The 1993 cast recording of Putting It Together is an album documenting the original Off-Broadway production of the musical revue Putting It Together. The revue is a compilation of songs by American composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim, woven into a narrative about a group of friends attending a sophisticated, and increasingly fraught, cocktail party.
Background: Putting It Together was conceived by Sondheim and Julia McKenzie. The 1993 production premiered on January 28, 1993, at the Manhattan Theatre Club's Stage I in New York City. The show marked Julie Andrews' return to the New York stage after a lengthy absence, garnering significant attention. The cast recording was released by RCA Victor.
Content: The revue features songs from various Sondheim musicals, including Company, Follies, A Little Night Music, Sunday in the Park with George, Merrily We Roll Along, Into the Woods, Sweeney Todd, Pacific Overtures, Anyone Can Whistle, The Frogs, and Dick Tracy. The songs are recontextualized to explore themes of relationships, marriage, aging, and the disillusionment of adult life among the party guests.
Cast: The notable cast of the 1993 Off-Broadway production, featured on this recording, included:
- Julie Andrews
- Christopher Durang
- Stephen Collins
- Michael Rupert
- Rachel York
Significance: The 1993 cast recording is significant for preserving the original Off-Broadway staging, which was generally well-received by critics and audiences, particularly for the performance of Julie Andrews. It offers a distinct interpretation of the revue compared to the later 1999 Broadway revival, which featured a different cast and slightly altered song selections and arrangements. The recording provides a valuable document of Sondheim's versatility and the enduring appeal of his compositions, as presented through a unique thematic lens.