Northlight's ‘Snapshots’ Romanticizes on Memories

One picture is definitely worth more than 1,000 words--or songs, agrees Ken Sawyer, who will direct Northlight Theatre’s production of Snapshots: A Musical Scrapbook.

The show will take place at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie. Previews start Sept. 16, with the official opening Sept. 23 and performances continuing through Oct. 23.

Making its Chicago-area premiere, the musical that has been updated since its 2005 debut features music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by David Stern. A romantic comedy, it focuses on the ups and downs experienced by a middle-aged couple who find their marriage at a crossroads.

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Schwartz has contributed music and lyrics to other stage performances, including Wicked, Godspell, The Baker’s Wife, Pippin and other well-known productions. Snapshots incorporates many of Schwartz’s classic songs into an entirely new plot.

“There have been revues such as 'Side by Side' by Sondheim and others like it,” said Sawyer. “But completely taking a popular song, putting it into a new context and tweaking it to fit hasn’t been done before.”

Those familiar with Schwartz’s canon will have “a great time” recognizing the music, while people unfamiliar with his work will follow a story “with great music that’s put into a new context,” Sawyer told Skokie Patch in a phone interview.

"It works for both audiences,” he added.

The play starts with characters at the age of 11 and advances to when they are in their late 40s. Sawyer said young people will especially identify with the entire beginning section of the show, while an older generation will relate to a marriage that has lasted for nearly 25 years.

Los Angeles-based Sawyer, a veteran director who has worked both coasts of the country, said he was ecstatic about coming to the Midwest. “I’m blown away by the talent and versatility. We’ve gathered six of your best actors to portray the leads, Dan and Sue, at three different ages; they also portray other people in the couple’s lives,” he said.
   
The cast showcases award-winning stage veterans Gene Weygandt (Wicked, Working) and Susie McMonagle (Mamma Mia!, Billy Elliott). It also features Tony Clarno, Nick Cosgrove, Jess Godwin and Megan Long.

Sawyer said he also encountered the same high-caliber professionalism with the set, lighting, costume and projection designers for the production.

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Snapshots: A Musical Scrapbook will be stage at the theater at 9501 Skokie Blvd. Tickets are $25-$65 and $10 for those 25 and younger--subject to availability. For more information, call 847-673-6300 or visit northlight.org