You will Enjoy Your “Weekend in the Country”!

By Lazlo Collins
The enchanting and supremely satisfying “A Little Night Music” currently playing at The Writer’s Theatre in Glencoe should not be missed. This production is one that will make you love Sondheim all over again. And if you have never

stopped, it will be a warm and fitting welcome.
This deceptively difficult musical piece is perfectly placed in the small, intimate theater space. I felt so engrossed in this story. The story’s immediacy and current struggles with love are translated to the audience with ease.
William Brown’s direction was SUPERB. Moving the cast through, on, and over the set was mesmerizing. The fluidity of from one scene to the next, not to mention the beautiful stage pictures, were some of the best I have seen in a while. The attention to details was well noted, right down to the way the beautiful dresses of the ladies draped across the floor.
This extremely pleasing and well accomplished cast brought this story to the audience with passion and energy that was thrilling to see.
Heading the cast of characters were two actresses that bring credible experience to their roles. Shannon Cochran as “Desiree Armfeldt” and Deanna Dunagan as her mother, “Madame Armfeldt” were pleasing in every way. Ms. Cochran’s performance was realistic and sweet. After seeing this show a few times, this is the first time I thought I would like to get to know Desiree better. Ms. Cochran seems to be having a ball, and bringing the audience along with her in every scene.
Ms. Dunagan’s dowager mother was played with deliberate care and thoughtfulness. I enjoyed her portrayal of an old woman without PLAYING old. With droll delivery, Ms. Dunagan delivered her performance as a woman who has seen the world, with knowing results. A mother now bound by her wheelchair, observes all for her own amusement. Both women deserve high praise for these performances.
The other ladies of this cast bring their magic as well. Kristen French as “Anne Egerman”, Brianna Borger as “Petra”, Tiffany Scott as “Charlotte Malcolm”, Cory Goodrich as “Malla” and Shannon Corey as “Fredrika Armfeldt” all have magical moments throughout the show; each actress garnering some laughs and cameos for themselves. Ms. Borger’s “Miller’s Son” was touching. This was a perfect performance of that song. Ms. Scott’s wry and ”put out” wife was a sure fire ride. What fun to hear some of the best lines in the show delivered superbly. The duet “Every Day a Little Death” was perfect.
Jonathan Weir as “Fredrik Egerman” brought a lovely, romantic quality to the role of the haplessly married man. His scenes and songs are clear and direct. Brandon Dahiquist as “Count Carl-Magnus Malcom” was engaging and perfect as the narcissictic husband and lover with rules only he knew. Rounding out the men is, J Michael Finley as the handsome “Frid” and Royen Kent as the misunderstood “Henrik Egerman”.
The excellent music (Valarie Maze) supported a great cast and kept things lively and rich. Along with simply perfect set (Kevin Dupinet), costumes (Rachel Anne Healy) and lights (Jesse Klug) this show should be savored with every scene.
Oh, the glamorous life indeed. Don’t miss it!
“A Little Night Music” at Writer’s Theatre in Glencoe runs through 8 July 2012. Call 847-242-6000 or www.writerstheatre.orgRich Text AreaToolbarBold (Ctrl + B)Italic (Ctrl + I)Strikethrough (Alt + Shift + D)Unordered list (Alt + Shift + U)Ordered list (Alt + Shift + O)Blockquote (Alt + Shift + Q)Align Left (Alt + Shift + L)Align Center (Alt + Shift + C)Align Right (Alt + Shift + R)Insert/edit link (Alt + Shift + A)Unlink (Alt + Shift + S)Insert More Tag (Alt + Shift + T)Proofread WritingToggle fullscreen mode (Alt + Shift + G)Show/Hide Kitchen Sink (Alt + Shift + Z)
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By Lazlo Collins
The enchanting and supremely satisfying “A Little Night Music” currently playing at The Writer’s Theatre in Glencoe should not be missed. This production is one that will make you love Sondheim all over again. And if you have never stopped, it will be a warm and fitting welcome.
This deceptively difficult musical piece is perfectly placed in the small, intimate theater space. I felt so engrossed in this story. The story’s immediacy and current struggles with love are translated to the audience with ease.
William Brown’s direction was SUPERB. Moving the cast through, on, and over the set was mesmerizing. The fluidity of from one scene to the next, not to mention the beautiful stage pictures, were some of the best I have seen in a while. The attention to details was well noted, right down to the way the beautiful dresses of the ladies draped across the floor.
This extremely pleasing and well accomplished cast brought this story to the audience with passion and energy that was thrilling to see.
Heading the cast of characters were two actresses that bring credible experience to their roles. Shannon Cochran as “Desiree Armfeldt” and Deanna Dunagan as her mother, “Madame Armfeldt” were pleasing in every way. Ms. Cochran’s performance was realistic and sweet. After seeing this show a few times, this is the first time I thought I would like to get to know Desiree better. Ms. Cochran seems to be having a ball, and bringing the audience along with her in every scene.
Ms. Dunagan’s dowager mother was played with deliberate care and thoughtfulness. I enjoyed her portrayal of an old woman without PLAYING old. With droll delivery, Ms. Dunagan delivered her performance as a woman who has seen the world, with knowing results. A mother now bound by her wheelchair, observes all for her own amusement. Both women deserve high praise for these performances.
The other ladies of this cast bring their magic as well. Kristen French as “Anne Egerman”, Brianna Borger as “Petra”, Tiffany Scott as “Charlotte Malcolm”, Cory Goodrich as “Malla” and Shannon Corey as “Fredrika Armfeldt” all have magical moments throughout the show; each actress garnering some laughs and cameos for themselves. Ms. Borger’s “Miller’s Son” was touching. This was a perfect performance of that song. Ms. Scott’s wry and ”put out” wife was a sure fire ride. What fun to hear some of the best lines in the show delivered superbly. The duet “Every Day a Little Death” was perfect.
Jonathan Weir as “Fredrik Egerman” brought a lovely, romantic quality to the role of the haplessly married man. His scenes and songs are clear and direct. Brandon Dahiquist as “Count Carl-Magnus Malcom” was engaging and perfect as the narcissictic husband and lover with rules only he knew. Rounding out the men is, J Michael Finley as the handsome “Frid” and Royen Kent as the misunderstood “Henrik Egerman”.
The excellent music (Valarie Maze) supported a great cast and kept things lively and rich. Along with simply perfect set (Kevin Dupinet), costumes (Rachel Anne Healy) and lights (Jesse Klug) this show should be savored with every scene.
Oh, the glamorous life indeed. Don’t miss it!
“A Little Night Music” at Writer’s Theatre in Glencoe runs through 8 July 2012. Call 847-242-6000 or www.writerstheatre.org
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