Composer

:

Stephen Sondheim

Genre

:

Musical Theatre

Style

:

Musical Theater

Compose Date

:

1966

'Evening Primrose' is a musical composed by Stephen Sondheim, with a book by James Goldman. The musical was first composed in 1966 and premiered on television in 1967. The plot of the musical revolves around a poet named Charles who decides to live in a department store after hours, where he meets a group of people who have been living there for years. The group is made up of people who have become disillusioned with the outside world and have chosen to live in the store to escape it. The musical is divided into two acts, with a total of nine movements. The first act introduces the characters and their situation, while the second act focuses on their attempts to escape the store and return to the outside world. The movements of the musical are characterized by Sondheim's signature style of complex melodies and intricate lyrics. One of the most notable characteristics of 'Evening Primrose' is its use of dark humor and satire. The musical is a commentary on consumerism and the isolation that can come with modern life. The characters in the store are portrayed as both sympathetic and absurd, highlighting the absurdity of their situation. The musical was composed for television and was not intended for a stage production. However, it has since been adapted for the stage and has been performed in various productions around the world. Despite its initial lack of success, 'Evening Primrose' has become a cult classic among Sondheim fans and is considered a hidden gem in his repertoire.

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