SFA presents 'Side by Side by Sondheim,' a musical revue

The cast of Stephen F. Austin State University's production of "Side by Side by Sondheim" rehearse the song "Pretty Lady" from Sondheim's musical "Pacific Overtures." Pictured, from left, are Nacogdoches senior Kathryn Knight, Dallas senior Margaret Lewis, League City senior Rebecca Mersinger and Houston junior Justin Hughes.

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - Songs from Broadway shows such as "West Side Story," "Company" "Follies" and "A Little Night Music" are included in "Side by Side by Sondheim," which the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Theatre will present at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 9, and Saturday, July 10, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 11, in W.M. Turner Auditorium. The musical revue is part of the School of Theatre's summer season.

Within the two-act musical revue, three vocalists-Houston junior Justin Hughes, Nacogdoches senior Kathryn Knight and League City senior Rebecca Mersinger-present 29 musical numbers from Stephen Sondheim's early Broadway shows, including those he wrote in collaboration with other acclaimed composers such as Leonard Bernstein, Jule Styne and Richard Rodgers.

Dallas senior Margaret Lewis, who serves as the show's narrator, weaves the musical selections together with background information about the songs and the shows from which they came.

"Audience members will enjoy hearing the familiar tunes and even learning about those that never made it to the stage," said SFA alumna Tabitha Cahanin who serves as the summer season's company manager. "The cast has had a great time learning the wide range of genres the show includes."

"Side by Side by Sondheim," which is directed by SFA Professor of Theatre Alan Nielsen, will be presented for the final times at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, July 16, and at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 17. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for seniors and students. The script contains some adult language.

SFA's summer theatre season also includes Constance Congdon's "Beauty and the Beast," which will be presented at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, July 7, and Thursday, July 8; at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 13; and at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 14. All seats are $6 for individuals and $5 each for groups of 20 or more.

For tickets or more information, please visit www.finearts.sfasu.edu or call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS.