Composer

:

Stephen Sondheim

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Musical Theater

Compose Date

:

1973

Average_duration

:

47:32

A Little Night Music is a musical composed by Stephen Sondheim, with a book by Hugh Wheeler. The musical premiered on Broadway on February 25, 1973, at the Shubert Theatre and ran for 601 performances. The musical is based on the Ingmar Bergman film Smiles of a Summer Night. The musical is divided into two acts, with each act consisting of several scenes. The first act is set in Sweden in 1900 and the second act is set in the same location but in 1901. The musical features a total of 18 songs, including "Send in the Clowns," which has become one of Sondheim's most famous songs. The musical is known for its use of waltz music, which is used throughout the show. The waltz music is used to create a sense of elegance and sophistication, which is in contrast to the characters' romantic entanglements. The musical also features a large ensemble cast, with each character having their own storyline. The musical's characters are all connected in some way, with many of them having romantic relationships with each other. The main character is Desiree Armfeldt, a famous actress who is having an affair with a married man, Fredrik Egerman. Fredrik is married to Anne, who is much younger than him and is still a virgin. Anne is also desired by Henrik, Fredrik's son from his first marriage. Henrik is in love with his stepmother, Desiree, which creates a complicated love triangle. The musical's themes include love, desire, and the complexities of relationships. The musical also explores the idea of aging and the regrets that come with it. The musical's most famous song, "Send in the Clowns," is a reflection on the mistakes that people make in their relationships and the regret that comes with them. Overall, A Little Night Music is a sophisticated and elegant musical that explores the complexities of relationships and the regrets that come with them. The musical's use of waltz music and large ensemble cast create a sense of grandeur and sophistication, while the characters' romantic entanglements create a sense of drama and tension.

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