By Michael Buzzelli
Stephen Sondheim’s “Sunday in the Park with George” is a tale of two centuries, color and light.
In the first half, George Seurat (Aaron Galligan-Stierle), his mistress, Dot (Saige Smith), and a colorful cast of characters who represent the various figures from the painting, “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte (Un dimanche après-midi à l’Île de la Grande Jatte).” After rejecting Dot for his slavish devotion to his artwork, she moves on to another man (Robert Frankenberry) giving birth to George’s bastard daughter.
The second half jumps one hundred years later. In 1984, George’s illegitimate great-grandson, also named George (Galligan-Stierle again), begins his quest to create art as iconic and immortal as his predecessor while trying to woo investors. His latest piece, Chromolume Number 7, is a beautiful but derivative.
Side note: There is little historical connection between Seurat’s real life story and the book by James Lapine. Seurat’s common-law wife, Madeleine Knobloch, gave birth to his two sons, one after his death. Dot obviously is a pointed (or pointillist) joke.
Twentieth-Century George finds a deep connection to his great-grandfather when visiting the Parisian island (La Grande Jatte) for a contemporary exhibition. It’s a moving and beautiful pay off to the first half of the show, but it takes some time to get there.
A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte (French: Un dimanche après-midi à l’Île de la Grande Jatte), George Seurat
Lapine and Sondheim’s story of the neo-impressionist is cluttered with the back story of minor characters, but the more contemporary artist’s story is laser-focused, literally and figuratively. The contemporary story carries more emotional weight and makes several important points (pun always intended).
After the intermission, the story picks up speed (and the first half FEELS like it took place a hundred years prior).
Director Rob James does a stellar job with the material, honing in on microscopic details, connecting all of the dots. He amps up some of the humor, especially during “Putting It Together.” He’s gathered a tremendous amount of local talent, both cast and crew.
Galligan-Stierle is terrific as the two Georges. He is stoic, work-obsessed Seurat, and shifts to the more self-reflective Laser-Light George in the second act. He also nails the aforementioned, “Putting It Together.”
Smith has been frequently praised here for her work in the Pittsburgh theatre arts scene. It’s another great performance.
Side note: This reviewer does not like it when young people play old people. It’s usually done in an over-the-top Katherine Hepburn in “On Golden Pond,” all body shakes, and warbly squawking, but Smith isn’t over-the-top or ridiculous. It’s a poignant portrayal.
The spotlight is clearly on Galligan-Stierle and Smith, but other characters get some decent moments. Daphne Alderson’s Old Lady, Brad Smoak’s Jules, Toth’s Blair, Marnie Quick’s Frieda, and Ben Nadler’s very nervous Dennis.
Adelyne Anderson and Caroline Travers are delightful as the Celestes.
Youngest cast member, Eleni Elizabeth Josephs, gets a few good laughs, mostly at the expense of the Boatman (Matty Thornton).
The show has some lovely music by Camille Villalpando Rolla and her orchestra.
The costumes by Michelle Nowakowski are beautiful, especially Smith’s violet gown with a bustle to match.
The show is divisive. Most people like one half of the show or the other. The second half has a solid character arc where the characters evolve and change, and a bittersweet moment that makes the first half worth the time. The number one reason to see the show is to watch all of the actors put it together in a unique and glorious way.
Make it a point to go see “Sunday in the Park with George.”
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Disclosure: The Front Porch Theatricals program has a lovely tribute to this website’s founder, the incomparable Brian Edward.
“Sunday in the Park with George” runs until August 24 at the New Hazlett Theater, 6 Allegheny Square, Pittsburgh, PA 15212. For tickets and additional information, click here.
