Sondheim Returns for Meredith Ensemble Theatre Spring Musical
Meredith Ensemble Theatre will present Stephen Sondheim’s “A Little Night Music” this month, marking the first Meredith College production of the musical theatre legend’s work in six years.
The performance dates are February 12-17 at 8 p.m. and February 16 at 3 p.m. in Jones Auditorium.
“We selected ‘A Little Night Music’ for this season in order to offer our students a challenge and to expose them to the greatness that is Stephen Sondheim,” Director of Theatre Catherine Rodgers said. “We had not mounted a Sondheim production since 2006 when we produced ‘Into the Woods’ and thought that this generation of Meredith theatre and music majors needed to reap the benefits of working on one of his shows.”
Rodgers said Sondheim presents an opportunity for Meredith theatre students to grow, a process she is enjoying as the show’s director.
“Students gain a lot of confidence once they have mastered Sondheim. He is definitely the gold standard of musical theatre, but not always kind to actors/singers,” Rodgers said. “There are many difficult musical numbers in ‘A Little Night Music’ and our students are definitely having to step up their games in order to be successful. Sondheim sets the bar high, but our Meredith women are smart and talented enough to meet his challenge.”
Along with Rodgers, several other faculty and staff are contributing to the production’s success. Assistant Professor of Music Jim Waddelow is musical director, Professor of Music Kent Lyman is accompanist, Dance Instructor Cindy Hoban is choreographer, Assistant Professor of Theatre Lex Van Blommestein is scenic designer and Theatre Instructor LeGrande Smith is costume designer. Meredith Events staff members Jim Frick and Brian Hunt are serving as lighting designer and sound designer for the production.
“I think we have created a sophisticated, lovely Valentine for the Meredith community mounting this show and we hope that everyone will support our hard work by coming to see it,” Rodgers said.
Tickets: Tickets are free to Meredith students, faculty and staff. For reservations contact the box office at (919) 760-2840 or boxoffice@meredith.edu. Note: Contains mature language and subject matter.
In this Issue:
Women's Equality Leader Bernice Sandler to Speak February 20
Daisy Trade Too Supports Meredith Students in Need
Sondheim Returns for Meredith Ensemble Theatre Spring Musical
Angel Pride in the Faculty and Staff Giving Initiative
Athletics Update: Basketball Winds Down, Lacrosse and Softball Rev Up, and More
Have you presented research or attended a professional meeting recently? Has your department earned an award? Share news of these accomplishments and more with the Meredith community. Faculty and staff are invited to email items to Melyssa Allen, “Campus Connections” editor, at allenme@meredith.edu.