Sondheim: A Celebration in Song
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Director's Note
The death of Stephen Sondheim last November was a painful blow to the music and theatre communities. I heard about it via Facebook, and did what I am sure many other singers did: I opened up YouTube and located instrumental backing tracks for some of my favorite songs, and then sang them. But, though we are sad that there will not be another Sondheim musical, we are grateful for his life, his artistry, and the incredible impact he has had on musical theatre.
Sondheim's music can be tricky and challenging, but always in clever and interesting ways. Pianist Paul Erickson and I discussed the possibility of a Sondheim tribute late last semester, and I thought it was the perfect fit for our students in a semester where we had scheduling challenges that made it impossible to put on a full opera.
Our singers have learned and grown so much from interpreting his music and lyrics, and from diving into some really fascinating psychological landscapes. This performance is dedicated to Mr. Sondheim with profound gratitude for all he has given us, and given the world.
Ellen Denham
TAMU-CC Opera Presents
Sondheim: A Celebration in Song
Dr. Ellen Denham, Director
Mr. Paul Erickson, Collaborative Pianist
Program
Welcome
Invocation and Instructions to the Audience (from The Frogs)
Full Cast
Into the Woods
On the Steps of the Palace
Giants in the Sky
Jessica Valdez, soprano
Sammy Buentello, baritone
Sweeney Todd
Green Finch and Linnet Bird
Johanna
Erika Pompa, soprano
Nathaniel Askey, tenor
The Edge of Reason
Losing my Mind (from Follies)
Ellen Denham, soprano
Everybody Says Don’t (from Anyone Can Whistle)
Sammy Buentello, baritone
Staged by Jessica Valdez
Not a Day Goes By (from Merrily We Roll Along)
Carolina Salinas, soprano
Take Me to the World (from Evening Primrose)
Jessica Valdez, soprano
Nathaniel Askey, tenor