KENNESAW, Ga. | Mar 19, 2025

"No One is Alone" in this collaborative production featuring the Department of Theatre and Performance Studies and the Dr. Bobbie Bailey School of Music

KENNESAW, Ga. | March 19, 2025

The Robert S. Geer College of the Arts (GCA) is thrilled to announce a special production of Sondheim on Sondheim, a symphonic revue celebrating the timeless music and lyrics of Stephen Sondheim, from Friday, April 11, to Sunday, April 13. This unique performance will feature members of the Dr. Bobbie Bailey School of Music (BSOM) Symphony Orchestra and Opera Theatre, and the Department of Theatre and Performance Studies (TPS) musical theatre students. 

About the Show 
Sondheim on Sondheim is a revue showcasing some of Sondheim’s most beautiful music. Amanda Wansa Morgan, the show’s director, elaborates, “Think of it like a variety show of the hits; or, in this case, some of the beautiful, lesser-known gems.” This symphonic version, designed for a full symphony orchestra, includes musical numbers from Sondheim’s entire repertoire, accompanied by video interviews with Sondheim himself. The show promises a spectacular blend of live music, video, and lighting design. Nathaniel F. Parker, conductor, says, “I think the whole concept is really unique: a ‘live’ performance of Stephen Sondheim narrating the performance of a revue from many of the great musicals by Stephen Sondheim. In some ways, the show is simultaneously a spoken and musical biography of Sondheim.” 

Collaboration Highlights 
The collaboration between TPS and BSOM has brought together an incredibly talented group of students and faculty. All of GCA's resources are being utilized: from the beautiful Morgan Concert Hall to the expertise of the TPS production and design faculty, staff, and students, this show is being brought to life in a spectacular fashion. “Bringing together the Department of Theatre and Performance Studies, Opera Theatre, and Symphony Orchestra seems like a huge undertaking—and it is—but it has been a very smooth process, and I know the resulting performances will be outstanding,” says Parker. 

Unique Elements 
This symphonic version of Sondheim on Sondheim has only been performed a handful of times due to its scale. Most theaters usually can only afford to do the version that features a cast of eight and a band of seven. However, that’s not the case with this production! Joshua Zink the music director for the performance, highlights, "Unlike a traditional musical or opera production, the entire orchestra and cast will be onstage simultaneously rather than in an orchestra pit. Visually, the audience can expect 100 people on stage!" The production will feature a full symphony orchestra on stage, a video wall showcasing interviews with Sondheim, and lighting design by TPS lighting design professor Hernando Claros-Velasco. The audience can expect a visually and aurally stunning experience.

Timeless Relevance 
Sondheim’s work continues to resonate with audiences today due to his ability to tap into the human experience. Wansa Morgan explains, "Sondheim had the unique skill of tapping into so many elements of the human experience – some of which he knew about firsthand and some of which he connected to sympathetically. He wrote beautiful, timely lyrics about loneliness, love, joy, parenting, and everything in between."

Standout Moments 
The show will feature standout performances such as a beautiful vocal arrangement of “Something’s Coming” by eight BSOM Opera Theatre students, and full-cast arrangements of “Sunday” from Sunday in the Park with George and “Children Will Listen” from Into the Woods. Zink shares, "As the music director, I’ve always had a soft spot for 'Sunday.' It evokes aspects of humanity we all share. We all make choices and mistakes but can start a blank canvas at any moment."

Audience Takeaway 
The themes of collaboration and vulnerability are central to this production. Through Sondheim’s interviews, the audience will gain an intimate look at his creative process. Wansa Morgan says, "The main themes of this show are collaboration and the vulnerability of creating something. Since the interviews with Sondheim are about his process in writing these shows, it’s an intimate look at how vulnerable writing and creating can be."  

Celebrating Collaboration and Creativity 
Join us for a magical weekend of performances, showcasing the incredible talents of the faculty, staff, and students from the GCA. This production is a testament to the incredible talent and collegiality within our community.

Tickets are available online or by calling 470-578-6650.

Please be advised: This performance contains mature content and explicit language.

--Brooke Marier 

CREDITS:

Sondheim on Sondheim is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
 
Sondheim on Sondheim: Symphonic Version 
Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim 
Conceived and Directed on Broadway by James Lapine 
 
Inspired by a concept by David Keman 
Originally produced on Broadway by Roundabout Theatre Company: Todd Haimes, Artistic Director; Harold Wolpert, Managing Director; Julia C. Levy, Executive Director