Dot By Dot By Sondheim

I love Dorothy Parker and I love Stephen Sondheim, so presumably if both were combined in a cabaret production I’d be extremely happy.

Colin and I found out about this production while attending a terrific play at The Stables called Strangers In Between. During intermission we got to chatting with a woman who was in the show called Buster Skeggs who seemed absolutely lovely. We exchanged cards and a few days later a brochure for the production arrived.

The basic premise for this production was that the words (and wit) of Sondheim and Parker would combine well to construct a narrative about a couple before and after their marriage.

Like Sondheim, Parker, who famously attempted and then committed suicide…

Razors pain you;
Rivers are damp;
Acids stain you;
And drugs cause cramp.
Guns aren’t lawful;
Nooses give;
Gas smells awful;
You might as well live.

has work which ranges the gamut of emotions… though not as she famously said, “the gamut of emotions from A to B”.

Sondheim also has work which ranges from the beautiful “Another Hundred People” which I’ve loved since I first heard it sung by Jodie Gillies to the terrific spoof on “The Girl From Ipanema” called “The Boy From … a little Spanish town called Tacarimba La Tumba Del Fuego Santa Maliga Sacategas Lo Onto Del Sol Y Cruz.”

The vocal performances ranged from ok to excellent… this show worked in so many ways.