Primavera

After its acclaimed sell-out run at the Jermyn Street Theatre, Primavera is transferring Saturday Night to the West End for a limited run of 19 performances.

Book by Julius J. Epstein

Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim

Based on the play Front Porch in Flatbush by Julius J. Epstein and Philip G. Epstein

It’s Saturday night in New York, and five single friends decide to shake up their lifestyle and hit the town.

Captivated by glamorous heiress Helene and New York’s glittering social scene, Gene is determined to break into high society by disguising himself as a millionaire. But Helene has secrets of her own…

Stephen Sondheim’s first musical is a dazzling comedy full of soaring ballads, fizzing choreography and laugh-out-loud lyrics - a celebration of youth, romance and friendship in the city that never sleeps.

Written in 1954, Saturday Night was intended to be the 24 year old Stephen Sondheim's first Broadway musical. But when producer Lemuel Ayers died, the production was cancelled - and the show was not performed until it was given its professional premiere in London in 1997.

The Primavera production of Saturday Night will be the first time the revised book and score (amended for its off-Broadway premiere in 1999) have been seen professionally in the UK. It includes the addition of two new songs - Delighted, I'm Sure and Montana Chem.

Stephen Sondheim was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for drama with Sunday in the Park with George, recently revived in a hugely successful West End and Broadway production. His other work includes Sweeney Todd, A Little Night Music, Company, Into the Woods, Assassins and Passion.

Visit www.saturdaynightmusical.com for tickets and information.

PRESS REVIEWS:

"The prevailing mood, excellently caught in Tom Littler's production for Primavera, is one of sunny neighbourhood solidarity. David Ricardo-Pearce endows Gene with a raffish charm, and Helena Blackman is likable as his loyal fiancee ... Charlie Cameron invests a speakeasy girl with a stunning cloche-hatted vivacity." Michael Billington, The Guardian

"No Sondheim fan or musical theatre addict should miss the opportunity to experience this rare staging of Saturday Night.. brimming with atmosphere and life" 4 stars, Musical Criticism

"A gem of a show ... in the intimate theatrical world created for the piece by director Tom Littler the gem glistens and gleams with delight ... polished and energetic performances by every member of the highly talented ensemble" Broadway World

"Musical director Tom Attwood and director Tom Littler have made the most of the space with their actor musician ensemble, and the producers are very lucky to have such an array of talent in their company. The late twenties atmosphere is built up perfectly." 4 stars, Whats On Stage

"This production in the compact Jermyn Street Theatre is highly atmospheric ... what makes the show so all-embracing, however, is the fact that all the songs are played, as well as sung, by the cast members ... if it did transfer to a more prestigious venue, there are several cast members already in place who should be held onto at all costs." MusicOMH

"Primavera's excellent production of Saturday Night is an entertaining gem of a show. Helena Blackman and David Ricardo-Pearce grab your attention from the start and never let go, pulling at your heart strings all the way, whilst the rest of the cast effortlessly charm with humour. All this and wonderful music! Intimate Sondheim as it should be done - catch it whilst you can" MusicalTalk

"Amongst the strong cast, particular accolades must go to David Ricardo-Pearce as Gene ... Helena Blackman is also strong as the lady who wins Gene’s heart, putting expression into every note she sings, whilst the assistant choreographer, Charlie Cameron, delivers some delightful performances in several small roles." 4 stars, MusicOMH

"David Ricardo-Pearce is perfect ... Joanna Hickman is self-assured as Celeste and Lee Drage is a particularly outstanding actor ... Helena Blackman, runner-up of the BBC's Maria programme and star of this show.. shows a poise and sophistication ... It's ample demonstration that there is, after all, life after reality casting TV shows for the contestants." 4 stars, Musical Criticism

"A supremely confident staging by director Tom Littler ... an enjoyable and touching piece of music-theatre. Young and fresh it may be, but it beats most of today’s blockbuster shows right off the stage and into the pit." Classical Source

"This is a musical theatre production that captivates its audience from the first unexpected onstage crash of a drum to the final harmonious note of the finale with energy, wit, charm, great songs and great performances. In the words of Mr. Sondheim, "What more do (you) need"?" Broadway World