Liz Callaway took center stage at the Studebaker Theater in Chicago last night, delivering a touching tribute to Broadway legend Stephen Sondheim, whose work profoundly influenced her career. The concert was more than just a musical performance; it was a celebration of a personal connection that has thrived over the past 40 years.
Callaway, the daughter of renowned Chicago broadcast journalist John Callaway, showcased a Sondheim review that she initially created at New York’s cabaret 54 Below shortly after Sondheim’s passing in 2021. The performance featured a mix of iconic numbers, such as ‘Broadway Baby’ and ‘In Buddy’s Eyes’ from Follies, as well as lesser-known pieces like ‘What More Do I Need?’ from Saturday Night and ‘What do We Do? We Fly’ from Do I Hear a Waltz.
The highlight of the evening was not only Callaway’s splendid vocal talent and impeccable musical phrasing but also the personal anecdotes she shared regarding her journey with Sondheim’s music.
Her introduction to Sondheim came at a young age. During a trip with her parents, she attended a performance of Company at the Alvin Theater, a powerful experience for a 10-year-old that left a lasting mark. A decade later, she found herself performing on that same stage in Sondheim’s Merrily We Roll Along, a show known as a ‘success d’estime’ despite its commercial challenges.
Near the conclusion of the night, Callaway reflected on how pivotal ‘Merrily’ was to her Broadway journey, emphasizing that her career’s roots can be traced back to that show. The opening of her performance was nothing short of magical, featuring a medley comprising Company’s title song, alongside ‘Someone in a Tree’ from Pacific Overtures and ‘I Know Things Now’ from Into the Woods.
While Sondheim’s music is celebrated for its intricacy, Callaway shared fond memories of performing his pieces, including a humorous anecdote about the last time she sang Sondheim in Chicago—a tribute concert in 2006 at Millennium Park, which Sondheim himself attended. During this concert, she tackled the tongue-twisting ‘Not Getting Married Today,’ a moment she now recalls with a twist, parodying it in a reimagined version titled ‘Another Hundred Lyrics.’ This lively take humorously spotlighted the complexity of Sondheim’s work, making her audience chuckle.
Her heartfelt rendition of ‘Send in the Clowns’ highlighted her ability to encapsulate emotional depth, inviting listeners to feel the bittersweet nuances of the song. Similarly, her performance of ‘I Remember’ from Evening Primrose emphasized her unique talent for breathing life into Sondheim’s lesser-known works.
Accompanied by pianist Alex Rybeck, Callaway’s performance was both polished and spontaneous. The synergy between her voice and Rybeck’s piano arrangements created a captivating atmosphere that amplified the emotional weight of each song, showcasing their enduring partnership of 40 years.
Set against the backdrop of the intimate Studebaker Theater, with its excellent acoustics, Callaway’s tribute resonated deeply with the audience. A mix of devoted fans, local friends, and family, including her accomplished sister Ann Hampton Callaway, filled the seats, eager to experience a night rich in musical emotion and nostalgia.
Towards the end, Callaway expressed her long-held desire to perform this special concert in Chicago, noting her past struggles to find a fitting venue. For fans of Sondheim, musical theater enthusiasts, and followers of Callaway’s career, this sentiment rings true.
It raises the question of why Chicago doesn’t host more performances of this caliber. However, the successful realization of Callaway’s dream at the Studebaker Theater may signal the beginning of many more such events, ensuring that the city retains a vibrant musical theater scene for years to come.
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