "Sooner Or Later" as a woman on the prowl. Stroup's voice is well-suited to the sultry, jazz sound the song requires.

"Bang", from the musical A Little Night Music, had some effective ( and steamy) choreography by Lauren Dolk, but the song is just as harsh as it's title, and not very easy to listen to.

The second act is much stronger than the first. The cast sounds great as a group, and the opener, "Back In Business" is fun and rousing. Stroup's "More" is spirited and sexy. The duet "There's Always A Woman", sung by Stroup and Siler is a highlight of the show. The two women are well-matched, both vocally and in their appealing stage presences.

"Not Getting Married Today" is very funny, with Siler showcasing her comedic chops and impressive tongue-twister skills. Stroup's gorgeous classical soprano (singing the "Bless This Day" portion) is simply lovely.

As the second act winds down, the cast performs "Being Alive", from the musical Company. It's a disappointing arrangement in that the harmonies sound imbalanced and the composition is murky. The cast sounds great together on almost every company number, but this song just doesn't work. I longed to hear a rendition of "Move On" from Sunday in The Park With George. That piece would work beautifully here.

The musicians Luke Kirkwood (piano),Gerald Massoud, and Carol Daubert are excellent in their execution of Sondheim's style, and they are a consistently wonderful throughout the show.

The Ovations performance space poses some problems. Unless you are seated down in front of the stage, visibility is an issue off and on throughout the show. Luckily, good use is made of various levels built into the set; without the different platforms designed in the upper areas of the stage there would be a a major viewing problem. Kudos to Ryan McGhettigan for his creative problem solving in this potentially awkward performance space.

PUTTING IT TOGETHER has a strong base, but there are things that still need adjusting. Some songs don't work well, particularly the aforementioned "Being Alive" and "Bang". The beginning of the show would pack more of a punch if the company opened it with the song "Putting It Together". Terry Jones, playing The Husband, needs to work on his chemistry with the other actors. There is ample talent in this cast and some little changes would elevate them further.

For tickets to PUTTING IT TOGETHER, go to:http://www.mainstreettheater.com/home.html

Photo Credits: RicOrnellProductions.com

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