In an enchanting tribute to the late Stephen Sondheim, renowned singer Liz Callaway delivered a heartfelt performance that combined elements of memoir, love letter, and stand-up comedy.
Held at the picturesque Studebaker Theater in Chicago’s Fine Arts Building, the one-night-only event felt like a homecoming for Callaway, a proud Chicago native.
Spanning 90 minutes, the concert showcased Callaway’s deeply personal journey through her Sondheim-infused career, captivating the audience with her storytelling and artistry.
Joined by her talented trio of musicians—Alex Rybeck, Daniel Kristan, and Jeff Handley—the evening commenced with an imaginative medley featuring songs from Sondheim’s classics such as Merrily We Roll Along, Into the Woods, and Pacific Overtures.
As Callaway shared anecdotes from her career and her time spent working alongside Sondheim, it became apparent that her seamless storytelling was the product of extensive preparation and dedication.
Early in her setlist, she paid homage to her Broadway debut by performing selections from Merrily, including the poignant numbers Old Friends and Like it Was.
Though this beloved show experienced a brief original run, its profound impact on Callaway’s life and career trajectory was evident throughout the evening.
Throughout the concert, Callaway shared touching family stories, including the special significance of the iconic song Not While I’m Around from Sweeney Todd, a piece that held meaning during her son’s early years.
A noteworthy highlight occurred when her son, Nicholas Callaway Foster, joined her on stage for a stirring rendition of Move On from Sunday in the Park with George, leaving the audience breathless and applauding enthusiastically as the song concluded.
Callaway showcased remarkable vocal clarity and strength, demonstrating her well-honed talent that has been refined over four decades of professional singing.
Navigating Sondheim’s intricate melodies and complex lyrics, she performed each song in its original key, proving her mastery and commitment to the craft.
Perhaps most commendable was Callaway’s humility throughout the performance; she refrained from mentioning her numerous accolades, film and television credits, instead focusing solely on honoring Sondheim, the revered American composer and lyricist.
Sondheim’s lyrics resonate with unspoken truths and profound emotional weight, inviting audiences to reflect and engage with the deeper meanings within his works.
This compelling concert stands as a testament to why Sondheim continues to have a devoted following, with new audiences discovering the brilliance of his music.
For both longtime fans and those newly introduced to his repertoire, Callaway’s album To Steve with Love serves as an essential listening experience that highlights the power of Sondheim’s music for the soul.
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