The curtain rises on a new chapter in Prescott’s theatrical legacy as 4th Wall Productions debuts Putting It Together, a revue of Stephen Sondheim’s most beloved works. Directed by seasoned creative Don Langford, this production signals not only a celebration of Sondheim’s brilliance but also the rebirth of local production at the newly reopened Hazeltine Theatre.
A Sondheim Pastiche
Putting It Together is more than a musical; it’s an experience. Originally conceived as a revue in 1993 and reimagined for Broadway in 1999, this show features a curated collection of Sondheim’s greatest hits, interwoven with a loose yet emotionally resonant narrative. Set at an upscale dinner party, five characters navigate complex relationships, love, and existential questions, all expressed through Sondheim’s iconic melodies and thought-provoking lyrics.
Langford describes the show as “a metaphor for transformation.” The songs, culled from masterpieces like Into the Woods, Sweeney Todd, Company and A Little Night Music, are both tributes to Sondheim’s ingenuity and vessels for exploring the universal themes of connection, ambition and identity.
The cast, featuring local talent Cole Brackney, Phillip Dixon, Jordan Fox, Roger Tipping and Susan Selstad-Martinez, is a powerhouse ensemble, guided by expert accompanist Laura Taylor and Musical Director Gina Steverson. Langford handpicked the performers for their ability to tackle Sondheim’s notoriously intricate compositions, which he calls “some of the most challenging music in theatre.”
Langford sees the parallels between the production and the theatre’s transformation: “We’re putting it together — songs, performances, and dreams for the future. The Hazeltine is the heart of this new vision, offering a space for growth, creativity, and collaboration.”
The theatre’s modest 100-seat capacity creates an intimate environment where every audience member is close to the action, a feature that enhances the emotional immediacy of a Sondheim production. The staging of Putting It Together reflects this intimacy, with a minimalist, cubist-inspired set punctuated by imaginative lighting and projections to evoke a high-class yet emotionally charged dinner party.
This production is underwritten by patrons including April and Paul Miller and bolstered by contributions from Langford’s own family, underscoring the deep personal investment behind Fourth Wall Productions. Every ticket sold goes directly into sustaining the theatre and funding future productions.
Langford’s focus is clear: elevate the quality of local productions while making the arts accessible to everyone in Prescott. “Every show is essentially a fundraiser, but it’s also a love letter to the community,” he explains.
A Promising Season
Putting It Together is just the beginning for the inaugural Fourth Wall season. While future titles remain under wraps pending board approval, Langford hints at a diverse lineup, including another musical, a comedy and a mystery. “We’re broadening the spectrum of what we offer, making this a theatre that brings both entertainment and enrichment to Prescott,” he says.
Whether you’re a long-time Sondheim devotee or a newcomer to his work, Putting It Together offers an evening of masterful music, compelling storytelling, and a celebration of community spirit.
Putting It Together will play February 6-9 and 13-16 at the Hazeltine Theatre, 208 N. Marina St., Prescott, visit the-hazeltine.com for more info.
