Side by Side by Sondheim
Writer: Stephen Sondheim
Director: Declan Moore
Musical Director: Ben Fan
Genesian Theatre, Rozelle
September 26 – November 1, 2025
The Genesian’s presentation of the Tony Award-winning work Side by Side by Sondheim is a sheer delight from beginning to end. Compiled as a revue, it features the music and lyrics of the late, great Stephen Sondheim. Except for a little co-writing with Leonard Bernstein, Jule Styne and Richard Rodgers, the songs are all Sondheim – his brilliance, humour, and quirky humanity.
Barry Nielsen, as the charming Narrator, introduces the featured singers, Elizabeth MacGregor, Kimberly Yuzon, Sarah Dolan and Martin Hong, who launch enthusiastically into their first song, “Comedy Tonight” from A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. They are all exceptional vocally and while handling the triple threat with aplomb, are also impressive in their solo numbers.
Sondheim liked to focus on the emotional spectrum of relationships in his writing, which makes his songs memorable. Whether heartfelt, humorous or wryly philosophical, they resonate with his audiences. Director Declan Moore and Musical Director Ben Fan maintain interest by varying the pace throughout with the cast sometimes singing as an ensemble, sometimes in duets and of course, as soloists.
Particularly entertaining is “If Momma Was Married” from Gypsy and “You Must Meet My Wife” from A Little Night Music. The hilarious “Can That Boy Foxtrot!”, sung by the girls, has the audience in stitches, and interesting to note it was originally cut from Follies as being a little too risqué at the time.
It’s in the solos that these excellent singers shine. Kimberly Yuzon‘s rendition of that familiar standard “Send in the Clowns” from A Little Night Music is wistful, emotional and heartfelt. The loneliness and need for love projected by Sarah Dolan in “Little Lamb” (Gypsy) is palpable and wrenching, while Martin Hong delivers “Losing My Mind” from Follies with emotional sincerity. The tour de force though, is Elizabeth MacGregor’s tongue-twisting rendition of “The Boy From…” (The Mad Show) which, while keeping the audience laughing, also provokes anxiety owing to its complex delivery.
In winding up, the cast delivers a medley of Sondheim’s best-known songs, many from West Side Story or shows not featured in this offering. Holding the whole show together is pianist Lindsay Partridge, clearly visible on stage throughout and providing note-perfect accompaniment for the singers.
The pervasive red and black used in both set (Michael Schell and Cian Byrne) and costume (Catherine MacKinnon), with copious sequins, lend a warm, nostalgic and very Hollywood ambience. A glitter curtain drops down occasionally to add an extra touch of glam. Posters projected on the back wall handily announce to which show the song belongs.
Stephen Sondheim’s prolific output has garnered swathes of awards, Tonys, Emmys and an Oscar – he could be said to have written the soundtrack to contemporary lives. If you love music theatre you should make seeing this excellent production a priority. You won’t regret it!
