Putting It Together

PUTTING IT TOGETHER was another valentine to the musical genius of Stephen Sondheim, the best composer working in the musical theater today. Nobody can craft a tapestry of words the way Sondheim can. This is maybe the 4th or 5th musical revue based on his music but this one is a little different because each performer is assigned a thumbnail character to base the songs on and the characters are supposedly at a cocktail party when the songs are performed. The cast is sublime, led by the incomparable Carol Burnett, a gifted actress and comedienne that a lot of people forget is an amazing singer and skillful musician. She puts her own stamp on Sondheim classics like "The Ladies who Lunch", "Getting Married Today", and "Every Day a Little Death", which she duets on with Henshall. Burnett commands the stage and when she is on, you don't notice anybody else, except maybe George Hearn, the ultimate interpreter of Sondheim, having played SWEENEY TODD and Ben in the concert version of FOLLIES. His rich baritone effectively serves songs like "The Road You Didn't Take" from FOLLIES, "Good Thing Going" from MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG and his duet with Harrowman, "Pretty Women" from SWEENEY TODD. Harrowman scores with a song cut from COMPANY called "Marry Me a Little" and Henshall shines performing two songs from the movie DICK TRACY...the Oscar winning "Sooner or Later" and "More", as well as "LOVELY" from A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM. But the biggest surprise for this reviewer was Bronson Pinchot, who I had no idea was so adept at musical comedy. He serves as narrator/host for the show and opens the show with a funny song, which I believe is also from FORUM, which instructs the audience on how to behave. He is very funny dueting with Burnett on "Everybody out to have a Maid" from FORUM and brings down the house with "Buddy's Blues" from FOLLIES. And Sondheim's five part arrangement of "Being Alive" from COMPANY is just spectacular. This show is not for everyone, but if you're a fan of musical theater in general and Sondheim in particular, this show is a must-see event.

Carol Bunett!

George Hearn!

Bronson Pinchot!

'Nuf said!

"Putting In Together" ,a tribute to the music and lyrics of the great Broadway writer Stephen Sondheim is so good,yet it only scratches the surface of his vast work. With the outstanding cast assembled for this review one wishes it could go on forever! It can't,but what we have are some wonderful actor/singers interpreting some of Sondheim's most brilliant songs.With a cast that includes Broadway Legend George Hearn, Comedianne Extrordaniare Carol Burnett and London's First Lady of The Musical Stage Ruthie Henshall you can miss. Hearn is dynamic and engaging,particularly in "Hello Little Girl","The Road You Didn't Take" and "Country house" (the latter sung and acted with Burnett). Burnett herself scores comedic high marks with "Could I Leave You" and "Ladies Who Lunch",in both of the songs she bring a unique blend of humor and pathos. The lovely,talented and sexy Ruthie Henshall sets the stage afire with "Sooner or Later" and her highly charged dance in the "Bang!" number. Bronson Pinchot and John Barrowman add their talented support as well. Sonheim's music works on so many levels..its introspective,touching,emotional and fun. This review is a great way to relive his work if you are a fan, or to get familiar with it if you are a newcomer. With a cast this good you can't go wrong!

This is the best filmed performance of a Broadway show that I've seen since Victor/Victoria. The music is fantastic, the story is what it needs to be, the performances are remarkable. Of course, I've always been a fan of John Barrowman, I think he was probably the best performer on the stage, with the exception, of course, to the great Carol Burnett. This was her show, even with Barrowman, Henshall, and Hearn, she made this her own. She is funny, but at the same time, I think a lot of people might be surprised at her incredible ability to truly act. The seriousness she provides in some of her songs is absolutely stunning and heart wrenching. My favorite song in the show was "Unworthy of your Love" I was very happy that they added that song to the show. However, I must say that I was a little disappointed in the changes in plot and songs. The original, with Julie Andrews, had a really great plot point where all of the guests at the cocktail party play games, and through the games, they are able to sing the songs connecting with the answers they gave to certain questions, and there were so many good songs that came out of it, among them, Love Takes Time, A Little Priest, The Gun Song, The Miller's Son, Sorry-Grateful, Remember, Impossible, and so many others that were switched out for other, not quite as good songs such as Ladies Who Lunch, More, It's Hot in Here, The Road You Didn't Take, There's Always a Woman, Buddy's Blues, and Good Thing Going. Still, great performances that will change your life.

Putting It Together has a wonderful cast of singer/actors. It is a funny piece of work that is fun to watch and very enjoyable. Now I can't just give applause to Carol Burnett for her performance, but to the rest of the actors:John Barrowman(The Fix, Sunset Boulevard, Miss Saigon), George Hearn, Ruthie Henshall(TAC Les Miserables, Hey, Mr. Producer!, She Loves Me, Chicago), and Bronson Pinchot(The Langoliers). All these actors make a wonderful performance. They hold their act together until...(well I won't give it away to those who've not seen it). All of these actors have great voices. This performance is undescribable. It is absolutely wonderful to watch. I recommend this to those who enjoy theatre or Stephen Sondheim. EponineFantine.