By Jeremy Carr
Theater Works presents Stephen Sondheim’s musical, “Sunday In The Park With George,” which opens Feb. 17 in Peoria.
Inspired by the painting, “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte,” by Georges Seurat, “Sunday In The Park With George” merges past and present, offering beautiful, poignant truths about life, love and the creation of art. One of the most acclaimed musicals, this moving study of the enigmatic painter Georges Seurat and his modern heirs won a Pulitzer Prize and was nominated for an astounding 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
“Sunday In The Park With George” will be on stage in the Gyder Theater Feb. 17–March 5.
Founder David Wo was integral in carving a niche for Theater Works for producing Sondheim musicals in the Valley.
There is one Sondheim musical that Mr. Wo never had the resources to produce, a musical he loved but was not in the capacity of the theater under his tenure — “Sunday In The Park With George.”
Theater Works now has the capacity and resources to produce this show and the musical is being performed in his honor.
The creative team from the triumphant 2015 production of
“Follies” and and last season’s “City of Angels” returns, directed by Phillip Fazio.
Mr. Fazio lives and works as a freelance director in New York City. Arizona directing credits include “Follies” and “Ragtime” at Theater Works, “The Quiltmaker’s Gift” and “Alice in Wonderland” at Phoenix Theatre.
Mr. Fazio will be leading the cast of 15 with Joshua Vern as George and Alanna Kalbfleisch as Dot and Marie. Steve Hilderbrand is taking the baton as musical director.
Single tickets are $38; discounts for seniors, students and groups. Flex passes are also available. To purchase tickets or find out more about Theater Works productions, contact the Box Office at 623-815-7930 or visit www.theaterworks.org.
Editor’s note: Cate Hinkle is the managing director for Theater Works at Peoria Center for the Performing Arts.
