by Lorie Lewis Ham

Special KRL coupon code at the end of this article.

Side by Side by Sondheim is a musical revue of some of the many songs written by famous Broadway composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim. The show includes songs from such popular shows as A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the Forum, Company, Gypsy, A Little Night Music, West Side Story.

The six-person cast of the Visalia Players production of this show each bring their own talents to the stage. The cast is made up of Merina Amos (who was in Visalia Players production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee), Rebecca Coffey (recently seen in Visalia Players production of Bonnie & Clyde as Bonnie), Richard Adamson (seen earlier this year in The King and I at Roger Rocka’s), Marla Alberstein, Craig Wilson, and Corey Ralston (who directed Bonnie & Clyde and Spelling Bee).

Richard acts as the narrator of the show, sharing fun tidbits from the life of Sondheim, which I really enjoyed as most of it I didn’t know. They all take turns being featured in songs throughout the show, as well as a lot of fun group numbers like the opening number, “Comedy Tonight.” Most of the songs are also acted out–sometimes with drama, but often with comedy. All six members of the cast have beautiful voices and this was a fun night of enjoying Sondheim music–some very familiar and some new to me. Some of my favorite performances were, “Anyone Can Whistle,” “Send in the Clowns,” “Could I Leave You?,” and the song that gives the show its title, “Side By Side.”

If you are looking for a fun night of Sondheim music, don’t miss Side by Side by Sondheim, which only has one more weekend left, closing on November 30. It is playing at the Ice House Theatre in Visalia, 410 E. Race Avenue (at Santa Fe Street).

For more information about the Visalia Community Players and to purchase tickets, check out their website and KRL’s article about VCP. Tickets may also be purchased by calling 734-3900. For details about local arts groups in Tulare County, visit the Visalia Arts Consortium website.

Check out more local theatre reviews this week right here in KRL & even more theatre reviews & articles in our Arts & Entertainment section!

To purchase two tickets for the price of one, enter KRLSBS in the Have a code? box on the Buy/Redeem Tickets Reservation page via the Players website.

Lorie Lewis Ham is our Editor-in-Chief and an enthusiastic contributor to various sections, coupling her journalism experience with her connection to the literary and entertainment worlds. Explore Lorie’s mystery writing at Mysteryrat’s Closet.