The Queen of Cups presents Summoning Sondheim as part of the relaunch of Vaults before heading to 54 Below in New York in the autumn. Co written by Grace O’Keefe {best newcomer at Musical Comedy Awards 24) she has created a two woman show that centres around Stephen Sondheim the American composer and lyricist. He is regarded as one of the most important and influential people in the 21st C of musical theatre.
The staging is intimate and minimal seating, the set is focussed on the candle lit alter placed in the centre of the room, the purpose being to attract the spirit of Sondheim. A séance, a place of worship to the great composer in the hope that he comes back to offer guidance and wise words to ‘Grace’ an inspiring writer who someday wants to become herself a renowned female scriptwriter of he future.
She introduces Jordana Belaiche, who portrays herself as a true ‘Broadway Baby’ vying for recognition and her place amongst the musical theatre greats. She also plays the role of the ‘Mystic, Spiritualist or not’ in summoning Sondheim from spirit.
These two women have excellent musicality synchronicity with each other and the comedy, although at times felt a little unappreciated, it did not distract from the fact that this short play is a delight to watch. The audience is small to depict sitting around ’in séance’ the concept which was introduced as you entered the room. The lighting and effects resembled being in a spiritual space in which you ‘did expect Sondheim to appear, in which he did but not before another ‘person’ popped in to steal the limelight. There was singing, dancing and the usual audience participation for comedic effects. It worked, and the message was clear and poignant, highlighting the lack of opportunities and recognition for ‘Women’ scriptwriters, composers and lyricists in musical theatre, so true. Brilliant!
Wise inspiring words from Sondheim resonated in the room written on the walls, to reminds us of the contribution of this great composer and lyricist to the arts and musical theatre.
This play is insightful, impactful, soulfully imaginative and divinely inspired.
Reviewer: Michelle Knight
Reviewed: 26th March 2025
North West End UK Rating:
Rating: 4 out of 5.
Written & Performed by Grace O’Keefe and Jordana Belaiche
Directed & Co-created by Bel Parker
Associate Producer & Tech Jake Venet
Music (mostly) by Grace O ‘Keefe, Tom McGrath
Chorography Clea Godshill
Costumes Roxanne Ivy Roberts
Running time 60 minutes no interval Booking Link https://www.tickettailor.com/events/vaultcreativearts/1533873
Playing 26th March – April 7th 2025