Sullivan Rep’s Big-Hearted ‘Hairspray’ Opens Season Two Without Missing A Beat

February 21, 2025February 21, 2025 Theater Mirror1 Comment

‘Hairspray’ – Music by Marc Shaiman. Lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. Book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan, based on John Waters’ 1988 film of the same name. Direction and Choreography by Dan Sullivan. Musical Direction by Jenny Tsai. Costume Design by DW. Hair and Makeup Design by Bridget Sullivan. Lighting Design by Erik Fox. Sound Design by Bridget Donovan, Properties Design by Rick Grenier. At The American Legion Nonantum Post 440, 295 California Street, Newton, MA, through March 1, 2025.

By Linda Chin

Even though the weather outside was frightful and they closed their last show, Annie, just eight weeks before, Sullivan Rep successfully opened Season Two with Hairspray – another ambitious audience favorite with a large cast, elaborate costumes, multiple scene changes, and intricate choreography – without missing a beat. Adding to already complicated production logistics (and my awe and admiration), the still new Newton-based company’s “tradition” is to present each of its season offerings at a “non-traditional” venue in one of the city’s diverse villages. In 2024, Sullivan Rep “popped up” full-scale productions of A Little Night Music at the distinguished City Hall, Blithe Spirit at the cozy Women’s Club of Newton Highlands, and Annie at the family-friendly Windsor Club in Waban.

Small Stage, Big Heart: Sullivan Rep’s Delightful “Annie”

December 19, 2024December 19, 2024 Theater MirrorLeave a comment

‘Annie’ – Book by Thomas Meehan. Music by Charles Strouse. Lyrics by Martin Charnin. Directed and Choreographed by Dan Sullivan; Musical Direction by Jenny Tsai; Lighting Design by Erik Fox; Costume Design by Dan Sullivan; Sound Design by Andrew Mulholland; Wardrobe by Judi Olson. Presented by Sullivan Rep, with all performances at the Windsor Club, 1601 Beacon Street, Waban, MA 02468, through December 21st.

By Judy Katzman

Don’t let the venue fool you. This production of ‘Annie’ is strong and very enjoyable despite the limitations of the performance space. There is a stage in the function room at the Windsor Club, but it was utilized by the orchestra, leaving the floor space to accommodate the performance area, the audience seating, and the backstage area. Nevertheless, the talented cast elevates this show to a level that makes it easy to forget that you’re not in a traditional theater.

Sullivan Rep’s Sumptuous ‘A Little Night Music’

June 6, 2024June 6, 2024 Theater MirrorLeave a comment

Cast of Sullivan Rep’s ‘A Little Night Music’ at Newton City Hall

Sullivan Rep presents ‘A Little Night Music’. Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Book by Hugh Wheeler. Direction and Choreography by Dan Sullivan. Music Direction by Jenny Tsai. Lighting Design by Erik Fox. Properties Design by Rick Grenier. Costume Design by DW. Hair and Makeup Design by Bridget Sullivan. Sound Design by Paul Roach. At Newton City Hall, Newton, MA, through June 8, 2024.

By Linda Chin

For two weekends in June, Sullivan Rep presents the second show of its inaugural season – A Little Night Music by the late musical genius Stephen Sondheim. Like his more popular musicals – the macabre Sweeney Todd or the fanciful Into the Woods, A Little Night Music has the masterful score and brilliant lyrics that are Sondheim’s trademark and is a story about love, longing, and romantic pairings that don’t have fairy tale endings. With a book penned by Hugh Wheeler, A Little Night Music is part operetta, part social commentary, and part bedroom farce and includes melancholic and laugh-out-loud moments.