(Carol Burnett is outstanding in this production)Forming part of the last series of the ‘live’ Broadway productions from Cinema Nouveau, Putting It Together was a mesmerising theatrical delight from start to finish. (Review by Caroline Smart)
The film recording of a live performance of lyricist Stephen Sondheim’s Putting It Together directed by Don Roy King, has a star-studded cast which includes the comedic talents of Carol Burnett alongside gorgeous actress/dancer Ruthie Henshall. They are ably supported by the laconic George Hearn, genial John Barrowman and inimitable Bronson Pinchot
Putting It Together is a compilation of material taken from a number of Sondheim’s musicals. It is set in a condominium where a narrator (Bronson Pinchot) takes us through the relationship development of four people. There’s an older couple whose marriage is on the rocks (Burnett and Hearn) and a younger couple dithering on the verge of marital commitment (Henshall and Barrowman).
Sondheim’s brilliantly ironic sense of humour means that his lyrics must be clearly heard and understood and the cast and sound technicians produced a faultless presentation. Performances in every number were memorable.
Ruthie Henshall acts the ditzy money grabber to perfection and her Lovely was just that, before becoming predatory in I Always Get my Man. Her Bang! duet with John Barrowman in the Consummation section was memorable as was More!.
Carol Burnett’s dialogue gets bitchier as the story progresses – especially in her embittered rendition of Leave You?, moving to full force with her My Husband, the Pig.
Barrowman and Hearn are a delight in What do you want to get married for?, moving to the lyrical Pretty Women. Suitably smooth and seductive Hearn was poignant in We Had a Good thing Going and the emotionally-charged Being Alive. Bronson Pinchot impressed with the fast-paced Now it’s my Turn! and raised the laughs in a miniature frilled pinafore in Everybody Ought to Have a Maid
The camera allows you to see the show from all angles of the audience as well as from the wings and the top of the theatre. Sensitive editing – without being tricksy – puts two faces close together where they would normally be separated by the width of the stage. At one point, we see the expression on the older couple’s faces as they reflect their own relationship while Barrowman launches into his triumphant I’m Ready. We also catch Burnett’s distinctive raised eyebrow technique which suits her character so well. The average audience member would be too far away to see these details clearly.
This production of Putting It Together features Howard Harrison’s superb lighting (which involves photographic imagery) and transfers perfectly to the silver screen. Bob Crowley’s clever set includes lopsided geometric shapes indicating rooms on different levels providing good spaces for specific numbers – with Henshall and Barrowman often appearing on what appears to be an impossibly small ledge. The costumes are glamorous and sophisticated as befits the scenario.
After the upbeat final number, Hey, Old Friend, we all left the cinema having had a very fulfilling theatrical experience. Every student of musical theatre should see this! – Caroline Smart
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