There’s much that’s beautifully familiar about Victorian Opera’s latest Stephen Sondheim outing, which was preceded by Sunday in the Park with George, Into the Woods and Sweeney Todd over recent years.

There’s that marvellous music first heard in 1973, of course, including well known showstopper Send in the Clowns. Then there’s the production, designed by Roger Kirk and directed by Stuart Maunder 10 years ago for Opera Australia, which featured Nancye Hayes in the role she now reprises, Madame Armfeldt.

The cast of Victorian Opera’s A Little Night Music. Photo © Jeff Busby

Those who weren’t lucky enough to see it the first time might recall similarities with Melbourne Theatre Company’s 2018 An Ideal Husband. From Simon Gleeson playing a gentleman with marriage problems, to sumptuous Edwardian-era costumes and an elegant set that’s more about curtains than furniture, there’s a sense of déjà vu.

Beautifully familiar or, for those who come with fresh eyes, a simply beautiful night at the theatre – apart from some sound issues. Early on opening night, the amplification of the performers was distinctly hollow, and was not always quite...