Side by Side by Sondheim at Oil Lamp Theater

Daily Herald - Somewhat Recommended

"...Titled after a number in Sondheim’s “Company” and peppered with biographical tidbits and backstage anecdotes, “Side By Side By Sondheim” is composed of songs from such tuners as “Gypsy,” “Follies,” “A Little Night Music” and “West Side Story.” (Note the show doesn’t include selections from “Sweeney Todd,” “Sunday in the Park With George,” “Into the Woods” or any of Sondheim’s post-“Pacific Overtures” works. Fans of those shows will have to seek out one of the later Sondheim anthologies.)"

Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...Anyone who knows me, knows that I love the works of Stephen Sondheim. You also should know that ever since one of my writers, Mike Horn, found Oil Lamp Theater, I have been proud to attend almost every opening ( even during the Covid days, when they were quite creative in continuing their offerings). One would think that the combination of the two, Sondheim and Oil Lamp would be a sure *****, but, alas, it cannot be. Let's put it this way. I loved the fact that they accepted the challenge of late in attempting musial productions. I love that Sondheim's "Side By Side By Sondheim: A Musical Entertainment "was selected, but there are a few problems that they need to work out."

PicksInSix - Highly Recommended

"...The “Side by Side” quartet sparkles vocally from the first downbeat. From air-tight harmonies in “You Could Drive A Person Crazy” to the “Did we miss your favorite number? Not to worry!” Act Two medley “Conversation Piece,” this ensemble moves in lockstep from start to finish. Individually, each performer finds their moment and settles into an honest and sincere moment in the metaphorical spotlight."

Splash Magazine - Highly Recommended

"...The performers excel at balancing rich harmonies with dramatic storytelling, breathing fresh life into songs you thought you knew. The staging is simple yet effective with nothing more than a baby grand piano and a couch, allowing the lyrics to take center stage. At its core, Side by Side by Sondheim is a reminder of how one man's artistry forever changed the landscape of the American musical."

BroadwayWorld - Highly Recommended

"...This is the show for devotees of Sondheim and those who love good storytelling through a musical. Sondheim's journey gave us some of the most beloved music ever written. With no plot, it is a show to sit back, listen and remember the legendary, late, great Stephen Sondheim. Everybody rise...."