By Alesha Capone
Theatre and musical producer Adrian Storey has worked on everything from Shakespeare to opera during his 30 years in the show business industry.
However, the Point Cook resident said his upcoming production of the Tony Award-nominated Sondheim on Sondheim has a special place in his heart.
The show, directed by Tyran Parke, is touring the nation and will be performed in Melbourne on April 5 and 6.
Starring singers including Anton Berezin and Rhonda Burchmore, the concert is a tribute to famous composer Stephen Sondheim.
Sondheim, who died in November 2021, wrote the music and lyrics for many shows including Follies, A Little Night Music, The Sweeney Todd, Merrily We Roll Along, Sunday In The Park With George and Into The Woods, and lyrics for West Side Story and Gypsy.
Storey said he was lucky enough to meet Sondheim while producing one of his musicals, Passion, in London’s West End during 1996.
Sondheim on Sondheim features songs from 19 of the composer’s shows, as well as videos of interviews about the inspiration behind his music.
Storey said that with Sondheim’s recent passing, it seemed fitting to stage a tribute to the man, featuring performers who know his work well.
“It’s great fun to sit with your peers and put a creative show together,” Storey said.
“It really is a once in a lifetime experience to attend as an audience, unless you go twice.”
Storey said that meeting different characters, including well-known actors and writers, was a highlight of his job.
He has worked with many famous people during his career, including Peter Bowles, Felicity Kendal, Penelope Keith, Holly Hunter, John Hurt, Matthew Perry, Minnie Driver, Hank Azaria, Lisa McCune, David Hobson and Todd McKenney.
“I worked with Eric Sykes, one of the original Goons, working with him and seeing his comedy was brilliant, we did a show together at the Piccadilly Theatre,” Storey said.
“Sharing a Scotch with him after the show and talking to him about everyday tings was fantastic.”
Storey’s shows have toured throughout the United Kingdom, United States, Israel, India and Australia.
He moved to Australia after “falling in love with the country” during 2008 and later started his own business, StoreyBoard Entertainment.
In Australia, he has worked on the blockbuster musicals Jersey Boys, Hairspray, A Chorus Line, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, South Pacific, The King & I and Anything Goes.
“I’ve been lucky to work with brilliant people, designers, performers and directors,” Storey said.
“Opening nights and red carpets are always glamorous, but there is a pretty arduous and detailed process to get through to that point.
“It’s challenging but it’s good fun.”
Sondheim on Sondheim will be on at the Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne, on April 5 and 6. Details: sondheimonsondheim.com.au
