September 7 - October 7, 2007 Segerstrom Stage A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim book by Hugh Wheeler suggested by a film by Ingmar Bergman originally produced and directed on Broadway by Harold Prince directed by Stefan Novinski musical direction by Dennis Castellano   Barbara and Bill Roberts, Honorary Producers KPCC 89.3 FM and Orange Coast Magazine Media Partner Approximately two hours and 30 minutes, including one 15-minute intermission.

Fredrik (Mark Jacoby, right) attempts an exit after a liaison with Desirée (Stephanie Zimbalist) which they both deny to the Count (Damon Kirsche) in A Little Night Music. Photo by Henry DiRocco.

There never has been a weekend in the country quite like this, as loves are lost, found, yearned for and sent packing to the tune of some of the most breathtaking songs ever written, including the classic “Send in the Clowns.” Sophisticated and stylish, this glorious musical comedy based on Ingmar Bergman’s Smiles of a Summer Night abounds with effervescent wit as romantic liaisons are played out beneath the mysterious night lights of Sweden at the turn of the century.

Composer and Librettist:
The formidable Stephen Sondheim has won an Academy Award, seven Tony Awards (more than any other composer), multiple Grammy Awards and a Pulitzer Prize. His most famous works include A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Company, A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd and Sunday in the Park with George. Hugh Wheeler, playwright, librettist, poet and translator, won Tony Awards for his books for the musicals A Little Night Music, Candide and Sweeney Todd. He also wrote the books for many other musicals including the stage version of Meet Me in St. Louis.

Recommendation and Resources:
Sophisticated and stylish, this glorious musical abounds with effervescent wit. There are some adult situations—but not to be taken too seriously—and everyone, high school and above, will be enchanted (the story may be a bit esoteric for younger theatre-goers).

• showmag.com - The Divalicious Divas of A Little Night Music
  Costa Mesa’s South Coast Repertory is getting a jump on celebrating the 35th Anniversary of Stephen Sondheim’s A Little Night Music which opens September 14th
• Daily Pilot - Original Broadway star in local show
  Teri Ralston revisits the play, “A Little Night Music,” a production she worked with on Broadway in 1973 with Stephen Sondheim.
• OC Register - Putting 'A Little Night Music' together
  Stephanie Zimbalist and Teri Ralston discuss the challenges, joys of performing Stephen Sondheim.

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*Post-show discussion led by SCR literary staff and artists from the show.
**ASL interpreted performance for the Deaf community.