Color and light: Titusville's 'Sunday in the Park with George' blends art, love and legacy

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It isn't often that local theatergoers have an opportunity to see a production of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's musical masterpiece "Sunday in the Park with George." The show, inspired by French pointillist painter Georges Seurat's painting "A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte," takes the stage at Titusville Playhouse on May 12, for a run through June 4.

The Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical has been on many performers' wish lists since its premiere in 1984. The music is complex and challenging, and the story is rich with themes about love, art, and the struggle to create something meaningful.

"This show is rarely done," said executive artistic director Steven Heron. "It is a gem that should be done more often."

The musical follows George, a fictionalized version of Seurat, on his quest to create his masterpiece. The first act takes place in 1884, as George struggles to complete his painting while dealing with the pressures of his personal life. The second act jumps forward in time to the present day, as George's great-grandson tries to find his own place in the art world.

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In this musical world of Georges Seurat, art and love collide in a beautiful way that is a natural draw for performers. Titusville Playhouse saw the largest audition turnout since the COVID pandemic for this and "Into the Woods," another Sondheim musical that just ended its run at the playhouse.

"The shows are complex for the performer, and I find most actors love the challenge," said Heron. "Actors want to do a Sondheim show, and love working on them."

The challenging role of George Seurat is played by Logan Denninghoff. "Logan as George is in one word incredible," Heron said. "His vocals and sense of the artist gives a new humanity to the role that I have not seen before."

Erica deJongh takes on the role of Dot, George's long-suffering muse and love interest. "Erica as Dot in the show is amazing and the two together are dynamic force," Heron said.

But the real star of "Sunday in the Park with George" is the music. Sondheim's score, capturing the essence of Seurat's pointillist vision, is a masterpiece in its own right.

"The music will blow everyone away," said Heron. "This show is a singer's show - no dancing - so the actors can focus on the music and the emotion behind every piece."

One of the most impressive aspects of Titusville's production is the set design. The production team, using a blend of period accuracy and artistic license, recreates Seurat's famous painting on stage, complete with the characters frozen in time as if they were part of the painting itself.

"The design of the show is completely different than any other 'Sunday in the Park With George' that I have ever seen before," said Heron. "I don’t want to really spoil it, but it is very unique and not to missed!"

Heron hopes audiences will find the show inspiring, and encourages those unfamiliar with the musical to give it a try.

"Take a risk on something you may not know and come join us for a great evening or afternoon in the 'Park,'" he said. "You will leave humming some of Sondheim’s amazing music!"

If you go

'Sunday in the Park with George'

Where: Titusville Playhouse, 301 Julia Street, Titusville

When: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m Sundays through June 4. There will be a special Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. May 20.

Tickets: Start at $25

Info: 321-268-1125

On the web:  titusvilleplayhouse.com

Christina LaFortune is the Entertainment and TGIF Editor at FLORIDA TODAY. Follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/christinalafortune or send her an email at clafortune@floridatoday.com.

Whether you're interested in music, theater, festivals or other local entertainment, FLORIDA TODAY has got you covered. Support local journalism by subscribing at Special Offers - USAToday Network.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Sondheim's 'Sunday in the Park with George' at Titusville Playhouse