After performing in the original cast of Sweeney Todd in 1979, actor Craig Lucas
finally got the opportunity a couple of years later to create his own cabaret
show. His idea? To take a number of unpublished and unheard
songs from Sondheim’s back catalogue into a revue-style show with a loose
narrative. The result was Marry Me A Little. After Lucas requested permission from the
composer, Sondheim replied “Well, I think that it’s a terrible idea, but go
ahead”. Thankfully he did.
The show really is a celebration of Sondheim’s music,
comprising hidden gems and clever songwriting.
The narrative is vague, detailing the breakdown of a relationship
between a man and a woman. The two
characters exist within one space, their stories overlapping as they drift in
and out of each other’s lives. It’s a
typically abstract construct, proving Sondheim’s uncanny ability to capture
love, relationships and human emotion in musical form. The opening Two Fairy Tales cleverly juxtaposes two contrasting views in its
fragmented lyrics; witty wordplay is in abundance, particularly in the amusing Can That Boy Foxtrot!; and throughout,
the songs are full of masterful storytelling, music and drama in perfect
symbiosis. It’s a well-rounded selection
of songs too, exploring lust, love, sexual tension, laughter and heartbreak.
With just two performers and complex music it’s a demanding
sing, but Laura Pitt-Pulford and Simon Bailey are exquisite. Bailey’s soft vocal is full of character, his
natural performance utterly convincing and in total contrast to his last West End role as Liam in I Can't Sing.
Pitt-Pulford, meanwhile, has a stunning voice ranging from a delicate
soprano to rich jazzy tones. Together
their chemistry is believable, drawing us into their relationship through the raw honesty of their performances and the music. Director Hannah
Chissick and designer Simon Anthony Wells have provided plenty of modern
touches, with a contemporary apartment set and inspired use of props such as
the couple playing Wii golf during Pour
Le Sport rather than being on an actual golf course.
Indeed, it’s the timelessness of Sondheim’s music that’s
apparent above all. The songs still work
dramatically as standalone numbers taken out of their original context, as well
as fitting into the loose narrative, whilst the universal themes are relevant
to every generation. This intimate show is not to be missed.
4/5
Watch: Marry Me A Little runs until 10th August at the St. James Studio Theatre.