Colour & Light: The Art of Stephen Sondheim is the latest new work by Australia’s first and only Sondheim repertory company Watch This. The show is a collection of Stephen Sondheim’s greatest works. However, upon arrival into the Theatreworks performance space, the audience is met with a stunningly opulent European salon set design by Rob Sowinski, immediately elevating the entire show into something way above a mere concert presentation of songs. This set design is enhanced by a beautiful lighting design (assisted by Jacques Cooney Adlard) and a crisp sound design by Tomas Strode.
Under the direction of Melanie Hillman and Dean Drieberg, each musical number is not merely sung, it is presented with intelligence and passion, showcasing the brilliance of Stephen Sondheim’s story telling. Each number so vibrantly brought to life, it almost feels like the audience is watching a story unfold rather than unconnected songs.
The cast is as diverse as the songs themselves. Vidya Makan (Hamilton, Six), Johanna Allen (Sweeney Todd, The Phantom of the Opera), Nick Simpson-Deeks (Deadloch, Sunday In The Park With George), and Jacob Rozario (Dear Evan Hansen, & Juliet) all give outstanding performances, with solos, duets and ensemble numbers.
Colour & Light: The Art of Stephen Sondheim is filled with highlights, from Johanna Allen’s wickedly mischievous performance of ‘The Worst Pies in London’, Vidya Makan’s delightfully hilarious ‘The Boy From’, Jacob Rozario’s wonderful rendition of ‘I’m Calm’, Nick Simpson-Deeks jaw-droppingly beautiful performance of ‘Send in the Clowns’, and the full company’s heartfelt rendition of ‘Being Alive’; every performance bringing out the depth of the story being told in that moment with great passion.
Mastering the musical complexity of the Sondheim works is Dr Trevor Jones, who not only serves as the Musical Director but has also skillfully reworked some of the songs into beautiful arrangements, with a few surprising twists. As well as sitting in the centre of the stage providing the accompaniment on a grand piano, Jones also takes his moment in the spotlight as a featured artist.
Fans of Stephen Sondheim will enjoy this outstanding celebration of his work, but it’s also a show that will appeal to any musical theatre lover, and indeed would be a lovely introduction to anyone less familiar with his works.
Colour & Light: The Art of Stephen Sondheim is playing for a limited season at Theatreworks in St Kilda.
COLOUR & LIGHT: THE ART OF SONDHEIM
Theatre Words | 18 – 27 September, 2025
DATES & TIMES
Wednesday 24 September 7:30pm
Thursday 25 September 7:30pm
Friday 26 September 7:30pm
Saturday 27 September 7:30pm
VENUE
Theatre Works, 14 Acland Street, St Kilda
TICKETS
FULL PRICE: $55.00
CONCESSION: $47.00
PREVIEW: $47.00
MOB TIX: $25.00
Click here for BOOKINGS
SOCIAL MEDIA
FACEBOOK: /watchthisinc
INSTAGRAM: @watchthis_inc
WEBSITE: www.watchthis.net.au/
Photo credit: Ben Fon
