The San Diego Symphony delivered a night of sheer enchantment on Friday, August 23rd, with Sondheim Tonight! A Celebration of Genius. Held at the stunning Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, this concert was nothing short of magical, with the Symphony’s remarkable adaptability on full display as they navigated Sondheim’s intricate and emotionally resonant compositions. The venue, an architectural marvel in the heart of San Diego’s waterfront, provided a breathtaking backdrop, enhancing the overall experience of the evening.
The musical journey was expertly guided by conductor Rob Fisher, a luminary in the world of Broadway who brought his vast experience and passion to the stage. Fisher’s direction was as seamless as it was inspired, and while Gary Griffin directed the revue, the minimalist approach—eschewing props and staging—placed the focus squarely on the music and the performers.
The repertoire for the evening was a carefully curated selection of Sondheim’s works, focusing exclusively on pieces where both music and lyrics were penned by the maestro himself. This meant no Gypsy or West Side Story, but instead, audiences were treated to gems from Follies, Sweeney Todd, Merrily We Roll Along, A Little Night Music, Sunday In the Park with George, Anyone Can Whistle, Company, A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the Forum, and the lesser-known Saturday Night.
The evening featured four extraordinary vocalists who brought their unique talents to the stage.
Santino Fontana, a Tony Award winner, showcased his exceptional range with standout performances of “Buddy’s Blues” from Follies and the rapid-fire “I’m Calm” from A Funny Thing… His ability to blend sharp comedic timing with deep emotional resonance was a testament to his versatility.
Amy Owens, with her crystal-clear soprano, brought a poignant depth to “One More Kiss” from Follies and “Children Will Listen” from Into the Woods. Her voice soared with operatic precision, capturing the pathos of Sondheim’s lyrics and melodies with breathtaking clarity.
Broadway veteran Emily Skinner lent her rich voice and impeccable comic timing to “Broadway Baby” from Follies and “What More Do I Need?” from Saturday Night. Skinner’s stage presence was magnetic, drawing the audience into each performance with ease.
Tony Yazbeck, a triple threat and Tony nominee, delivered a jaw-dropping 7 ½ minute version of “The Right Girl”, complete with a virtuoso tap routine that left the audience breathless. His dynamic performance was a nod to Michael Bennett’s original unfulfilled vision for the number, realized with the kind of energy and flair that only Yazbeck can deliver.
The evening’s special guest, the legendary Len Cariou, at 84 years old, received the biggest applause of the night. Sharing stories from his time starring in Sweeney Todd and A Little Night Music, Cariou captivated the audience with his performances of “Send in the Clowns” and “Anyone Can Whistle”. Despite the natural effects of age on his voice, his interpretations were as mesmerizing as ever, particularly when he joined Emily Skinner for the classic “A Little Priest” duet from Sweeney Todd.
In group numbers such as “Sunday” from Sunday in the Park with George, “Side by Side” from Company, and “A Weekend in the Country” from A Little Night Music, the Broadway stars were joined by Sarah Hernandez, Cody Ingram, Nole Jones, Kimberly Moller, and Sophia Perez, current students and alumni of San Diego State. While these young performers showed proficiency, their presence was somewhat overshadowed by the seasoned Broadway professionals, leaving one to wonder if local Southern California talent might have been a better match.
The Symphony itself shone in two instrumental showcases: the “Sweeney Todd Suite” and “Comedy Tonight” from A Funny Thing… Broadway pianist Evan Roider, who also accompanied Len Cariou, added an additional layer of brilliance to the evening’s performances.
The night was a resounding success, a beautiful tribute to Sondheim’s genius, and a reminder of the enduring power of live music. It was a performance that left the audience on their feet, offering a well-deserved standing ovation to the extraordinary talent on display.
photos by Michael M. Landman-Karny
