‘Side by Side by Sondheim’ set for UWSP stage in Stevens Point, Wausau

Experience the wit and depth of Tony Award-winning composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim’s most iconic works at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point next month.

“Side by Side by Sondheim,” celebrating one of musical theatre’s most influential artist, will be staged in the Studio Theatre of the Noel Fine Arts Center, 1800 Portage St., Stevens Point. Shows are at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 4 and 5, and Oct. 10-12, with matinees at 2 p.m. on Oct. 6 and Oct. 12.

Performances will also be held at the UWSP at Wausau James F. Veninga Theater, 625 Stewart Ave., Wausau, at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 18 and 19, with a matinee at 2 p.m. Oct. 20.

Tickets are $27 for adults, $24 for seniors and UW-Stevens Point faculty and staff, and $16 for youths. Tickets will be available for purchase at tickets.uwsp.edu, by calling 715-346-4100 or by visiting the Information and Tickets Office in the Dreyfus University Center in Stevens Point.

The musical strings together a collection of some of Sondheim’s most notable pieces. It explores the first part of his musical career and showcases an overview of his early efforts which are filled with humor and heart.

“Stephen Sondheim has been a huge part of culture, even when he wasn’t widely recognized as the ground-breaking songwriter that many consider him to be today,” said Professor Mark Hanson, musical theatre, the show’s director. He hopes to entertain audiences with familiar songs while leaving the opportunity to discover some of his more obscure work.

San Francisco-based artist Jacqueline De Muro will be a featured guest and share the stage with a cast of UWSP musical theatre students. De Muro has been performing for audiences for more than 30 years. Hanson said her charm will have you fully immersed in the production.

“While Sondheim was a genius,” said De Muro, “the greatest gift he gives to an audience, and what we hope to bring to this show, is a fun-filled night of live entertainment.”

De Muro will also perform her cabaret show “Under the Influence” at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 8 in the Studio Theatre. Proceeds from this performance will benefit the UWSP Theatre and Dance Student Scholarship Fund and will feature four student guest performers. These tickets are also available online.

Source: UW-Stevens Point.