Show History

History

Inspiration


Side by Side by Sondheim is a musical revue featuring the songs of Stephen Sondheim. Its title is derived from the song, "Side by Side by Side," from Company.

The musical had its origins when David Kernan was asked by Cleo Laine and her husband, John Dankworth, to put together a revue as a benefit for The Stables, a theatre that they owned in Wavendon, England. Kernan contacted director, Ned Sherrin, and suggested that they do a revue of Sondheim material. The producer, Cameron Mackintosh, saw the benefit revue, which featured Millicent Martin, Julia McKenzie, Kernan and Ned Sherrin as the narrator, and agreed to produce it.

Productions

The original Side by Side by Sondheim had its premiere on May 4, 1976, at London's Mermaid Theatre, where it ran for 59 performances.  It subsequently transferred to Wyndham's Theatre and then the Garrick for a grand total of 806 performances. Ned Sherrin directed, but Stephen Sondheim also worked with the cast and made many suggestions. 



Hal Prince produced the Broadway version. The production, again directed by Sherrin, opened on April 18, 1977, at the Music Box Theatre and later transferred to the now-demolished Morosco Theatre. Between the two venues, it ran for a total 384 performances and six previews.