Putting It Together at the Foundry Theatre is a classy, intelligent, and deeply enjoyable night of musical theatre. It reminded me just how thrilling it is to hear Stephen Sondheim sung well, clearly, and with real understanding.
This elegant revue draws from across Sondheim’s exceptional body of work, presented as an intimate cocktail soirée set in an Upper East Side penthouse. The setting suits the material perfectly. It is sophisticated, playful, and emotionally layered, creating an ideal frame for Sondheim’s razor-sharp wit and profound insight into human relationships.
Music, Staging, and Sound
The music is allowed to speak for itself, supported by thoughtful staging and a beautifully balanced soundscape of three musicians. Two white pianos and a significant percussion station on stage add richness and momentum to the evening, enhancing the sense of intimacy while giving the score real depth and drive.
Vocal Excellence at the Forefront
What struck me most throughout the performance was the sheer quality of the singing. Sondheim is unforgiving, rhythmically complex, lyrically dense, and emotionally precise, yet this cast met those demands with apparent ease. Every song felt inhabited rather than merely performed, allowing the emotional intelligence of the material to land with clarity and impact.
Standout Performances
Caroline O’Connor, as the Wife, is a commanding presence. Her performances are grounded in seasoned experience, intelligence, and emotional truth, and it is no surprise that Cultural Binge described her as “clearly the gold standard,” noting that hearing her rendition of The Ladies Who Lunch alone is “easily worth the price of the ticket.” Watching her deliver this number live, I could not agree more. She was sharp, worldly, solid, and utterly compelling.
Stefanie Caccamo, as the Young Woman, was another standout. Her performance of Sooner or Later was utterly breathtaking. Controlled, poised, warm, and vocally exquisite, she has a voice that draws you in immediately, combining clarity with genuine emotional presence. It is easy to see why The Sydney Morning Herald described her as “outstanding.” Combined with her highly developed skills, she is a clear and undeniable triple threat. Effortless and top tier.
As the Husband, Michael Cormick brought depth and authority to the show, his well-known voice was rich and expressive. His debonair and striking stage presence felt entirely grounded and assured. Michael belongs on the stage in the most natural way.
Nigel Huckle, as the Young Man, added energy, charm, and vocal finesse, contributing confidently, poignantly, and powerfully, to both solo and ensemble moments.
From the opening moments, I felt completely in safe hands with Bert Labonté’s casual, intimate, and humorous introduction. As the Observer, he set a welcoming tone that carried throughout the evening, bringing warmth and ease to the performance. An accomplished actor, Bert was perfectly understated and engaging.
Creative Team and Design
The strength of Putting It Together is also a testament to its creative team. With words and music by Stephen Sondheim, and devised by Sondheim alongside Julia McKenzie, the production is beautifully shaped under the direction and choreography of Cameron Mitchell. Musical direction by Kevin Wang is assured and sensitive, allowing the intricacy of Sondheim’s writing to shine. Wang also performs at the piano alongside Nicholas Till, with percussion by Richard Gleeson, together creating a refined and responsive musical foundation.
Jonathan Tunick’s orchestrations, overseen musically by Guy Simpson, retain their elegance and bite. The visual world is equally refined, with Nick Fry’s set design evoking effortless sophistication, Nigel Shaw’s costumes balancing glamour and character, and Trudy Dalgleish’s lighting enhancing the intimacy of the space. Sound design by Michael Waters waa clean and well balanced, and is one of the most crucial parts of any show. The sound supported all voices and instruments with clarity.
Under the guidance of creative producer Sharon Millerchip, and produced by Impresario Productions, this is a production that feels polished, confident, and deeply respectful of its material.
Musical Highlights
There were many musical highlights, yet Being Alive and Getting Married Today stood out as particularly powerful moments for me. Both were delivered with clarity, heart, and emotional punch, and were reminders of why these songs endure as some of Sondheim’s finest. Multiple ensemble numbers were equally satisfying, with harmonies described by Limelight Magazine as “to die for,” and rightly so.
Respectful to the Audience
What I loved most about Putting It Together was its respect for the audience. This is not a flashy or overproduced show. It trusts the material, the performers, and the intelligence of those listening. The result is an evening that feels both luxurious and intimate, “cool, chic, funny and beautiful,” as Stage Noise put it, and “recommended without hesitation.”
Final Thoughts
For anyone who loves Sondheim, or simply loves hearing musical theatre performed at the highest level, Putting It Together is a genuine treat. Sophisticated, beautifully sung, and deeply satisfying, it is a reminder of just how extraordinary great musical theatre and great repertoire can be when all the elements truly come together.
Article by: Simone Waddell
Official Photos by: Sharon Millerchip
