Act 1 DeSales University Theatre pays tribute to one of the most important figures in 20th Century musical theater with “Side by Side by Sondheim,” Oct. 13 - 23, Schubert Theatre, Labuda Center for the Performing Arts, Center Valley.

The music revue recognizes the wit, wisdom and genius of the late Stephen Sondheim (1930 - 2021), one of Broadway’s greatest composers and lyricists who is credited with reinventing the American musical.

His timeless works, including the musicals, “Into the Woods,” “Sweeney Todd” and “Sunday in the Park with George,” continue to enchant and provoke audiences today, says Act 1 “Side by Side by Sondheim” director John Bell.

“It is hard to overstate Stephen Sondheim’s influence on the American musical theater. He exploded our notions of what a musical could be or could be about. His shows found a way to make the most unsuspecting stories sing,” Bell says.

“While other composers and lyricists wrote about the emotions typically worn on the proverbial sleeve, Sondheim instead wrote about the rumblings beneath the surface and, in doing so, he redefined the art form,” adds Bell, who is choreographer of the Act 1 production.

The title of the revue is derived from the song “Side by Side by Side” from “Company.”

Music and lyrics are by Sondheim with music also by Leonard Bernstein, Richard and Mary Rodgers, and Jule Styne.

The revue is tied together with narration written by Ned Sherrin. The narrator explains what show the songs are from, and provides background on why a song was written.

A theme Sondheim explored in many of his works is marriage. Examples are given to compare and contrast the Sondheim themes for the audience.

The show is recommended for ages 13 and up.

Student cast members Tommy Stacherski, Abby Vernon, Christian Tuffy, Johnny Drumgoole and Megan Castellane perform songs from “Gypsy,” “A Little Night Music,” “Follies,” “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” and “Company.”

Louis Danowsky is music director. Jenna Snyder is scenic designer. Rebecca Callan is costume designer. Mike Inwood is lighting designer. David M. Greenberg is sound designer.

There is a talk-back with the cast after the Oct. 16 performance.

The Oct. 22 performance has audio descriptions for patrons who are blind or visually-impaired. Tickets are half-price for patrons using these services. Information: Box Office Manager Kyle Schumaker, 610-282-1100, ext. 1820.

“Side by Side by Sondheim.” 8 p.m. Oct, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21; 2 p.m. Oct. 15, 16, 22, 23; livestream, Oct, 22. Tickets: http://tickets.desales.edu; 610-282-3192

“Curtain Rises” is a column about the theater, stage shows, the actors in them and the directors and artists who make them happen. To request coverage, email: Paul Willistein, Focus editor, pwillistein@tnonline.com