‘Putting it Together’ Sondheim Revue Soars in LA

Stephen Sondheim is one of the prolific names in musical theater. His music is not only iconic, notoriously tough to perform. However, the talented team behind Foster Cat Production’s Putting it Together makes it look deceptively easy in their latest theatrical outing. Directed by Foster Cat co-founder Harry White, this revue of Sondheim’s most memorable tunes is sure to delight everyone who has the good fortune of seeing it.

Putting it Together Stuffed with Sondheim’s Most Memorable Songs

Unlike a traditional musical with a clear, linear plot, Putting it Together focuses on the music. It loosely follows two nameless couples as they reflect on the complexities of modern relationships while a narrator observes. There’s something for everyone in Putting It Together, whether you’re a Sondheim aficionado or know next to nothing about the composer. Drawing from beloved musicals such as Into the Woods, Company, Merrily We Roll Along, Sweeney Todd, and more, the revue is a musical tour-de-force.

It’s a daunting task for any performer to sing for nearly two hours straight, yet the cast and superhuman accompanist Jan Roper rise to the occasion. It’s impossible to pick a standout performer among the five cast members, each adapting to each new song and shifting perspectives with deftness and grace. Given that Sondheim’s songs are all taken out of their original context in Putting it Together, making the musical feel coherent presents an acting challenge for its performers as much as a musical one. The performers welcome the challenge. While there may be next to no dialogue in Putting it Together, one leaves with the satisfaction of being told a compelling story.

A Talented Team Rises to the Challenge

With such a talented cast, it’s a good thing that Putting it Together offers each performer a standout number. Jackie Bonsignore makes the audience’s collective heart race with an irresistable rendition of “Sooner or Later” from Dick Tracy. On the other hand, Harry White tugs their heartstrings with his performance of “The Road You Didn’t Take” from Follies. His brother and Foster Cat Productions co-founder Elliot White channels a romantic leading man with Company’s “Marry Me a Little.” It allows Eden Russo to leave spectators breathless with the famously fast-paced counterpoint “Not Getting Married Today” from the same musical.

While the narrator Will Fulginiti does a remarkable job of coaxing the audience in the world of Putting it Together with “Invocation and Instructions” from Sondheim’s lesser known The Frogs, it’s his half of the “Everybody Ought to Have a Maid” that has viewers hunched over their chairs laughing. One must commend Harry White’s brilliant staging as well. This reviewer’s most memorable number from the revue is undoubtedly Jonathan Tunick’s hauntingly beautiful arrangement of “Being Alive” which features the entire cast.

Only 2 More Chances to see Putting it Together

Coming off of a sold-out run of their last production “Power Plays” at the Groundlings in August, it’s clear that Foster Cat Productions is cementing itself as a company to watch on the LA theatre scene.

Putting it Together has two more performances on Saturday 10/5 at 8 PM and Sunday 10/6 at 1 PM at the Broadwater Mainstage in Hollywood. Purchase tickets HERE.