Ogunquit packs a lot of vocal talent into ‘A Little Night Music’

2024-07-22
Ogunquit packs a lot of vocal talent into ‘A Little Night Music’

Sondheim's Masterpiece Shines at Ogunquit Playhouse

The Ogunquit Playhouse's production of "A Little Night Music" has captivated audiences with its operatic score, witty libretto, and a talented cast that brings the story to life. Directed by Hunter Foster, the musical showcases the love lives of three aristocratic families, with Kathleen Turner guest starring as the wheelchair-bound Madame Armfeldt.

Enchanting Performances and Timeless Melodies

Introducing the Quirky Characters

The musical introduces the audience to a delightfully quirky cast of characters, each with their own unique personalities and vocal talents. Mike McGowan as Fredrik Egerman, a mature lawyer with an 18-year-old virgin wife, Anne, played by the vivacious Lauren Maria Medina, is the former lover of Desirée, a stage actress portrayed by Julia Murney. The audience also meets Fredrik's son, Henrik, played by Steven Telsey, a monastic student secretly in love with his stepmom.The three-part song "Soon" showcases the distinct vocal ranges of Medina, Telsey, and McGowan, defining each character's age and life experience. The audience is also introduced to the entertainingly bombastic Carl-Magnus, Desirée's current lover, played by Nik Walker, and his under-appreciated wife, Countess Charlotte Malcolm, portrayed by Lora Lee Gayer.

Sondheim's Operatic Masterpiece

The musical's score, composed by the legendary Stephen Sondheim, is a true test of the virtuosity of its classical singers. Backed by musical director Jeffrey Campos and a nine-piece orchestra, the 15-member cast execute complex vocal runs and emotive phrasing, soaring to the heights of the soprano range and dipping down to the warm tones of the tenor and the buttery smooth baritone. The witty lyrics are encapsulated in the beauty, with cleverly used props accentuating their droll humor.The theme of time runs throughout the production, with a revolving stage resembling a clock as it facilitates the movement of the story. Act I serves as an introduction to the characters, while Act II sets in motion the events that will ultimately allow the love lives to align and the characters to pair off.

Standout Performances and Iconic Songs

Kathleen Turner's guest appearance as Desirée's wheelchair-bound mother, Madame Armfeldt, is a true highlight of the production. Her delivery of the song "Liaisons" showcases her trademark husky voice, with a slow waltz rendition that borders on melodic spoken word, the deep timber of her vocals resonating through the audience.Another standout performance comes from Julia Murney as Desirée, who delivers an emotionally powerful rendition of the musical's most well-known song, "Send in the Clowns." This is followed by a stellar performance of "The Miller's Son" by Gianna Yanelli as the servant Petra, with Mike Schwitter portraying her love interest, Frid.

A Farcical Delight for Sondheim Fans

Those who appreciate the wit and complexity of Stephen Sondheim musicals will not want to miss this limited run of "A Little Night Music" at the Ogunquit Playhouse. The farcical musical is well executed, highlighting its splendor and humor, and showcasing the talents of a stellar cast. With its operatic score, witty libretto, and a revolving stage that mirrors the passage of time, "A Little Night Music" is a must-see for fans of the genre and a true testament to Sondheim's enduring legacy.

Article "tagged" as:

Top Articles

Related Article

Gardencup Salad Experience: A Surprising Delight

Gardencup Salad Experience: A Surprising Delight

The author shares their positive experience with Gardencup protein-packed salads, initially skeptica
Elevating Virginia's Wine and Culinary Scene: A Harmonious Pairing

Elevating Virginia's Wine and Culinary Scene: A Harmonious Pairing

The article discusses the joys of autumn and the perfect wine and food pairings for the season. It h
Verona Pharma Reports Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results and Provides Corporate Update

Verona Pharma Reports Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results and Provides Corporate Update

Verona Pharma reported strong Q3 2024 results for its COPD drug Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine), with net s
Uncovering the Vibrant Flavors of Guatemalan Cuisine at Tikal Mayan Food

Uncovering the Vibrant Flavors of Guatemalan Cuisine at Tikal Mayan Food

Tikal Mayan Food is an ambitious Guatemalan restaurant in Lenox Hill, New York, owned by Noe Rodrigu
Country star Walker Hayes gifts huge tips to Nashville Waffle House workers

Country star Walker Hayes gifts huge tips to Nashville Waffle House workers

Country star Walker Hayes and Lexy Burke surprised three Waffle House employees in Tennessee with
Carnival of colour: fashion designer Isabela Capeto’s Rio apartment

Carnival of colour: fashion designer Isabela Capeto’s Rio apartment

Isabela Capeto, a fashion designer, has always dreamed of living in her flat overlooking Rio de Jane
New Zealand Tennis

New Zealand Tennis

It seems like the original text provided is incomplete or may have been formatted incorrectly, as it
10 Disturbing Confessions from Killers

10 Disturbing Confessions from Killers

The article provides a weather forecast for Charlottesville, Virginia (22901) for today and tonight.
Rediscovering Lost Melodies: The Timeless Allure of Classic Songs

Rediscovering Lost Melodies: The Timeless Allure of Classic Songs

This year, the author explored various musical discoveries that resonated deeply. Completing Duoling
Ryan Seacrest and Sister Meredith Say ‘Pretending’ to Be ‘Bon Jovi and Madonna’ as Kids Helped Inspire New Book (Exclusive)

Ryan Seacrest and Sister Meredith Say ‘Pretending’ to Be ‘Bon Jovi and Madonna’ as Kids Helped Inspire New Book (Exclusive)

Ryan Seacrest and his sister Meredith have co-authored a children's book, "The Make-Believers," insp
‘We are in desperate need of food’: Bellevue Community Food Bank says donations have plummeted

‘We are in desperate need of food’: Bellevue Community Food Bank says donations have plummeted

The Bellevue Community Food Bank in Nashville, Tennessee, is facing a surge in demand for its servic
Guernsey’s shrinking economy down to finance sector decline

Guernsey’s shrinking economy down to finance sector decline

Guernsey's economy shrank by 2% in 2023, primarily due to a 3% decline in the finance sector, which
Judge Declines to Penalize President-Elect for Felony Conviction

Judge Declines to Penalize President-Elect for Felony Conviction

In a notable legal decision, a judge opted against imposing fines, jail time, or probation on U.S. P
Kamala Harris is an honorary member of Gen X. Here’s how her finances compare to others of that generation

Kamala Harris is an honorary member of Gen X. Here’s how her finances compare to others of that generation

Kamala Harris, the current U.S. Vice President, represents a generational shift in politics. Born on
1 in 3 drivers owe more on their car loan than the vehicle is worth, report finds

1 in 3 drivers owe more on their car loan than the vehicle is worth, report finds

According to a new survey, about 1 in 3 American drivers who financed their vehicle are now "underwa
Wrong-way crash between car, 18-wheeler shuts down parts of I-30, Arlington police say

Wrong-way crash between car, 18-wheeler shuts down parts of I-30, Arlington police say

A wrong-way driver crashed into an 18-wheeler on Interstate 30 near Six Flags Drive in Arlington, Te
The Van with a Temporary Tag: A Nationwide Scam Unveiled

The Van with a Temporary Tag: A Nationwide Scam Unveiled

A WSMV investigation found the same van with a temporary tag used in different cities for a scam whe
Game studio co-founded by Dr Disrespect “immediately” terminating relationship with the streamer

Game studio co-founded by Dr Disrespect “immediately” terminating relationship with the streamer

Midnight Society, the game studio co-founded by Dr Disrespect, has terminated its relationship with
Dead by Daylight spin-off Project T has been cancelled

Dead by Daylight spin-off Project T has been cancelled

Behaviour Interactive has announced the cancellation of its Dead by Daylight spin-off project, Proje
When Does the Final Fantasy XIV Dawntrail Maintenance Start and End?

When Does the Final Fantasy XIV Dawntrail Maintenance Start and End?

The Final Fantasy XIV Dawntrail expansion will be released on July 2nd, 2024, with Early Access avai