Liz Callaway Celebrates Sondheim

To Steve With Love

“I’m thrilled to be bringing my Sondheim show to my hometown at long last. I’ve performed TO STEVE WITH LOVE in New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, the Kennedy Center, London, Ireland and Madrid—but somehow, never in Chicago. My New Year’s resolution was to make it happen. And now, to do my show at the gorgeous Studebaker Theater, is a dream come true!”

Are you, like me, a big fan of the multitalented actress/singer/recording artist Liz Callaway? Like her musical sister, Ann Hampton Callaway, both gifted siblings have made names for themselves as singing stars at cabaret shows and nightclubs, as well as on records and CDs and even in film, TV and Broadway musicals. The two women are the daughters of famed and highly respected Chicago journalist, John Callaway, best known for WTTW’s nightly news program, “Chicago Tonight.” And like her sister Ann, Liz Callaway is equally and deservedly just as famous and highly respected as her father. 

For one glorious night, Liz Callaway returned to her Sweet Home Chicago, to present a musical tribute at the Studebaker Theater. The honoree of this magical musical evening is the legendary American composer and lyricist, as well as her friend, Stephen Sondheim. Having originally performed this show at New York’s 54 Below, Liz recorded the last two performances there, her eighth solo album, which became a Grammy-nominated CD. 

Liz is so personable, charming and talented. She regaled the sold-out audience with stories about her life, her career and how Sondheim played such a large, important role in her Broadway career. The divine Ms. Callaway opened her concert with a medley from COMPANY, MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG, INTO THE WOODS and PACIFIC OVERTURES. She then introduced her eager and adoring audience to her Musical Director and Pianist, Alex Rybeck, as well as Bass player, Daniel Kristan and Drummer, Jeff Handley. The concert was Directed by Dan Foster and produced by Gustavo Ernestine LLC.

The Tony and Grammy nominee and Emmy winner made her debut in the original production of Stephen Sondheim’s MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG. She went on to star in shows like BABY, MISS SAIGON, THE SPITFIRE GRILL and appeared as Grizabella in CATS for five years. Other Sondheim musicals on her resume include MARRY ME A LITTLE, A STEPHEN SONDHEIM EVENING, SONDHEIM ON SONDHEIM and FOLLIES IN CONCERT at Lincoln Center. Liz has portrayed Dot in SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE, as well as Norma Desmond in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s SUNSET BOULEVARD. She lent her voice to animated films, such as “Anastasia,” two “Aladdin” sequels, “Pocahontas,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Swan Princess.” And for those who remember the TV sitcom, “The Nanny,” Liz sang and recorded the title song, composed by her sister Ann, and with whom she often appears at cabaret performances.

This personalized Sondheim tribute also included “Old Friends,” “Now You Know” and “Like It Was,” from MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG. She delights theatergoers with “Broadway Baby,” “Buddy’s Eyes” and “The Road You Didn’t Take,” from FOLLIES; “The Miller’s Son” and “Send In the Clowns,” from A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC; “Not While I’m Around,” from SWEENEY TODD; “Loving You,” from PASSION; and “I Remember” and “Take Me to the World,” from EVENING PRIMROSE. 

One of the highlights of this concert was a magnificently performed duet by Liz and her very talented son, baritone Nicholas Callaway Foster. Together they moved the audience to tears with “Move On,” from SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE. Liz closed her show with the stirring “Our Time,” from MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG, but returned to the stage for an encore, “With So Little to be Sure Of,” from ANYONE CAN WHISTLE. This one time only Chicago presentation was a true night to remember!     

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented for one night only, June 14, at 7:30, at the Studebaker Theater, in the Fine Arts Building, 410 South Michigan Ave. Chicago.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.