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from
Music Theatre International...
Romantic and achingly beautiful in 3/4 waltz time, A Little Night
Music deals with the universal subject of love, in all its wondrous,
humorous and ironic permutations. In turn-of-the-century Sweden, middle-aged
Fredrik Egerman brings his 18 year old bride Anne to a play starring his
former mistress, Desirée Armfledt. Soon, Fredrik and Desirée
resume their romance, incurring the wrath of her current lover, a pompous
Count. The situation culminates in a weekend at a country estate, with
Fredrik, Anne, Desirée and the Count in attendance, as well as
Fredrik's son (who is hopelessly in love with Anne), Desirées illegitimate
daughter, the Count's manic-depressive wife and the Egerman's lusty maid.
And there, under the summer night, things are set to right.
Musical
Numbers include:
Night Waltz, Now, Later, Soon, The Glamorous Life, Remember?, You Must
Meet My Wife, Liaisons, In Praise Of Women, Every Day A Little Death,
A Weekend In the Country, The Sun Won't Set, It Would Have Been Wonderful,
Perpetual Anticipation, Send in the Clowns, The Miller's Son.
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Based
on world-renowned director Ingmar Bergmans film Smiles of Summer
Night, Sondheims A Little Night Music proves to show
historical accuracy and loyalty to Bergmans film. A story filled
with love triangles, it takes place in turn-of-the-century Sweden, a time
of great change due to massive amounts of immigration and the industrial
revolution. The summer solstice during which this show occurs carries
multiple superstitions with it, such as Madame Armfeldts infamous
words about the smiles of the summer night. Additional Swedish tradition
during this time of year had young girls place flowers under their pillows
in order for them to dream of their future husband; the dew on the night
also held special properties that could cure illness. Bergmans films
are famous for emotional struggles and he has been known as the poet of
"joy and pain" as well as giving an accurate and clear portrayal
of Swedish life. Sondheims rendition of Smiles of Summer Night
defiantly pays tribute to Bergmans legacy.
- Sarah Moeller, Dramaturg
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