Odyssey Theatre Ensemble presents THREE FACES OF STEVE: SONDHEIM IN CONCERT, a song compendium that spans the breadth of Stephen Sondheim’s music. As every theater-goer knows, Sondheim was an American composer and lyricist. He studied piano and organ and wrote his first musical when he was 15 years old with the encouragement and tutelage of Oscar Hammerstein II, a family friend. In 1962, he wrote both music and lyrics for A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, which won the Tony Award for best musical. He also earned Tonys for his work on Company (1971), Follies (1972), A Little Night Music (1973), Sweeney Todd (1979), Into the Woods (1987), and Passion (1994). In 1984, he also won the Pulitzer Prize for Sunday in the Park with George.
Barnardo Bermudez, Angelina Reaux, and Michael Sokol – Photo by Cooper Bates
The show touches upon many Sondheim’s classic contributions to theater, including Merrily We Roll Along, West Side Story, Into the Woods, Sweeney Todd, Gypsy, Follies, Company, Sunday in the Park with George, A Little Night Music, Company, Saturday Night, Anyone Can Whistle, Pacific Overtures, and The Mad Show. From serious to bouncy to humorous, Sondheim’s music reverberates through the rafters. Old favorites like “Send in the Clowns” alternate with cleverly cute ditties like “Can That Boy Foxtrot” to round out a full evening of Sondheim’s oeuvres.
William Ah Sing, Michael Sokol, Bernardo Bermudez, and Angelina Reaux – Photo by Cooper Bates
The “three faces” are three world class singers who warble, swing, and mix-and-match Sondheim’s special songs. Soprano and director Angelina Reaux personally knew and worked with Sondheim (with a couple of funny personal and poignant tales of their encounter), most notably as the Beggarwoman in Sweeny Todd. Reaux is perhaps best known for her collaborations with Leonard Bernstein and her association with the music of Kurt Weill and has had a long and acclaimed career worldwide in theater and opera. Baritone Michael Sokol is an opera singer and actor who has appeared at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, as well as the Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago. Bari-tenor Bernardo Bermudez has performed leading roles in new operas throughout the U.S. and has appeared with both Los Angeles Opera and San Diego Opera. To cap off the show, William Ah Sing accompanies the vocalists on piano with flair and gusto.
Michael Sokol and Angelina Reaux – Photo by Cooper Bates
Together, the three maestros sing solos, duets, and trios from 14 of Sondheim’s classic stage works. The stage is simple, as it should be, with the focus on Sondheim’s lyrics and the three powerful singers who interpret them. This is a production tailor-made for Sondheim aficionados – but it will also entertain music lovers everywhere with its dazzling songs and stunning presentation.
William Ah Sing – Photo by Cooper Bates
THREE FACES OF STEVE runs through September 29, 2024, with performances at 8 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays and at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Sundays. The Odyssey Theatre is located at 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025. Tickets are $40 (Thursdays and Fridays) and $45 (Saturdays and Sundays). For information and reservations, call 310-477-2055 or go online.
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