We thought it would be fun to share a few stories from each of our Sondheim fanatics in the cast of our upcoming Cabaret @ the Circle, February 16 at The Play Circle at the Memorial Union.

Doug Swenson is a veteran of multiple FST productions including CANDIDE, MY FAIR LADY, SHE LOVES ME, MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT, and more.

Favorite Sondheim Show: COMPANY

Favorite Sondheim Song: “Another Hundred People” or “Barcelona”

Favorite Sondheim Role that You’ve Done: Tony, in WEST SIDE STORY

Sondheim Role that You Want to Do: Georges, SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE

Sondheim Role that You Want to Do But Will Probably Never Get To Do: Robert, in COMPANY. Why? He turns 35 in the show.

Best Sondheim Experience: SWEENEY TODD at the Skylight Music Theatre, Milwaukee. It was my first show with the company (1996!) and I loved it. I was in the chorus and also played Mr. Fogg.

Worst Sondheim Experience: “The Cookie Chase” in ANYONE CAN WHISTLE featured me as a principal dancer (I’m not a dancer).

Theater Ritual or Good-Luck Charm: I go over dialogue in my head right before an entrance.

Theater Mishap or Embarrassing Story: Being reprimanded by Paula Suozzi in a Skylight rehearsal for THE THREEPENNY OPERA. I didn’t have my lines down and she pointed this out in front of the cast, which was well deserved. A few years later when I was living in New York I ran into her at the Metropolitan Opera where she was stage directing an opera. She gave me a free ticket to see a performance, so I think we’re good!

As a Sondheim Fanatic I Confess That: While I love INTO THE WOODS and find the first part brilliant, weaving together childhood tales so creatively, I cringe at the second half when it all falls apart. Life is like that, yes, but I guess I’m a blind optimist.