"National Theatre's Current Showing of 'Here We Are', a Stephen Sondheim Musical, is More Akin to 'Severance' than a Traditional Chorus and Dance Event"
Reviewing the Quirky, Thought-Provoking "Here We Are": ★★★★
Farewell to a legend, Stephen Sondheim, who left us with "Here We Are", his final work that swerves far from his renowned masterpieces. As writer David Ives put it, Sondheim always delights in challenging his followers, taking them on a rollercoaster ride of reinvention. And boy, does "Here We Are" deliver!
The play, reminiscent of a wild mix between "Fawlty Towers" and a Beckett drama, revolves around a group of affluent Americans desperate for a brunch reservation. This is no gentle, nostalgic romp through Sondheim's iconic tunes like "Old Friends" - Sondheim's 2023 hit receiving a five-star City AM review. No, "Here We Are" is a witty — and unsettling — satire, delivering a profound message about excessive consumption.
Inspired by the absurdist films of Luis Buñuel, "The Exterminating Angel" and "The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie", the stage adaptation came following Sondheim's demise in 2021, sparking controversy about whether the experimental piece should even be performed. Rest assured, Sondheim's legacy as the titan of the 20th century - the maestro behind "Company", "Follies", "A Little Night Music", "Sweeney Todd", and "Into The Woods" - remains unscathed. "Here We Are" is yet another boundary-pushing exploit from the master, turning heads and ruffling feathers among the purists.
Welcome to the Surrealist, Star-Studded "Here We Are"!
We're introduced to a crew of self-absorbed yuppies: a plastic surgeon, an ambassador, an industrialist, and the Brinks — the central couple Leo and Marianne, portrayed by Rory Kinnear and Jane Krakowski. As they struggle to secure a brunch booking for their elite clique, they're ensnared in the radical left-wing group Prada - no, not the shoes! The six are sucked into an absurd rabbit hole that uncomfortably mirrors the surreal twists of the Apple TV series "Severance".
The show bites ferociously into wealth inequality, featuring gems like a craze for cloning dogs so they're always by their owner's side, no matter their location, and the pretentious chef who reinvent's French Deconstructive cuisine into its Post-Deconstructive form, where "everything is actually what it is." Director Joe Mantello and choreographer Sam Pinkleton ingeniously orchestrate the play, finding humor in Fawlty Towers-esque farcical shenanigans on an epic scale.
A Fond Farewell to Sondheim's Miraculous Skill
Though noted for his prolific songwriting, "Here We Are" presents tunes that serve the storyline rather than indepen-dently captivating the audience. "Here We Are" (Overture), "The Road", and "Waiter's Song" are part of a delicate weave of music that reminds us of Sondheim's extraordinary talent for deploying music to elevate the narrative, rather than providing standalone entertainment.
"Here We Are" conjures an astonishing spectacle, from its surrealist themes to its marvelous physicality. So, here's to Sondheim - one last toast to his unparalleled genius, his capacity to surprise, and his enduring impact on the world of musical theater.
Catch "Here We Are" at the National Theatre until 28th June.
- Stephen Sondheim's final work, "Here We Are", entertains audiences with a unique blend of humor and profound commentary, making it indistinguishable from the weirdest movies and TV shows in the entertainment genre.
- The plot of "Here We Are" is a satirical exploration of wealth inequality, featuring eccentric characters that are reminiscent of Luis Buñuel's surreal films, such as "The Exterminating Angel" and "The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie".
- In his final production, Sondheim demonstrates his unmatched skill in using music to enhance the narrative, enthralling audiences with songs like "Here We Are" (Overture), "The Road", and "Waiter's Song", further cementing his legacy in the world of entertainment.
