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.

Thomas Kasdorf has been at the helm as Music Director for lots of FST productions, including THE SPITFIRE GRILL, BIG FISH, and THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA.

Favorite Sondheim show: SWEENEY TODD or A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC

Favorite Sondheim song: “Too Many Mornings” from FOLLIES

Favorite Sondheim role I’ve played: Georges in SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE

Sondheim role I want to do: Count Carl Magnus in A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC or Buddy in FOLLIES

Sondheim role I want to do but probably won’t be cast as: Any of the leading ladies of FOLLIES and/or PASSION

Best Sondheim experience: Any of the times I’ve worked on a Sondheim production have felt exceptionally powerful in different ways. I’ve enjoyed the work with my collaborators in everything that I just have to say doing anything Sondheim is always the best.

Worst Sondheim experience: When the power went out in a theatre during a performance of COMPANY, during “Getting Married Today.” No power equals no music and no lighting, and the production was staged with our Amy far away from the band that I was conducting, so we had no means of communication. Theatre audiences can be forgiving, however, and after a minute or two (which felt like an hour and a half) we were back at it.

Theatre ritual or good-luck charm: I pace around a lot, and stop and stretch a lot, not because of nerves, but just to keep my body awake.

Theatre mishap or embarrassing story: Being terribly ill playing piano in a production of CABARET, and waking up onstage in the middle of “Mein Herr” which has a piano introduction that I had evidently played while sleeping. So terrifying and embarrassing.

Favorite Sondheim lyric: “Somebody make me come through, I’ll always be there, as frightened as you, to help us survive.” (From “Being Alive,” COMPANY)