A musical theatre gem

He passed away on November 26, 2021, at the age of 91. Stephen SondheimAnd hours later, a large group of theater people, friends, and the public gathered in Central Park and sang. Sunday in the park with GeorgeThe piece was performed by six voices in the final part of a heartwarming and playful evening honoring the great American composer at La Fàbrica theater in Barcelona. Mario Gas skillfully conducted a recital featuring songs from three of the works he himself has conducted, with some additions like the one mentioned above, but omitting perhaps better-known pieces in favor of a broad and committed perspective that, with minimal effort, portrays the feelings and experiences of a multitude of characters.In a little night music either Sweeney Todd And, of course, the old actors and actresses gathered in FolliasAs Sondheim's guide, Gas introduces the context of each song in a journey from the supposed romanticism in the tempo of waltzesIn a little night music going through the gore of Sweeney Todd (which Antonio Banderas is announcing a production he will star in) until it culminates in the endearing hall musician of Follias (which was only seen at the Peralada Festival after selling out in Madrid) that occupies a good part of the show. With Sweeney ToddGas allows himself a joke, pointing out the wickedness of Judge Turpin, which the audience, aware of the mess created by the Spanish Supreme Court, laughs heartily at.

The proposal moves along with lightness and humor thanks to the magnificent histrionics of Vicky Peña in Near the sea and in the no less magnificent Pep Molina with Buddy blues, the comic irony of Everything would be better. (with the capable Xavier Ribera-Vall and Xavier Fernández), the charming elegance ofYou drive me crazy (the splendid Muntsa Rius), the stage coquetry with which Teresa Vallicrosa recreates Here you have to end with a very timely warning: The children listen, ofInto the woodsand the reading by the director of the hopeful Somewhere from the legendary musical West Side Story "Because we will find a new way of living." It's worth noting that the lyrics are crystal clear and the delicate musical performance perfectly complements the vocals. A truly exquisite piece of musical theater, highly recommended even for those who aren't usually fans of musicals.