Full Synopsis

Full Synopsis

Side by Side by Sondheim is a collection of Stephen Sondheim songs, some he has written by himself and some for which he has written the lyrics and collaborated with other composers. The numbers are a mix of well known favorites from Sondheim's work as well as some more obscure pieces, or songs that didn't make it into famous shows. A Narrator guides the evening, interjecting interesting stories between the numbers. Some of the stories focus on Sondheim's life and career, while others relate to the shows from which the songs come or set up the moment before the song. In some cases, certain songs can be substituted with other songs from the Sondheim catalogue if that substitution is appropriate for the singers. These moments of substitution are noted in the script, and which song should be substituted is also noted.

The show is described by the Narrator as more of a "show than a play." It has very little plot and it was born from three British performers in the 1970s who hoped to introduce Sondheim's work to the English. The order of the songs is as follows:

"Comedy Tonight"
"Love Is in the Air"
"Comedy Tonight" (Original Version)
"If Momma Was Married"
"You Must Meet My Wife"
"The Little Things"
"Getting Married Today"
"I Remember"
"Can That Boy Foxtrot"
"Company"
"Another Hundred People"
"Barcelona"
"Marry Me a Little"
"I Never Do Anything Twice"
"Beautiful Girls"
"Ah Paree!"
"Buddy's Blues"
"Broadway Baby"
"You Could Drive a Person Crazy"
"Everybody Says Don't"
"Anyone Can Whistle"
"Send in the Clowns"
"We're Gonna Be Alright"
"A Boy Like That"
"The Boy From…"
"Pretty Lady"
"You Gotta Get a Gimmick"
"Losing My Mind"
"Could I Leave You?"
"I'm Still Here"
"Conversation Piece" (Medley)
"Side by Side by Side"