Sondheim’s “Sunday In The Park With George” Opens At Elmwood Playhouse

BY GEORGE J. DACRE

This play is a work of fiction, created by writers that looked at Georges Seurat’s painting of people in a park on an island in the Seine River, Paris. It is about their relationships with the artist, George, or “Georges” if you will. The Elmwood Players with some rejuvenated actors and a great cast do a wonderful performance of the vehicle that has drawn world wide acclaim.

George, the artist, intertwines with the people in the park as he maintains his insistence on becoming a better artist, an insistence which governs his life. With Dot, he develops a love affair that results in her pregnancy. However, his devotion to art is stronger and she has to marry someone else.

David Chmielewski, makes his Elmwood debut after an overall 15 year absence from the stage, as “George.” Kimberley Hawkey performs as “Dot,” also making her Elmwood debut and back on stage after an overall eight year hiatus. She has great chemistry with David as they perform this great musical story.

The play builds up to a finale with George’s grandson working as a painter. Somehow Dot comes back to sing a final “Move On” love song with him. Sondheim’s music and the book by Lapine play out well and this is an enchanting, though somewhat lengthy (about three hours), play.

It has a charm about it that stays with you. I rate “Sunday In The Park With George” directed by Claudia Stefany and Jennie Marino Three Stars out of Four!

Tickets and information at 845-353-1313 or elmwoodplayhouse.com.