Stephen Sondheim may be considered one of the greatest living songwriters in musical theater, but some of his work is rarely produced in San Diego. However, Uptown residents will help bring “Follies” \u2014 a story he developed with book writer, James Goldman \u2014\u00a0 to the local theater scene.<\/p>\n
\u201cFollies\u201d is a story about former performers of the fictitious Weismann\u2019s Follies. Many of the stars \u2014 including the unhappy Sally Durant Plummer (Debbie David), movie actress Carlotta Campion (Lesley Knoth Pearson) the master of ceremonies Roscoe (Ryan Deitrich) \u2014 show up for an evening to celebrate the musical revue. Several of their personal lives are explored as they say goodbye to the Weismann Theater before the building is demolished.<\/p>\n A concert version of the dark tale \u2014 fittingly titled \u201cFollies: In Concert\u201d \u2014 is playing for a limited run at the Coronado Playhouse starting Aug. 31, directed by Bankers Hill resident Vanessa Dinning.<\/p>\n Before establishing residency in San Diego approximately 11 years ago, Dinning lived in the U.K., where she performed in other Sondheim productions including \u201cCompany,\u201d \u201cSweeney Todd,\u201d and \u201cInto the Woods.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m such a Sondheim fan,\u201d Dinning said. \u201cI think he\u2019s a genius.\u201d<\/p>\n Dinning previously worked for the San Diego Shakespeare Society as the artistic director. During her time working for the organization, she heard about an opportunity to direct a pre-show at the Coronado Playhouse. Eventually, she became the director of artistic planning and marketing as well as a board member of the theater.<\/p>\n Similar to most people involved with the arts, Dinning is a woman of many talents. The performer, dialect coach, cellist, pianist, and singer has trouble picking a favorite artistic pastime.<\/p>\n \u201cWhatever I\u2019m working on is generally my favorite thing,\u201d she said. \u201cI love doing it all.\u201d<\/p>\n For her latest production, Dinning recruited many other multitalented local artists, including City Heights resident Walter DuMelle.<\/p>\n DuMelle \u2014 the co-founder of Bodhi Tree Concerts \u2014 plays the role of Benjamin Rogers Stone, who is the husband of character Phyllis, performed by Kim Hendrix. He worked with Dinning at a collaboration event between his music company, San Diego Opera, SACRA\/PROFANA, and FAB United in 2016-2017, \u201cALL IS CALM: The Christmas Truce of 1914.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve grown to really respect Dinning as a professional in the theater scene,\u201d DuMelle said. \u201cWhen she first told me about staging \u2018Follies,\u2019 I told her \u2018I\u2019m in if you need me.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n Another Uptown crewmember who has no shortage of skill variety is music director William BJ Robinson.<\/p>\n Aside from \u201cFollies,\u201d Robinson is a local performer, vocal instructor, and host of a program dedicated to regional events \u201cKPBS Arts\u201d (formally known as \u201cKPBS Spectrum\u201d). Robinson became involved in the arts because of his passion for music.<\/p>\n \u201cI was always playing instruments, singing, and dancing,\u201d he said. \u201cI realized in high school that that was the way to go with my life.\u201d<\/p>\n Previously, Robinson taught as a choreographer, music assistant, accompanist, and conductor for the music department at Southwestern College. After working on music for a few years, he decided to try performing on stage.<\/p>\n Last year, Robinson starred in a show at the countywide San Diego International Fringe Festival, \u201cYellow Hell of Vincent Van Gogh,\u201d where he portrayed the legendary painter. Other recent roles include the voice of Audrey II in Coronado Playhouse\u2019s 2017 production of \u201cLittle Shop of Horrors\u201d and high school music teacher Bob Ruby in the San Diego Repertory world premiere, \u201cBeachtown.\u201d<\/p>\n When he\u2019s not on stage, Robinson spends his downtime at his canyon-side home between Talmadge and Montezuma where he moved three years ago. He enjoys the calm atmosphere of the neighborhood as well as its close proximity to cafes and grocery stores.<\/p>\n Similarly, one of the reasons Dinning appreciates living in Bankers Hill is being within walking distance to local restaurants and the bustling \u2014 yet relaxing \u2014 Balboa Park.<\/p>\n In addition to performing locally and living in Uptown, Robinson and Dinning have another commonality \u2014 their love of Sondheim.<\/p>\n \u201cEvery note, rhythm, and lyric that [Sondheim] writes is so purposefully detailed,\u201d Robinson said.<\/p>\n Part of the reason why \u201cFollies\u201d was picked for the Coronado Playhouse is because Dinning wanted to work on a project with Robinson.<\/p>\n \u201cI know he\u2019s a Sondheim freak and I\u2019m a Sondheim freak,\u201d Dinning said. \u201cAfter we chatted about Sondheim musicals, we chose \u2018Follies.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n They picked the narrative because the show is not produced often in the county. Although \u201cFollies\u201d is being presented as a concert, the musical typically features a 40 plus cast, an expansive set, and a symphony-esque orchestra.<\/p>\n A major goal that all these local artists \u2014 especially Dinning \u2014 hope to accomplish is to do Sondheim\u2019s songs justice.<\/p>\n \u201cI want to honor the work,\u201d Dinning said. \u201cI want to make sure that we\u2019re doing a good job, so we don\u2019t let Sondheim down.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFollies: In Concert\u201d will be performed at the Coronado Playhouse Aug. 31 through Sept. 2. For tickets or more information, visit coronadoplayhouse.com<\/a> or call 619-435-4856.<\/p>\n![\"Uptown](\"https:\/\/sduptownnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Untitled-1.jpg\")
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