TheatreWorks Silicon Valley Presents “Being Alive: A Sondheim Celebration”

By Ron Friedenthal

     The legacy of Stephen Sondheim’s music will endure forever. One of Broadway’s greatest composers, his compositions created a vast and legendary catalogue of work. Now, TheatreWorks’ latest production, “Being Alive: A Sondheim Celebration,” currently performing through June 30, 2024, takes the Sondheim themes of love and human relationship, and presents the storyline to the audience interweaving the many aspects of human relationships through song.

     Featuring a cast of six, who play a variety of roles, they expertly explore the themes of love, loss, heartbreak and triumph. The acting and singing is superb, which makes this production outstanding. The audience reaction was extremely positive after each of the 30-plus songs were completed, with as resounding standing ovation as the curtain fell. Many of the more easily recognizable songs from Sondheim’s popular shows included those from ‘Into the Woods,” “A Little Night Music,” “Sunday in the Park with George,” etc.

     Anne Tolpegin makes her TheatreWorks debut as Lena. Also making her TheatreWorks debut is Solona Husband, who plays Sally, and Sleiman Alahmadieh, taking on the role of George. Nick Nakashima returns to TheatreWorks as Gene while Melissa WolfKlain takes on the role of Helen. Noel Anthony Escobar plays Ben.

     Obviously, it is difficult to present Sondheim’s tremendous body of works in a short period of time. However, I feel that not only does this production gives me a better understanding of the composer, but also an appreciation of how much Sondheim has given to all of us with his unforgettable musical numbers.

     I highly recommend seeing this excellent and engaging stage production which is a loving tribute to Sondheim at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts (500 Castro Street), Mountain View, CA. For tickets or more information please visit TheatreWorks.org or phone 877-662-8978.

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Photo caption: The cast (l to r: Melissa WolfKlain, Nick Nakashima, Solona Husband, Noel Anthony Escobar, Anne Tolpegin, and Sleiman Alahmadieh) put a show together in TheatreWorks Silicon Valley's "Being Alive: A Sondheim Celebration," currently performing through June 30. (Photo Credit: Kevin Berne)