Marry Me A Little Review, from the Barn Theatre

Credit: https://www.instagram.com/thebarntheatrecirencester/

Bit of Sondheim in Lockdown 2.0? Yeah why not?! I must admit I was not expecting this production to be filmed and put up for paying audiences on the internet, but why not jump on the band wagon in these times I guess...

The Barn Theatre in Cirencester has been making its name in theatre news recently with its productions. Private Peaceful made a splash and was set into the West End (I was supposed to be seeing it in London on my week off), and this particular show was in full swing: both plans scuppered when the second lockdown came into force.....

Musical theatre fans may know the song Marry Me A Little from Company, but do you know the show Marry Me A Little?

No? Well, not so surprising since this is a revue show that isn't often produced. 

Marry Me A Little is comprised of songs from the classic shows of Stephen Sondheim, including Company, A Little Night Music and Follies, but not the big ones you know - the ones that didn't make the cut. In fact, the only one people will know, is Marry Me A Little itself. 

Rather than binning them, Sondheim picked the unused songs off the floor and put them into this show instead. And they are just as lush as his well-known material. 

Credit: https://www.instagram.com/thebarntheatrecirencester/

Marry Me A Little showcases two newly-single people in their New York apartments, following their break up. It explores everything that comes with it, but also what could have been; and ultimately, a distant resolution with each other, even though they don't meet again in person. 

If anyone has gone through a break up, I am pretty sure they have felt at least one, if not a few, of what both of these people are feeling at some point. 

Reuniting for this piece are The Light in the Piazza co-stars Rob Houchen and Celinde Schoenmaker, both of whom I want to see play more Sondheim if this was anything to go by. 

How they interpreted the text was masterful, as well as singing a difficult score beautifully - Sondheim aint easy kids! I was really impressed that for this, we got to see Schoenmaker's full vocal range: this required her to both use her high soprano, AND belt in her mid range BUT keep it in control. That is NOT easy, I know from experience. 

I do also need to give props (hehe PROPS) to set designer Gregor Donnelly. Like I said, the musical is set in these two apartments, with the main feature being a sofa and coffee table centre split between them. It's very simple yes, but it just adds into the factor of what could have been as the line between the two is so thin. 

Credit: https://www.instagram.com/thebarntheatrecirencester/

So thin in fact that they cross the line in one point remembering what they once had, set in warm yellow. Only reality hits them, the stage goes blue and they cross back over. Gorgeous. 

Behind is a screen projecting out views of New York one minute and messages or old pictures the next. It thankfully is used well and not just for the sake of it. 

Marry Me A Little is running on the Barn Theatre's website for one more night. 

I would recommend giving this one a shot. It's definitely melancholic but a refreshing change, and a worth it to be reminded of Sondheim's lyrical genius. You can get tickets here: https://barntheatre.org.uk/performances/marry-me-a-little-online-stream 

Just make sure you have the same essentials on standby you would for a break-up. Chocolate, tissues and a bottle of wine...