Contra Costa Civic Theatre Presents “Sondheim on Sondheim” - A Sensational Theatrical Tribute to the Legendary Composer

     Contra Costa Civic Theatre (CCCT) will launch its 2023-24 season with Sondheim on Sondheim, a captivating musical revue that delves into the life and artistry of one of the greatest composers in American musical theater history, Stephen Sondheim, from August 25 through September 10. 

     This is an intimate portrait of the famed songwriter in his own words… and music. Through the use of exclusive interview footage, audiences will get an inside look at the personal life and artistic process of famed composer, Stephen Sondheim.

     His story. His inspiration. His genius. The tapestry of creativity that characterizes Stephen Sondheim remained largely undiscussed, especially by the man himself, until the creation of Sondheim on Sondheim. Ranging from the beloved to the obscure, the carefully selected two-dozen songs hang from a framework of in-depth video interviews, delving into Sondheim’s personal life and artistic process. Far from the typical song cycle, Sondheim on Sondheim has massive theatrical potency, as well as inarguable staying power. The incomparable James Lapine brilliantly curated a collection of songs that have been masterfully arranged by David Loud.

     Conceived and originally directed by James Lapine, with new orchestrations by Michael Starobin, arrangements by David Loud, and video design by Peter Flaherty, Sondheim on Sondheim weaves together timeless melodies and thought-provoking lyrics with interviews, personal anecdotes, and video clips of the composer himself. Sondheim on Sondheim creates an intimate and revealing portrait of his creative journey from his early days as a protégé of Oscar Hammerstein II to his groundbreaking works such as "Company," "Sweeney Todd," and "Into the Woods."

     This Bay Area premiere production is directed by Marilyn Langbehn, now in her eleventh and final season as CCCT’s Executive Artistic Director.

     Music direction for Sondheim on Sondheim is by Armando Fox, who also served as music director of CCCT’s Camelot, Home for the Holidays, and In the Heights. Anne Yumi Kobori, who recently played “Simca” in To Master the Art and “Peggy Maruyama” in Allegiance, will choreograph.  

      “I am thrilled to embark on this extraordinary journey, bringing the iconic works of Stephen Sondheim to life in a truly immersive and captivating experience,” said director Marilyn Langbehn. “Not only do we get his glorious music—played by some of the best musicians in the Bay Area and sung by a director’s dream of a cast—but we get the man himself guiding us through his thought process as he created some of the best music ever written. I can’t wait to share this with our audience!”

     CCCT’s production features a mix of old friends and soon-to-be favorites: Stephen Barrett, Faustino Cadiz, Matt Gibson, Kate Huizinga, Alexis Lane Jensen, LaMont Ridgell, Brenna Sammon, and Susan Tonkin.

     Sondheim on Sondheim runs from August 25 through September 10. Tickets range from $10-$40, and are available on the theatre’s website at ccct.org. All performances take place in-person at the theatre, 951 Pomona Ave (cross street Moeser) in El Cerrito, CA. Free parking is available in the adjoining lot and on the street.