Seton Hill Theatre Program Presents “Side By Side by Sondheim” 4/25 - 5/3
Many of Stephen Sondheim’s early musicals met with mixed responses from critics and audiences alike. But his lyrics were already a success in the hits “Gypsy” and “West Side Story.” He continued to gain a ferocious following with his Tony-winning musicals “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” “Sweeney Todd,” “A Little Night Music,” “Into the Woods,” and others, many of which have enjoyed recent Broadway revivals. With the best hits from his hit shows like “Company,” and “Follies,” this revue-styled musical will send everyone home singing Sondheim’s tunes and praises. His sophisticated and stirring music and lyrics capture the intricacies of relationships and the struggle of the human spirit. Don’t worry, there are plenty of funny - in fact, hilarious - moments as Sondheim’s opening lyrics promise: “something for everyone – a comedy tonight.”
The Seton Hill student cast of “Side By Side by Sondheim” includes Jeffrey Gettemy of Latrobe, Pa.; Adriana Gissendanner of Clairton, Pa.; Matt Henderson of Irwin, Pa.; Laura Stracko of Nazareth, Pa.; and Darcy Wood of Orlando, Fl.
The Seton Hill student technical staff includes Laura Barron of Grove City, Pa. as stage manager; Chelsea Bloam of St. Marys, Pa., and Nate Errett of North Huntingdon, Pa. as assistant stage managers; Natalie Moretti of Cheswick, Pa., as assistant choreographer; and Jamie Torres of Conemaugh, Pa. as assistant director.
“Side by Side by Sondheim” features lyrics and music by Stephen Sondheim, and music by Jule Styne, Leonard Bernstein, Mary Rodgers, and Richard Rodgers. Continuity is by Ned Sherrin. Seton Hill Theatre’s performance of “Side by Side by Sondheim” is directed by Dr. Terry Brino-Dean, director of the Seton Hill theatre program. Tamara Swank, assistant professor of theatre and co-coordinator of the Seton Hill University Dance Academy, is choreographer. Jim Overly is music director; Karen Glass, assistant professor of theatre, is scene designer; Ken Clothier, theatre technical director, is lighting designer; and Susan O’Neill, adjunct instructor of theatre, is costume designer for “Side by Side by Sondheim.”
Performances: April 25 – 10:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., April 26 – 8:00 p.m., April 27 – 2:00 p.m., April 29 – 10:30 a.m., May 1, 2, and 3 – 8:00 p.m.
Ticket and Venue Information: All performances are in Reeves Theatre, ground floor, Reeves Memorial Library on Seton Hill’s campus. Seton Hill University is located on Route 130 West in Greensburg, Pa. Reeves Theatre is a disabled accessible and climate-controlled facility. Parking is free. Single admission tickets are $12 for all ages, all performances. Single admission for Seton Hill students is $5. Groups of 16 or more, with reservations and advance payment, are $10 each. Student rush tickets (available five minutes before curtain to any student with a valid school ID) are $5, subject to availability. Order tickets by phone: 724-838-4241, by e-mail: boxoffice@setonhill.edu or by mail: Theatre Box Office, Seton Hill University, Box 492, 1 Seton Hill Drive, Greensburg, PA 15601-1599. To purchase tickets online go to www.zaptix.com , click on Pennsylvania, then select Seton Hill University Theatre.
The Seton Hill University Theatre Program has a long history of educating theatre majors for careers in the professional theatre while playing a vital role in the educational life of the campus. Seton Hill’s Theatre Program offers four full-length productions (as well as a number of shorter works) each year that generate audiences of over 3,500 and speak to topics addressed in courses across Seton Hill’s curriculum. For more information on the Theatre Program at Seton Hill, please visit www.setonhill.edu or call 724-830-0300.