"Simple Sondheim" from Signature Theatre in Arlington, Virginia was the third production I saw via VoD this past spring. It was a collection of songs from various Sondheim musicals performed solo, as duets and in various iterations of the collective 12 actors. My initial impressions were how wonderful it was to see some old friends on a stage again. Not that I know any of these amazing talented people in person, but after you've seen them perform in various roles over a number a years, it is hard not to feel a certain sense of familiarity. In particular, Bobby Smith, Tracy Lynn Olivera, Awa Sal Secka, Christopher Mueller, and Donna Migliaccio. Donna was in one of the very first productions that I saw at Signature. Bobby has been in so many, but no more wonderful than his award winning performance as Albin/Zaza in "La Cage Aux Folles". I'll never forget Christopher as one of the porters in "Titanic" being slowly lowered from the heights of the rafters, as a lifeless body along with pieces of luggage and debris in the finale. I still get goosebumps!
The numbers were by and large not the show stoppers, and many from his lesser produced musicals. I LOVED this. There so much amazing music by the genius of the American Musical Theatre that goes unperformed. Having said that, one highlight was Donna's reprise of "The Worst Pies In London" from "Sweeney Todd". Others include Awa Sal Secks' rendition of "All For You" from "Saturday Night," Tracey Lynn Olivera, Christopher Mueller and Katie Mariko Murray's performance of "Getting Married Today" from "Company," and Bobby Smith, Katie Mariko Murray and Nicholas McDonough's presentation of "Now/Later/Soon" from "A Little Night Music." Certainly, Katie Mariko Murray was a revelation, new to me. They also brought in some wonderful Broadway talents like Norm Lewis and Emily Skinner. In general, the local talent was more enjoyable, though everyone performed admirably.
For a fan of Sondheim, it was a must see Vod!
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