BROADWAY SNAP-SHOT
by Russell Bouthiller
Dateline: February 25, 2008
SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE
After distinguished productions of Stephen Sondheim's PACIFIC OVERTURES and ASSASSINS, The Roundabout Theatre Company launches another one of the composer's works at their Studio 54 locale. This time, it's his most elusive piece, SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE. In this cohesive revival, cutting edge 21st Century stage technology cleverly illustrates this pointed portrait of an artist against the backdrop of a 19th Century Impressionist icon.
To many theater devotees, SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE will always be associated with the two leads from the original Broadway production, Mandy Patinkin and Bernadette Peters. Under the direction of James Lapine, who also wrote the book, this musical journey reveals a troubled painter whom Sondheim based on Georges Seurat, best known for his masterwork "A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte." Though the musical garnered the 1985 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, it did have its critics—many of whom felt the second act faltered following a sturdy first act opening.
Now, director Sam Buntrock brings his Olivier Award-winning West End production of SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE back to New York for its first Broadway revival. This British turn starred Daniel Evans and Jenna Russell—both walked off with statuettes for their performances—who now head up the Roundabout company which includes Michael Cumpsty, Alexander Gemignani, Jessica Molasky and Mary Beth Peil.
Buntrock's interpretation has been hailed for its graceful integration of the two distinctive acts; no small feat, considering the second picks up a century after the first with a new cast of characters. Evans broods as the petulant pointillist, George, in act one. Then, effectively shifts into the more analytical artist of Act Two, also named George. As the captivating, young Dot, the artist's subject and paramour, and later as her elderly daughter, Jenna Russell elegantly reprises some of the most beautiful songs of Bernadette.
Working with one of Sondheim's most lush scores— including "Putting It Together," "Children and Art," and "We Do Not Belong Together"—Buntrock's keenly integrates modern stagecraft with the composer's old world charm. Incorporating video imagery that literally animates the artistic process, the projection designs of Timothy Bird and the Knifedge Creative Network enliven the canvas with adorable effects. Completing the picture are the sets and costumes by David Farley and lighting designs by Ken Billington, making this venerable rendering of SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE as fine a day as any theater-goer could wish for.