Many great moments
by thespian1225 on 8/29/14Signature Theatre - ArlingtonI had always wanted to see this play. It is my fourth Sondheim (not counting W. Side Story). I enjoyed the premise of the play-- the interaction of the artist with his characters, and the tableaux created of the characters in the painting were magical. The costumes were nothing short of amazing. (I have seen the picture but could not remember if the colors and styles in this play exactly match the picture or not).Several interspersed moments of humor were welcomed. The unexpected second act jump to the future was a nice added touch, though a bit drawn out. (For a non-theatre-afficianado, the whole play would be judged too long, I think). Some of the dialogue in the second act, was particularly simplistic. Sondheim's music is an acquired taste for many. My husband complained of "non-tuneful songs" but I am used to Sondheim's style. His usual amazing, witty, rhyming lyrics are always the best, and I found them very entertaining. One song in the second act definitely repeated itself too long, though. Voices and singing were excellent, as is always the case with Signature. Some would need assisted hearing devices for a few of the quiet songs (the grandmother in Act 2, and the quieter notes of George's songs). Casting seemed appropriate and acting was up to the task, though the play does'n't seem to demand as much of a range of emotion as some. I really enjoyed the evening, and can believe the review that says this is one of the best productions yet of this piece.