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imported>Asb7uf 2 of the lead characters (Anne and Charlotte) had maiden names mentioned in the libretto, and Madame Armfeldt's given name is mentioned as Leonora in the book |
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==Synopsis== | ==Synopsis== | ||
===Act One=== | ===Act One=== | ||
The setting is [[Sweden]], around the | The setting is [[Sweden]], around the turn of the 20th century. One by one, the Quintet – five singers who comment like a [[Greek chorus]] throughout the show – enter, tuning up. Gradually, their vocalizing becomes an overture blending fragments of "Remember," "Soon," and "The Glamorous Life." The other characters enter [[waltz]]ing, each uncomfortable with their partner ("Night Waltz"). After they drift back off, the aging and sardonic Madame Leonora Armfeldt, a wealthy former [[courtesan]], and her solemn granddaughter, Fredrika, enter. Madame Armfeldt tells Fredrika that the summer night "smiles" three times: first on the young, second on fools, and third on the old. Fredrika vows to watch the smiles occur. | ||
Middle-aged, successful lawyer Fredrik Egerman has recently married an 18-year-old [[trophy wife]], Anne, a naive girl who loves Fredrik but is not attracted to him. The two have been married for eleven months, and Anne still protects her [[virginity]]. Upon coming home from work, Fredrik surprises Anne with tickets to a play, starring Desiree Armfeldt, a glamorous actress whom Anne greatly admires. Anne giddily fantasizes about what it would be like to be as beautiful and beloved as Desiree, and starts talking at Fredrik about her day. Fredrik, distracted by his lust, considers various ways he might [[seduce]] his wife but ultimately rules each one out and elects to take a nap instead ("Now"). Meanwhile, his son Henrik, a [[seminary]] student a year older than his stepmother, is frustrated and ignored ("Later"). Anne promises her husband that shortly she will consent to have sex even though she can't help recoiling at his touch ("Soon"), and all three of them lament at once. The number concludes with Fredrik sighing Desiree's name in his sleep, which Anne overhears. Anne's [[maidservant]] Petra, an experienced and forthright girl, slightly older than the teen herself, offers her worldly but crass advice. | Middle-aged, successful lawyer Fredrik Egerman has recently married an 18-year-old [[trophy wife]], Anne, a naive girl who loves Fredrik but is not attracted to him. The two have been married for eleven months, and Anne still protects her [[virginity]]. Upon coming home from work, Fredrik surprises Anne with tickets to a play, starring Desiree Armfeldt, a glamorous actress whom Anne greatly admires. Anne giddily fantasizes about what it would be like to be as beautiful and beloved as Desiree, and starts talking at Fredrik about her day. Fredrik, distracted by his lust, considers various ways he might [[seduce]] his wife but ultimately rules each one out and elects to take a nap instead ("Now"). Meanwhile, his son Henrik, a [[seminary]] student a year older than his stepmother, is frustrated and ignored ("Later"). Anne promises her husband that shortly she will consent to have sex even though she can't help recoiling at his touch ("Soon"), and all three of them lament at once. The number concludes with Fredrik sighing Desiree's name in his sleep, which Anne overhears. Anne's [[maidservant]] Petra, an experienced and forthright girl, slightly older than the teen herself, offers her worldly but crass advice. | ||
Desiree Armfeldt, although once prominent, is now a fading flower clinging onto what's left of her past fame. Desiree tours in small, obscure towns with her theatre troupe. | Desiree Armfeldt, although once prominent, is now a fading flower clinging onto what's left of her past fame. Desiree tours in small, obscure towns with her theatre troupe. Madame Armfeldt, Desiree's mother, has taken over the care of Desiree's daughter Fredrika. Fredrika misses her mother, but Desiree continually delays seeing her, preferring, somewhat ironically, her life on tour ("The Glamorous Life"). As Fredrik and Anne take their seats at Desiree's play, Anne's previous excitement quickly devolves into anxiety, suspicious that Fredrik and Desiree have a romantic history that he never disclosed to her. The play begins and Desiree immediately notices Fredrik in the audience, and the Quintet reveals their shared memories and passionate relationship ("Remember"). Desiree, ironically playing a sexually irresistible countess, exchanges amorous glances with Fredrik and delivers her lines in an overtly suggestive tone, confirming Anne's suspicions as true. Anne, upset and overwhelmed, demands that Fredrik take her home. Meanwhile, Petra tries to seduce a nervous and petulant Henrik. | ||
That night, as Fredrik remembers his past with Desiree, he sneaks out to see her. The two have a happy but strained reunion, reflecting on their new lives. Desiree sarcastically boasts of her own adultery, as she has been seeing the married [[dragoon]], Count Carl-Magnus Malcolm. Following, Fredrik tries to explain how much he loves Anne, fending off Desiree's interjecting quips, but he ultimately reveals his sexual frustration ("You Must Meet My Wife"). Upon learning that Fredrik has gone for eleven months without sex, she agrees to accommodate him as a favor for an old friend. | That night, as Fredrik remembers his past with Desiree, he sneaks out to see her. The two have a happy but strained reunion, reflecting on their new lives. Desiree sarcastically boasts of her own adultery, as she has been seeing the married [[dragoon]], Count Carl-Magnus Malcolm. Following, Fredrik tries to explain how much he loves Anne, fending off Desiree's interjecting quips, but he ultimately reveals his sexual frustration ("You Must Meet My Wife"). Upon learning that Fredrik has gone for eleven months without sex, she agrees to accommodate him as a favor for an old friend. | ||
Madame Armfeldt offers advice to young Fredrika. The elderly woman reflects poignantly on her own checkered past and wonders what happened to prior refined styles of living ("Liaisons"). In Desiree's apartment, Count Carl-Magnus Malcolm proclaims his unannounced arrival in his usual booming tones. Fredrik and Desiree fool the Count with an innocent explanation for their disheveled appearance, but he is still suspicious. He boasts of his many duels and the various wounds he has suffered before demonstrating his skills in knife-throwing. Fredrik responds sarcastically, causing the dragoon to dislike him immediately. Carl-Magnus returns to his wife, Countess Charlotte. Charlotte knows of her husband's infidelity, but Carl-Magnus is too absorbed in his suspicions of Desiree to talk to her ("In Praise of Women"). When she persuades him to blurt out the whole story, a twist is revealed—Charlotte's little sister Marta is a schoolfriend of Anne's. | |||
Charlotte visits Anne and describes Fredrik's tryst with Desiree. Anne is shocked and saddened, but Charlotte explains that such is the lot of a wife, and love brings pain ("Every Day a Little Death"). Meanwhile, Desiree asks | Charlotte visits Anne and describes Fredrik's tryst with Desiree. Anne is shocked and saddened, but Charlotte explains that such is the lot of a wife, and love brings pain ("Every Day a Little Death"). Meanwhile, Desiree asks Madame Armfeldt to host a party for Fredrik, Anne, and Henrik. Madame Armfeldt reluctantly agrees and sends out a personal invitation; its receipt sends Anne into a frenzy, imagining Desiree further seducing Fredrik at the estate. Anne does not want to accept the invitation, but Charlotte convinces her to do so to heighten the contrast between the older Desiree and the young and beautiful teenager. Charlotte relates this to the Count, who (much to her chagrin) decides to visit the Armfeldts, uninvited, as well. Carl-Magnus plans to challenge Fredrik to a [[duel]], while Charlotte hopes to seduce the lawyer to make her husband jealous and end his philandering. The act ends as all characters head to Madame Armfeldt's estate ("A Weekend in the Country"). | ||
===Act Two=== | ===Act Two=== | ||
Madame Armfeldt's country estate is bathed in the golden glow of perpetual summer sunset at this high latitude ("Night Waltz One and Two"). Everyone arrives, each with their own amorous purposes and desires—even Petra, who catches the eye of Armfeldt's fetching [[manservant]], Frid. The women begin to quarrel with one another. Fredrik is astonished to learn the name of Desiree's daughter. Henrik meets Fredrika, and confesses to her he deeply loves Anne. Meanwhile, in the garden, Fredrik and Carl-Magnus reflect on the difficulty of being annoyed with Desiree, contrasting her immoral actions with her physical beauty ("It Would Have Been Wonderful"). Dinner is served, and the female Quintet singers comment on the characters’ suspense regarding the coming meal ("Perpetual Anticipation"). | |||
At dinner, Charlotte attempts to flirt with Fredrik and trades insults with Desiree. Soon, everyone is shouting and scolding everyone else, except for Henrik, who finally speaks up. He accuses the whole company of being [[amorality|amoral]], and flees the scene. Stunned, everyone reflects on the situation and wanders away. Fredrika tells Anne of Henrik's secret love and the two dash off searching for him. Meanwhile, Desiree meets Fredrik and asks if he still wants to be "rescued" from his life. Fredrik answers honestly that he loves Desiree but cannot bring himself to hurt Anne. | At dinner, Charlotte attempts to flirt with Fredrik and trades insults with Desiree. Soon, everyone is shouting and scolding everyone else, except for Henrik, who finally speaks up. He accuses the whole company of being [[amorality|amoral]], and flees the scene. Stunned, everyone reflects on the situation and wanders away. Fredrika tells Anne of Henrik's secret love and the two dash off searching for him. Meanwhile, Desiree meets Fredrik and asks if he still wants to be "rescued" from his life. Fredrik answers honestly that he loves Desiree but cannot bring himself to hurt Anne. Regretful and hurt, Desiree can only reflect on the nature of her life and relationship with Fredrik ("[[Send In the Clowns]]"). Anne finds Henrik, who is attempting to commit suicide. The clumsy boy cannot complete the task, and Anne tells him she loves him, too. The pair begins to kiss, which leads to Anne's first sexual encounter. Meanwhile, not far away, Frid sleeps in Petra's lap. The maid imagines advantageous marriages but concludes that in the meantime, "a girl ought to celebrate what passes by" ("The Miller's Son"). Charlotte confesses her plan to Fredrik, and both watch Henrik and Anne, happy together, run away to start their new life. The two commiserate on a bench. Carl-Magnus, preparing to sleep with Desiree, sees this and jealously challenges Fredrik to [[Russian Roulette]]; Fredrik nervously misfires and merely grazes his own ear. Feeling victorious, Carl-Magnus reaffirms his love for Charlotte, finally granting her wish. | ||
After the Count and Countess leave, Fredrika and | After the Count and Countess leave, Fredrika and Madame Armfeldt discuss the recent chaotic turns of events. The elderly woman asks Fredrika a surprising question: "What is it all for?" Fredrika thinks about this and decides that love, for all of its frustrations, "must be worth it." Madame Armfeldt is surprised, ruefully noting that she rejected love for material wealth at Fredrika's age. She praises her granddaughter and remembers true love's fleeting nature. | ||
Fredrik finally confesses his love for Desiree, acknowledging that Fredrika is his daughter, and the two promise to start a new life together ("Send in the Clowns" (Reprise)). | Fredrik finally confesses his love for Desiree, acknowledging that Fredrika is his daughter, and the two promise to start a new life together ("Send in the Clowns" (Reprise)). Madame Armfeldt sits alone with Fredrika, who tells her grandmother that she has watched carefully but still has not seen the night smile. Madame Armfeldt laughs and points out that the night has indeed smiled twice: first on Henrik and Anne, the young, and second on Desiree and Fredrik, the fools. As the two wait for the "third smile... on the old", it occurs: Madame Armfeldt closes her eyes and dies peacefully with Fredrika beside her ("Last Waltz"). | ||
== Musical numbers == | == Musical numbers == | ||
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==Characters== | ==Characters== | ||
* '''Fredrik Egerman''': A successful widowed middle-aged lawyer. He is married to the 18-year-old Anne and has one son, Henrik, from his previous marriage. In the past, he and Desiree were lovers. [[Bass-Baritone]] A<sub>2</sub>–E<sub>4</sub><ref>[https://stageagent.com/characters/119/a-little-night-music/fredrik-egerman "Key information: Fredrik Egerman"], stageagent.com</ref> | * '''Fredrik Egerman''': A successful widowed middle-aged lawyer. He is married to the 18-year-old Anne and has one son, Henrik, from his previous marriage. In the past, he and Desiree were lovers. [[Bass-Baritone]] A<sub>2</sub>–E<sub>4</sub><ref>[https://stageagent.com/characters/119/a-little-night-music/fredrik-egerman "Key information: Fredrik Egerman"], stageagent.com</ref> | ||
*'''Anne Egerman''': Fredrik's new, naive wife, who is still a virgin after 11 months of marriage. [[Soprano]] G{{music|#}}<sub>3</sub>–A<sub>5</sub> | *'''Anne Egerman (née Sorensen)''': Fredrik's new, naive wife, who is still a virgin after 11 months of marriage. [[Soprano]] G{{music|#}}<sub>3</sub>–A<sub>5</sub> | ||
*'''Henrik Egerman''': Fredrik's son, 20 years old and Anne's stepson. He is serious but confused; he reads the works of philosophers and theologians whilst studying for the [[Lutheran church|Lutheran]] priesthood. His sexual repression is a great cause of his turmoil, as he lusts after Anne and attempts to have a sexual encounter with Petra. [[Tenor]] G<sub>2</sub>–B<sub>4</sub> | *'''Henrik Egerman''': Fredrik's son, 20 years old and Anne's stepson. He is serious but confused; he reads the works of philosophers and theologians whilst studying for the [[Lutheran church|Lutheran]] priesthood. His sexual repression is a great cause of his turmoil, as he lusts after Anne and attempts to have a sexual encounter with Petra. [[Tenor]] G<sub>2</sub>–B<sub>4</sub> | ||
*'''Petra''': Anne's maid and closest confidante, brash, bold and flirtatious. She has relations with Henrik. [[Mezzo-soprano]] F{{music|#}}<sub>3</sub>–F<sub>5</sub> | *'''Petra''': Anne's maid and closest confidante, brash, bold and flirtatious. She has relations with Henrik. [[Mezzo-soprano]] F{{music|#}}<sub>3</sub>–F<sub>5</sub> | ||
*'''Desiree Armfeldt''': Self-absorbed, once-successful actress, now touring the countryside in what is clearly not the "glamorous life". Harboured love for Fredrik for years since their affair. Mezzo-soprano F{{music|#}}<sub>3</sub>–E<sub>5</sub><ref>[https://stageagent.com/characters/118/a-little-night-music/desiree-armfeldt "Key information: Desiree Armfeldt"], stageagent.com</ref> | *'''Desiree Armfeldt''': Self-absorbed, once-successful actress, now touring the countryside in what is clearly not the "glamorous life". Harboured love for Fredrik for years since their affair. Mezzo-soprano F{{music|#}}<sub>3</sub>–E<sub>5</sub><ref>[https://stageagent.com/characters/118/a-little-night-music/desiree-armfeldt "Key information: Desiree Armfeldt"], stageagent.com</ref> | ||
*'''Fredrika Armfeldt''': Desiree's thirteen-year-old daughter, who may or may not be the product (unbeknownst to Fredrik) of the actress's and Fredrik's affair. Soprano C<sub>4</sub>–E<sub>5</sub> | *'''Fredrika Armfeldt''': Desiree's thirteen-year-old daughter, who may or may not be the product (unbeknownst to Fredrik) of the actress's and Fredrik's affair. Soprano C<sub>4</sub>–E<sub>5</sub> | ||
*'''Madame Armfeldt''': Desiree's mother, a former courtesan who has had "liaisons" with royalty. [[Contralto]] C<sub>3</sub>–F{{music|#}}<sub>4</sub> | *'''Madame Leonora Armfeldt''': Desiree's mother, a former courtesan who has had "liaisons" with royalty. [[Contralto]] C<sub>3</sub>–F{{music|#}}<sub>4</sub> | ||
*'''Count Carl-Magnus Malcolm''': A military dragoon who is Desiree's latest lover. Hypocritically places value on fidelity, being hugely possessive when it comes to both his wife and mistress. Comedic role. Operatic Baritone G<sub>2</sub>–F{{music|#}}<sub>4</sub> | *'''Count Carl-Magnus Malcolm''': A military dragoon who is Desiree's latest lover. Hypocritically places value on fidelity, being hugely possessive when it comes to both his wife and mistress. Comedic role. Operatic Baritone G<sub>2</sub>–F{{music|#}}<sub>4</sub><ref>[https://stageagent.com/characters/122/a-little-night-music/count-carl-magnus-malcolm "Key information: Count Carl-Magnus Malcolm"], stageagent.com</ref> | ||
*'''Countess Charlotte Malcolm''': Carl-Magnus' wife, to whom he flaunts his infidelities. She despises her husband for his behaviour, but obeys his orders due to her hopeless love for him. Self-loathing and borderline alcoholic, yet the more intelligent half of the Malcolm couple. Mezzo-soprano G<sub>3</sub>–F<sub>5</sub> | *'''Countess Charlotte Malcolm (née Olafsson)''': Carl-Magnus' wife, to whom he flaunts his infidelities. She despises her husband for his behaviour, but obeys his orders due to her hopeless love for him. Self-loathing and borderline alcoholic, yet the more intelligent half of the Malcolm couple. Mezzo-soprano G<sub>3</sub>–F<sub>5</sub> | ||
*'''Frid''': Madame Armfeldt's manservant. Has a tryst with Petra. | *'''Frid''': Madame Armfeldt's manservant. Has a tryst with Petra. | ||
*'''The Quintet''': Mr. Lindquist, Mrs. Nordstrom, Mrs. Anderssen, Mr. Erlanson and Mrs. Segstrom. A group of five singers that act as a [[Greek chorus]]. Sometimes referred to as the Liebeslieder Singers (love song singers) although Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler did not script them to have that title, using Quintet instead. The first usage of Liebes[[lied]]er for the Quintet came during the 1990 [[New York City Opera]] production. Prince said that these characters represent "people in the show who aren't wasting time ... the play is about wasting time."<ref>{{cite news|last=Gussow|first=Mel|author-link=Mel Gussow|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1973/03/27/archives/prince-revels-in-a-little-night-music-setting-off-sparks-untrying.html|title=Prince Revels in ''A Little Night Music''|page=54|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=March 27, 1973|access-date=May 15, 2019}}</ref> | *'''The Quintet''': Mr. Lindquist, Mrs. Nordstrom, Mrs. Anderssen, Mr. Erlanson and Mrs. Segstrom. A group of five singers that act as a [[Greek chorus]]. Sometimes referred to as the Liebeslieder Singers (love song singers) although Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler did not script them to have that title, using Quintet instead. The first usage of Liebes[[lied]]er for the Quintet came during the 1990 [[New York City Opera]] production. Prince said that these characters represent "people in the show who aren't wasting time ... the play is about wasting time."<ref>{{cite news|last=Gussow|first=Mel|author-link=Mel Gussow|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1973/03/27/archives/prince-revels-in-a-little-night-music-setting-off-sparks-untrying.html|title=Prince Revels in ''A Little Night Music''|page=54|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=March 27, 1973|access-date=May 15, 2019}}</ref> | ||
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=== Australian premiere === | === Australian premiere === | ||
The first international production opened at [[Her Majesty's Theatre, Sydney|Her Majesty's Theatre]] in Sydney, Australia in November 1973, with a cast including [[Taina Elg]], [[Bruce Barry (actor)|Bruce Barry]], [[Jill Perryman]], [[Doris Fitton]], [[Anna Russell]] and [[Geraldine Turner]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ausstage.edu.au/pages/event/14910|title=''A Little Night Music''|website=ausstage.edu.au|access-date=2017-09-21|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170921144227/https://ausstage.edu.au/pages/event/14910|archive-date=2017-09-21}}</ref> Australian revivals have been presented by the [[Sydney Theatre Company]] (featuring Geraldine Turner and a young [[Toni Collette]]) in 1990, [[Melbourne Theatre Company]] (featuring [[Helen Morse]] and [[John O'May]]) in 1997, [[Opera Australia]] (featuring [[Sigrid Thornton]] and [[Anthony Warlow]] as Fredrik Egerman) in 2009, and [[Victorian Opera (Melbourne)|Victorian Opera]] (featuring [[Ali McGregor]], [[Simon Gleeson]] and [[Verity Hunt-Ballard]]) in 2019.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.sydneytheatre.com.au/magazine/posts/2017/may/archive-STC-musicals|title=Archive: STC Musicals|date=2017-05-09|work=Sydney Theatre Company|access-date=2017-09-21|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170921095541/https://www.sydneytheatre.com.au/magazine/posts/2017/may/archive-STC-musicals|archive-date=2017-09-21}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/entertainment/arts/send-in-the-clones/2009/05/12/1241893977900.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1|title=Send in the clones|date=2009-05-13|website=www.theage.com.au|language=en|access-date=2017-09-21|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170921095632/http://www.theage.com.au/news/entertainment/arts/send-in-the-clones/2009/05/12/1241893977900.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1|archive-date=2017-09-21}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/entertainment/arts/complicated-take-on-elusive-desire/2009/05/15/1242335879397.html|title=Complicated take on elusive desire|last=Slavin|first=John|date=2009-05-16|work=[[The Age]]|access-date=2017-09-21|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170921100729/http://www.theage.com.au/news/entertainment/arts/complicated-take-on-elusive-desire/2009/05/15/1242335879397.html|archive-date=2017-09-21}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.limelightmagazine.com.au/reviews/a-little-night-music-victorian-opera/|title=A Little Night Music (Victorian Opera)|last=Maunder|first=Patricia|date=June 28, 2019|work=[[Limelight (magazine)|Limelight]]|access-date=February 19, 2020}}</ref> | The first international production opened at [[Her Majesty's Theatre, Sydney|Her Majesty's Theatre]] in Sydney, Australia in November 1973, with a cast including [[Taina Elg]], [[Bruce Barry (actor)|Bruce Barry]], [[Jill Perryman]], [[Doris Fitton]], [[Anna Russell]] and [[Geraldine Turner]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ausstage.edu.au/pages/event/14910|title=''A Little Night Music''|website=ausstage.edu.au|access-date=2017-09-21|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170921144227/https://ausstage.edu.au/pages/event/14910|archive-date=2017-09-21}}</ref> Australian revivals have been presented by the [[Sydney Theatre Company]] (featuring Geraldine Turner, John Waters, Michael Smith, Di Smith, Bettina Welch, Pippa Grandison,Rachael Beck and a young [[Toni Collette]]) in 1990, [[Melbourne Theatre Company]] (featuring [[Helen Morse]] and [[John O'May]]) in 1997, [[Opera Australia]] (featuring [[Sigrid Thornton]] and [[Anthony Warlow]] as Fredrik Egerman) in 2009, and [[Victorian Opera (Melbourne)|Victorian Opera]] (featuring [[Ali McGregor]], [[Simon Gleeson]] and [[Verity Hunt-Ballard]]) in 2019.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.sydneytheatre.com.au/magazine/posts/2017/may/archive-STC-musicals|title=Archive: STC Musicals|date=2017-05-09|work=Sydney Theatre Company|access-date=2017-09-21|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170921095541/https://www.sydneytheatre.com.au/magazine/posts/2017/may/archive-STC-musicals|archive-date=2017-09-21}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/entertainment/arts/send-in-the-clones/2009/05/12/1241893977900.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1|title=Send in the clones|date=2009-05-13|website=www.theage.com.au|language=en|access-date=2017-09-21|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170921095632/http://www.theage.com.au/news/entertainment/arts/send-in-the-clones/2009/05/12/1241893977900.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1|archive-date=2017-09-21}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/entertainment/arts/complicated-take-on-elusive-desire/2009/05/15/1242335879397.html|title=Complicated take on elusive desire|last=Slavin|first=John|date=2009-05-16|work=[[The Age]]|access-date=2017-09-21|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170921100729/http://www.theage.com.au/news/entertainment/arts/complicated-take-on-elusive-desire/2009/05/15/1242335879397.html|archive-date=2017-09-21}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.limelightmagazine.com.au/reviews/a-little-night-music-victorian-opera/|title=A Little Night Music (Victorian Opera)|last=Maunder|first=Patricia|date=June 28, 2019|work=[[Limelight (magazine)|Limelight]]|access-date=February 19, 2020}}</ref> | ||
===United States tour=== | ===United States tour=== | ||
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===1995 London revival=== | ===1995 London revival=== | ||
A revival by the [[Royal National Theatre]] opened at the Olivier Theatre on September 26, 1995. It was directed by [[Sean Mathias]], with set design by Stephen Brimson Lewis, costumes by [[Nicky Gillibrand]], lighting by | A revival by the [[Royal National Theatre]] opened at the Olivier Theatre on September 26, 1995. It was directed by [[Sean Mathias]], with set design by Stephen Brimson Lewis, costumes by [[Nicky Gillibrand]], lighting by Mark Henderson and choreography by [[Wayne McGregor]]. It starred [[Judi Dench]] (Desiree), [[Siân Phillips]] (Madame Armfeldt), [[Joanna Riding]] (Anne Egerman), [[Laurence Guittard]] (Fredrik Egerman), [[Patricia Hodge]] (Countess Charlotte) and [[Issy van Randwyck]] (Petra). The production closed on August 31, 1996. Dench received the [[Olivier Award]] for Best Actress in a Musical.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk/olivier_awards/past_winners/view/item98530/Olivier-Winners-1996/ |title=Olivier Winners 1996 |access-date=2011-06-29 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213150059/http://www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk/olivier_awards/past_winners/view/item98530/Olivier-Winners-1996/ |archive-date=February 13, 2012 }}, OfficialLondonTheatre.com</ref> | ||
===2008 London revival=== | ===2008 London revival=== | ||
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The 2008 [[Menier Chocolate Factory]] production opened on Broadway at the [[Walter Kerr Theatre]] in previews on November 24, 2009, and officially on December 13, 2009, with the same creative team. The cast was led by [[Angela Lansbury]] as Madame Armfeldt and, in her Broadway debut, [[Catherine Zeta-Jones]] as Desiree. Also featured were Alexander Hanson as Frederik,<ref>Hernandez, Ernio and Gans, Andrew. [http://www.playbill.com/news/article/134767-A-Little-Night-Music-With-Zeta-Jones-and-Lansbury-Begins-on-Broadway "A Little Night Music, With Zeta-Jones and Lansbury, Begins on Broadway"]. Playbill.com, November 24, 2009 {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140305060514/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/134767-A-Little-Night-Music-With-Zeta-Jones-and-Lansbury-Begins-on-Broadway |date=March 5, 2014 }}</ref> Ramona Mallory (the daughter of original Broadway cast members [[Victoria Mallory]] and [[Mark Lambert (American actor)|Mark Lambert]]) as Anne, Hunter Ryan Herdlicka as Henrik, [[Leigh Ann Larkin]] as Petra, [[Erin Davie]] as the Countess, [[Aaron Lazar]] as the Count, and [[Bradley Dean]] as Frid. Zeta-Jones received the award for [[Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical|Best Leading Actress in a Musical]] at the [[64th Tony Awards]].<ref name="tony1">{{cite web |url=http://www.tonyawards.com/en_US/nominees/index.html |title=Tony Award nominees, 2009–2010 |access-date=May 13, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100507080412/http://www.tonyawards.com/en_US/nominees/index.html |archive-date=May 7, 2010 }}</ref> | The 2008 [[Menier Chocolate Factory]] production opened on Broadway at the [[Walter Kerr Theatre]] in previews on November 24, 2009, and officially on December 13, 2009, with the same creative team. The cast was led by [[Angela Lansbury]] as Madame Armfeldt and, in her Broadway debut, [[Catherine Zeta-Jones]] as Desiree. Also featured were Alexander Hanson as Frederik,<ref>Hernandez, Ernio and Gans, Andrew. [http://www.playbill.com/news/article/134767-A-Little-Night-Music-With-Zeta-Jones-and-Lansbury-Begins-on-Broadway "A Little Night Music, With Zeta-Jones and Lansbury, Begins on Broadway"]. Playbill.com, November 24, 2009 {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140305060514/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/134767-A-Little-Night-Music-With-Zeta-Jones-and-Lansbury-Begins-on-Broadway |date=March 5, 2014 }}</ref> Ramona Mallory (the daughter of original Broadway cast members [[Victoria Mallory]] and [[Mark Lambert (American actor)|Mark Lambert]]) as Anne, Hunter Ryan Herdlicka as Henrik, [[Leigh Ann Larkin]] as Petra, [[Erin Davie]] as the Countess, [[Aaron Lazar]] as the Count, and [[Bradley Dean]] as Frid. Zeta-Jones received the award for [[Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical|Best Leading Actress in a Musical]] at the [[64th Tony Awards]].<ref name="tony1">{{cite web |url=http://www.tonyawards.com/en_US/nominees/index.html |title=Tony Award nominees, 2009–2010 |access-date=May 13, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100507080412/http://www.tonyawards.com/en_US/nominees/index.html |archive-date=May 7, 2010 }}</ref> | ||
Originally, [[Katherine Doherty]] and Keaton Whittaker played Fredrika in alternating performances, beginning with the November 2009 previews.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.playbill.com/production/a-little-night-music-walter-kerr-theatre-vault-0000010031|title = A Little Night Music Broadway @ Walter Kerr Theatre - Tickets and Discounts}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bothell-reporter.com/life/bothells-keaton-whittaker-to-hit-the-broadway-stage-in-a-little-night-music/|title=Bothell's Keaton Whittaker to hit the Broadway stage in 'A Little Night Music'|date=13 November 2009}}</ref> The official show album, which was recorded in January 2010, features both Doherty and Whittaker as Fredrika (on different songs).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.playbill.com/article/a-little-night-music-cast-album-gets-recorded-jan-4-com-164619|title = A Little Night Music Cast Album Gets Recorded Jan. 4|date = 4 January 2010}}</ref> However, [[Katherine McNamara]] replaced Doherty in February 2010.<ref>{{Cite web|url= | Originally, [[Katherine Doherty]] and Keaton Whittaker played Fredrika in alternating performances, beginning with the November 2009 previews.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.playbill.com/production/a-little-night-music-walter-kerr-theatre-vault-0000010031|title = A Little Night Music Broadway @ Walter Kerr Theatre - Tickets and Discounts}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bothell-reporter.com/life/bothells-keaton-whittaker-to-hit-the-broadway-stage-in-a-little-night-music/|title=Bothell's Keaton Whittaker to hit the Broadway stage in 'A Little Night Music'|date=13 November 2009}}</ref> The official show album, which was recorded in January 2010, features both Doherty and Whittaker as Fredrika (on different songs).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.playbill.com/article/a-little-night-music-cast-album-gets-recorded-jan-4-com-164619|title = A Little Night Music Cast Album Gets Recorded Jan. 4|date = 4 January 2010}}</ref> However, [[Katherine McNamara]] replaced Doherty in February 2010.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://playbill.com/person/katherine-mcnamara-vault-0000047916|title=Katherine McNamara (Performer)|website=Playbill}}</ref> McNamara and Whittaker stayed with the production until it ended in January 2011.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.playbill.com/article/broadways-little-night-music-with-bernadette-peters-and-elaine-stritch-ends-run-jan-9-com-174998|title = Broadway's Little Night Music, with Bernadette Peters and Elaine Stritch, Ends Run Jan. 9|date = 9 January 2011}}</ref> | ||
When the contracts of Zeta-Jones and Lansbury ended, the production closed temporarily on June 20, 2010, and resumed on July 13, with new stars [[Bernadette Peters]] as Desiree Armfeldt and [[Elaine Stritch]] as Madame Armfeldt.<ref>Gans, Andrew. [http://www.playbill.com/news/article/141676-Isnt-It-Bliss-Bernadette-Peters-and-Elaine-Stritch-Open-in-Night-Music-Revival-Aug-1 "'Isn't It Bliss?' Bernadette Peters and Elaine Stritch Open in Night Music Revival Aug. 1] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100802083112/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/141676-Isnt-It-Bliss-Bernadette-Peters-and-Elaine-Stritch-Open-in-Night-Music-Revival-Aug-1 |date=2010-08-02 }}. Playbill, August 1, 2010</ref><ref>McBride, Walter.[http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Photo_Coverage_Bernadette_Peters_and_Elaine_Stritch_Open_in_A_LITTLE_NIGHT_MUSIC_20100714 "Photo Coverage: Bernadette Peters and Elaine Stritch Open in 'A Little Night Music'"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100716042246/http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Photo_Coverage_Bernadette_Peters_and_Elaine_Stritch_Open_in_A_LITTLE_NIGHT_MUSIC_20100714 |date=2010-07-16 }}. Broadwayworld.com, July 14, 2010</ref> In an interview, Peters said that Sondheim had "proposed the idea to her this spring and urged the producers of the revival to cast her."<ref>Healy, Patrick. [http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/06/07/peters-stritch-to-join-night-music-cast/ "Peters, Stritch to Join ''Night Music'' Cast"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100610205306/http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/06/07/peters-stritch-to-join-night-music-cast/ |date=2010-06-10}}. ''[[The New York Times]]'', June 7, 2010</ref> Trevor Nunn directed rehearsals with the two new stars, and the rest of the original cast remained.<ref>Rizzo, Frank. [http://www.courant.com/features/hc-rizzo-ticker-0610-20100610,0,1197922.column "Elaine Stritch: She's Still Here – in West Hartford"]. ''[[Hartford Courant]]'', June 10, 2010 {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100819221901/http://www.courant.com/features/hc-rizzo-ticker-0610-20100610%2C0%2C1197922.column |date=August 19, 2010 }}</ref><ref>[http://www.broadway.com/shows/little-night-music/buzz/153809/a-little-night-music-sets-closing-date-peters-and-stritch-extend/ "A Little Night Music Sets Closing Date; Peters and Stritch Extend"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101018021912/http://www.broadway.com/shows/little-night-music/buzz/153809/a-little-night-music-sets-closing-date-peters-and-stritch-extend/ |date=2010-10-18 }}. Broadway.com</ref> Peters and Stritch extended their contracts until January 9, 2011, when the production closed with 20 previews and 425 regular performances.<ref>Gans, Andrew. [http://www.playbill.com/news/article/143644-Bernadette-Peters-and-Elaine-Stritch-Extend-Run-in-Broadways-A-Little-Night-Music "Bernadette Peters and Elaine Stritch Extend Run in Broadway's A Little Night Music"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101008055545/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/143644-Bernadette-Peters-and-Elaine-Stritch-Extend-Run-in-Broadways-A-Little-Night-Music |date=2010-10-08 }}. Playbill.com, October 5, 2010</ref> Before the production closed, it recouped its initial investment.<ref>Gans, Andrew. [http://www.playbill.com/news/article/146428-Broadways-A-Little-Night-Music-with-Bernadette-Peters-and-Elaine-Stritch-Recoups Broadway's A Little Night Music, with Bernadette Peters and Elaine Stritch, Recoups"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110109165320/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/146428-Broadways-A-Little-Night-Music-with-Bernadette-Peters-and-Elaine-Stritch-Recoups |date=2011-01-09 }}. Playbill, January 6, 2011</ref> | When the contracts of Zeta-Jones and Lansbury ended, the production closed temporarily on June 20, 2010, and resumed on July 13, with new stars [[Bernadette Peters]] as Desiree Armfeldt and [[Elaine Stritch]] as Madame Armfeldt.<ref>Gans, Andrew. [http://www.playbill.com/news/article/141676-Isnt-It-Bliss-Bernadette-Peters-and-Elaine-Stritch-Open-in-Night-Music-Revival-Aug-1 "'Isn't It Bliss?' Bernadette Peters and Elaine Stritch Open in Night Music Revival Aug. 1] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100802083112/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/141676-Isnt-It-Bliss-Bernadette-Peters-and-Elaine-Stritch-Open-in-Night-Music-Revival-Aug-1 |date=2010-08-02 }}. Playbill, August 1, 2010</ref><ref>McBride, Walter.[http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Photo_Coverage_Bernadette_Peters_and_Elaine_Stritch_Open_in_A_LITTLE_NIGHT_MUSIC_20100714 "Photo Coverage: Bernadette Peters and Elaine Stritch Open in 'A Little Night Music'"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100716042246/http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Photo_Coverage_Bernadette_Peters_and_Elaine_Stritch_Open_in_A_LITTLE_NIGHT_MUSIC_20100714 |date=2010-07-16 }}. Broadwayworld.com, July 14, 2010</ref> In an interview, Peters said that Sondheim had "proposed the idea to her this spring and urged the producers of the revival to cast her."<ref>Healy, Patrick. [http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/06/07/peters-stritch-to-join-night-music-cast/ "Peters, Stritch to Join ''Night Music'' Cast"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100610205306/http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/06/07/peters-stritch-to-join-night-music-cast/ |date=2010-06-10}}. ''[[The New York Times]]'', June 7, 2010</ref> Trevor Nunn directed rehearsals with the two new stars, and the rest of the original cast remained.<ref>Rizzo, Frank. [http://www.courant.com/features/hc-rizzo-ticker-0610-20100610,0,1197922.column "Elaine Stritch: She's Still Here – in West Hartford"]. ''[[Hartford Courant]]'', June 10, 2010 {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100819221901/http://www.courant.com/features/hc-rizzo-ticker-0610-20100610%2C0%2C1197922.column |date=August 19, 2010 }}</ref><ref>[http://www.broadway.com/shows/little-night-music/buzz/153809/a-little-night-music-sets-closing-date-peters-and-stritch-extend/ "A Little Night Music Sets Closing Date; Peters and Stritch Extend"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101018021912/http://www.broadway.com/shows/little-night-music/buzz/153809/a-little-night-music-sets-closing-date-peters-and-stritch-extend/ |date=2010-10-18 }}. Broadway.com</ref> Peters and Stritch extended their contracts until January 9, 2011, when the production closed with 20 previews and 425 regular performances.<ref>Gans, Andrew. [http://www.playbill.com/news/article/143644-Bernadette-Peters-and-Elaine-Stritch-Extend-Run-in-Broadways-A-Little-Night-Music "Bernadette Peters and Elaine Stritch Extend Run in Broadway's A Little Night Music"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101008055545/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/143644-Bernadette-Peters-and-Elaine-Stritch-Extend-Run-in-Broadways-A-Little-Night-Music |date=2010-10-08 }}. Playbill.com, October 5, 2010</ref> Before the production closed, it recouped its initial investment.<ref>Gans, Andrew. [http://www.playbill.com/news/article/146428-Broadways-A-Little-Night-Music-with-Bernadette-Peters-and-Elaine-Stritch-Recoups Broadway's A Little Night Music, with Bernadette Peters and Elaine Stritch, Recoups"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110109165320/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/146428-Broadways-A-Little-Night-Music-with-Bernadette-Peters-and-Elaine-Stritch-Recoups |date=2011-01-09 }}. Playbill, January 6, 2011</ref> | ||
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The [[Turku City Theatre]] staged the musical in 2011 with {{ill|Kirsi Tarvainen|fi}} in the role as Désirée. {{ill|Tuomas Parkkinen|fi}} directed and Jussi Vahvaselkä was musical director. | The [[Turku City Theatre]] staged the musical in 2011 with {{ill|Kirsi Tarvainen|fi}} in the role as Désirée. {{ill|Tuomas Parkkinen|fi}} directed and Jussi Vahvaselkä was musical director. | ||
In 2019, the [[Dutch Touring Opera|Nederlands Reisopera]] staged a version directed by | In 2019, the [[Dutch Touring Opera|Nederlands Reisopera]] staged a version directed by Zack Winokur, with Susan Rigvava-Dumas playing Désirée. | ||
===Opera companies and concerts=== | ===Opera companies and concerts=== | ||
The musical has also become part of the repertoire of a few opera companies. [[Michigan Opera Theatre]] was the first major American opera company to present the work in 1983, and again in November 2009. [[Light Opera Works]] (Evanston, Illinois) produced the work in August 1983. [[New York City Opera]] staged it in 1990, 1991 and 2003, the [[Houston Grand Opera]] in 1999, the [[Los Angeles Opera]] in 2004, and Hartford Opera Theater in 2014. New York City Opera's production in August 1990 and July 1991 (a total of 18 performances) won the 1990 [[Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Revival]] and was telecast on the [[PBS]] show ''Live at Lincoln Center'' on November 7, 1990.{{Citation needed|date=June 2024}} The cast included both stage performers: [[Sally Ann Howes]] and [[George Lee Andrews]] as Desiree and Frederik and opera regular [[Regina Resnik]] as Madame Armfeldt (in 1991).<ref>[http://www.sondheimguide.com/night.html#1990NYCO 1990 New York City Opera Production] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170513233106/http://www.sondheimguide.com/night.html |date=2017-05-13 }} sondheimguide.com, accessed October 21, 2012</ref> The 2003 production featured a young [[Anna Kendrick]] as Fredrika Armfeldt, alongside [[Jeremy Irons]] as Frederik, [[Juliet Stevenson]] as Desiree, [[Claire Bloom]] as Madame Armfeldt, [[Danny Gurwin]] as Henrik, [[Michele Pawk]] as Charlotte, | The musical has also become part of the repertoire of a few opera companies. [[Michigan Opera Theatre]] was the first major American opera company to present the work in 1983, and again in November 2009. [[Light Opera Works]] (Evanston, Illinois) produced the work in August 1983. The [[New York City Opera]] staged it in 1990, 1991 and 2003, the [[Houston Grand Opera]] in 1999, the [[Los Angeles Opera]] in 2004, and Hartford Opera Theater in 2014. The New York City Opera's production in August 1990 and July 1991 (a total of 18 performances) won the 1990 [[Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Revival]] and was telecast on the [[PBS]] show ''Live at Lincoln Center'' on November 7, 1990.{{Citation needed|date=June 2024}} The cast included both stage performers: [[Sally Ann Howes]] and [[George Lee Andrews]] as Desiree and Frederik and opera regular [[Regina Resnik]] as Madame Armfeldt (in 1991).<ref>[http://www.sondheimguide.com/night.html#1990NYCO 1990 New York City Opera Production] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170513233106/http://www.sondheimguide.com/night.html |date=2017-05-13 }} sondheimguide.com, accessed October 21, 2012</ref> | ||
The 2003 New York City Opera production featured a young [[Anna Kendrick]] as Fredrika Armfeldt, alongside [[Jeremy Irons]] as Frederik, [[Juliet Stevenson]] as Desiree, [[Claire Bloom]] as Madame Armfeldt, [[Danny Gurwin]] as Henrik, [[Michele Pawk]] as Charlotte, Jessica Boevers as Petra, Kristin Huxhold as Anne and [[Marc Kudisch]] as Carl-Magnus.<ref>[http://www.sondheimguide.com/night.html#2003NYCO 2003 New York City Opera Production] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170513233106/http://www.sondheimguide.com/night.html |date=2017-05-13 }} sondheimguide.com, accessed October 21, 2012</ref> | |||
The 2003 production was revived at Los Angeles Opera in July 2004. Kudish, Pawk, Gurwin and Boevers returned alongside [[Judith Ivey]] as Desiree, [[Zoe Caldwell]] as Madame Armfeldt, [[Victor Garber]] as Frederik, [[Laura Benanti]] as Anne and [[Kristen Bell]] as Fredrika.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.sondheimguide.com/night.html#2003NYCO | title=Sondheim Guide / A Little Night Music }}</ref> | |||
[[Opera Australia]] presented the piece in Melbourne in May 2009, starring [[Sigrid Thornton]] as Desiree Armfeldt and [[Nancye Hayes]] as Madame Armfeldt. The production returned in 2010 at the [[Sydney Opera House]] with [[Anthony Warlow]] taking on the role of Fredrik Egerman. The production was directed by [[Stuart Maunder]], designed by [[Roger Kirk (designer)|Roger Kirk]], and conducted by Andrew Greene.<ref>[http://www.opera-australia.org.au/scripts/nc.dll?OPRA:PRODUCTION:0:pc=PC_90107 ''A Little Night Music''] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120303061205/http://www.opera-australia.org.au/scripts/nc.dll?OPRA:PRODUCTION:0:pc=PC_90107 |date=2012-03-03 }}, [[Opera Australia]]</ref> [[Opera Theatre of Saint Louis]] performed the musical in June 2010. Designer [[Isaac Mizrahi]] directed and designed the production, with a cast that included [[Amy Irving]], [[Siân Phillips]], and [[Ron Raines]] as Fredrik Egerman.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Hetrick|first=Adam|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100609094448/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/140075-Mizrahi-Helmed-Night-Music-with-Irving-Phillips-and-Raines-Opens-in-St-Louis|url=http://www.playbill.com/news/article/140075-Mizrahi-Helmed-Night-Music-with-Irving-Phillips-and-Raines-Opens-in-St-Louis|title=Mizrahi-Helmed ''Night Music'', with Irving, Phillips and Raines, Opens in St. Louis|date=June 9, 2010|magazine=[[Playbill]]|archive-date=June 9, 2010}}</ref> | [[Opera Australia]] presented the piece in Melbourne in May 2009, starring [[Sigrid Thornton]] as Desiree Armfeldt and [[Nancye Hayes]] as Madame Armfeldt. The production returned in 2010 at the [[Sydney Opera House]] with [[Anthony Warlow]] taking on the role of Fredrik Egerman. The production was directed by [[Stuart Maunder]], designed by [[Roger Kirk (designer)|Roger Kirk]], and conducted by Andrew Greene.<ref>[http://www.opera-australia.org.au/scripts/nc.dll?OPRA:PRODUCTION:0:pc=PC_90107 ''A Little Night Music''] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120303061205/http://www.opera-australia.org.au/scripts/nc.dll?OPRA:PRODUCTION:0:pc=PC_90107 |date=2012-03-03 }}, [[Opera Australia]]</ref> [[Opera Theatre of Saint Louis]] performed the musical in June 2010. Designer [[Isaac Mizrahi]] directed and designed the production, with a cast that included [[Amy Irving]], [[Siân Phillips]], and [[Ron Raines]] as Fredrik Egerman.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Hetrick|first=Adam|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100609094448/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/140075-Mizrahi-Helmed-Night-Music-with-Irving-Phillips-and-Raines-Opens-in-St-Louis|url=http://www.playbill.com/news/article/140075-Mizrahi-Helmed-Night-Music-with-Irving-Phillips-and-Raines-Opens-in-St-Louis|title=Mizrahi-Helmed ''Night Music'', with Irving, Phillips and Raines, Opens in St. Louis|date=June 9, 2010|magazine=[[Playbill]]|archive-date=June 9, 2010}}</ref> | ||
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Doug and Stacey Meyer, David and Ryan Belenzon, and Michael Lamon.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://broadwaydirect.com/star-studded-a-little-night-music-concert-to-play-david-geffen-hall/|title=Star-Studded A Little Night Music Concert to Play David Geffen Hall | Broadway Direct|date=25 March 2024 }}</ref> | Doug and Stacey Meyer, David and Ryan Belenzon, and Michael Lamon.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://broadwaydirect.com/star-studded-a-little-night-music-concert-to-play-david-geffen-hall/|title=Star-Studded A Little Night Music Concert to Play David Geffen Hall | Broadway Direct|date=25 March 2024 }}</ref> | ||
==Film | ==Film== | ||
{{Main|A Little Night Music (film)}} | {{Main|A Little Night Music (film)}} | ||
A [[film adaptation]] of ''A Little Night Music'' was released in 1977, with Cariou, Gingold, and Guittard reprising their broadway roles, alongside [[Elizabeth Taylor]] as Desiree, [[Lesley-Anne Down]] as Anne, and [[Diana Rigg]] as Charlotte. The setting was moved from Sweden to Austria. Sondheim wrote lyrics for the "Night Waltz" theme ("Love Takes Time") and an entirely new version of "The Glamorous Life", which has been incorporated into several subsequent productions of the stage musical. However, other songs, including "In Praise of Women", "The Miller's Son" and "Liaisons", were cut and remain heard only as background orchestrations. | |||
The film marked Prince's second (and final) time as a motion picture director, following ''[[Something for Everyone]]''. Critical reaction was mostly negative, with much being made of Taylor's wildly fluctuating weight from scene to scene.<ref>{{cite news|last=Canby|first=Vincent|author-link=Vincent Canby|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1978/03/08/archives/film-a-little-night-musicbergmaninspired.html|title=Film: ''A Little Night Music'': Bergman-Inspired|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=March 8, 1978}}</ref> Some critics responded more positively, with ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' calling it "an elegant looking, period romantic charade".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://variety.com/1976/film/reviews/a-little-night-music-4-1200424049/|title=A Little Night Music|magazine=Variety|access-date=May 15, 2019}}</ref> There was praise for Rigg, and orchestrator [[Jonathan Tunick]] received an [[Academy Awards|Oscar]] for his [[Academy Award for Best Original Score|work on the score]]. A soundtrack recording was released on LP, and a DVD release was issued in 2007.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://stpl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S129C264481 |title=A little night music |date=2007 |publisher=Hen's Tooth Video |editor-last=Prince |editor-first=Harold |location=United States |oclc=123960514 |editor-last2=Kastner |editor-first2=Elliott |editor-last3=Wheeler |editor-first3=Hugh |editor-last4=Taylor |editor-first4=Elizabeth |editor-last5=Rigg |editor-first5=Diana |editor-last6=Cariou |editor-first6=Len |editor-last7=Down |editor-first7=Lesley-Anne |editor-last8=Gingold |editor-first8=Hermione |editor-last9=Guittard |editor-first9=Laurence}}</ref> | |||
==Music analysis== | ==Music analysis== | ||
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===Influences=== | ===Influences=== | ||
There is a [[Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart|Mozart]] reference in the title—''A Little Night Music'' is an occasionally used translation of ''[[Eine kleine Nachtmusik]]'', the nickname of Mozart's Serenade No. 13, [[Köchel catalogue|K.]] 525. The elegant, [[harmony|harmonically]]-advanced music in this musical pays indirect homage to the compositions of [[Maurice Ravel]], especially his ''[[Valses nobles et sentimentales (Ravel)|Valses nobles et sentimentales]]''{{sfn|Citron|2001|pp=200, 203}} (whose opening chord is borrowed for the opening chord of the song "Liaisons"); part of this effect stems from the style of orchestration that [[Jonathan Tunick]] used. There is also a direct quotation in | There is a [[Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart|Mozart]] reference in the title—''A Little Night Music'' is an occasionally used English translation of ''[[Eine kleine Nachtmusik]]'', the nickname of Mozart's Serenade No. 13, [[Köchel catalogue|K.]] 525. The elegant, [[harmony|harmonically]]-advanced music in this musical pays indirect homage to the compositions of [[Maurice Ravel]], especially his ''[[Valses nobles et sentimentales (Ravel)|Valses nobles et sentimentales]]''{{sfn|Citron|2001|pp=200, 203}} (whose opening chord is borrowed for the opening chord of the song "Liaisons"); part of this effect stems from the style of orchestration that [[Jonathan Tunick]] used. There is also a direct quotation in "A Weekend in the Country" of Octavian's horn theme from [[Richard Strauss]]'s ''[[Der Rosenkavalier]]'', another comedy of manners with partner-swapping at its heart. | ||
=== Orchestration === | === Orchestration === | ||
The original Broadway pit consisted of a | The original Broadway pit consisted of a 25-piece orchestra. | ||
* [[String section|Strings]]: | * [[String section|Strings]]: 6 [[violin]]s 2 [[viola]], 2 [[cello]], 1 [[Double bass|bass]], 1 [[harp]] | ||
* [[Brass instrument|Brass]]: 2 [[trumpet]]s | * [[Brass instrument|Brass]]: 2 [[trumpet]]s, 3 [[Horn (instrument)|horns]], 1 [[trombone]] | ||
* [[Keyboard instrument|Keyboards]]: 1 [[piano]]/[[celesta]] | * [[Keyboard instrument|Keyboards]]: 1 [[piano]]/[[celesta]] | ||
* [[Woodwinds]]: | * [[Woodwinds]]: | ||
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* [[Percussion]]: (1 player) [[bell]]s, [[crotales]], [[snare drum]], [[Triangle (musical instrument)|triangle]], [[tympani]], [[xylophone]] | * [[Percussion]]: (1 player) [[bell]]s, [[crotales]], [[snare drum]], [[Triangle (musical instrument)|triangle]], [[tympani]], [[xylophone]] | ||
The 2008 revival of the show modified the orchestrations to an 8 piece pit, re-orchestrated by Jason Carr.<ref>{{Cite web |title=A Little Night Music (Broadway, Walter Kerr Theatre, 2009) |url=https://playbill.com/production/a-little-night-music-walter-kerr-theatre-vault-0000010031 |access-date=2022-03-16 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref> | The 2008 revival of the show modified the orchestrations to an 8-piece pit, re-orchestrated by Jason Carr.<ref>{{Cite web |title=A Little Night Music (Broadway, Walter Kerr Theatre, 2009) |url=https://playbill.com/production/a-little-night-music-walter-kerr-theatre-vault-0000010031 |access-date=2022-03-16 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref> | ||
* [[String section|Strings]]: 1 [[violin]] 1 [[viola]], 1 [[cello]], 1 [[Double bass|bass]], 1 [[harp]] | * [[String section|Strings]]: 1 [[violin]] 1 [[viola]], 1 [[cello]], 1 [[Double bass|bass]], 1 [[harp]] | ||