Stephen Sondheim was such a leading light in the development of musical theatre that there have been umpteen revues, concerts and cabarets featuring the songs from his groundbreaking shows.

Musical theatre fans will be delighted to hear that the new Australian production of Putting it Together, now playing in Sydney, sits in the top tier of these tributes. Superbly staged and performed, it’s a brilliantly classy, respectful celebration of Sondheim’s formidable talents as a composer and lyricist.

Devised by Sondheim and British performer/director Julia McKenzie, Putting it Together began life in the UK in 1992 with Diana Rigg among the five-strong cast. It was subsequently performed Off-Broadway in 1993 with Julie Andrews, on Broadway in 1999 with Carol Burnett and in the West End in 2014 with Janie Dee.

Caroline O’Connor and Michael Cormick in Putting it Together. Photo © Daniel Boud

The Australian production, which is directed and choreographed by Cameron Mitchell, is performed by a top-notch lineup – Caroline O’Connor, Stefanie Caccamo, Michael Cormick, Nigel Huckle and Bert LaBonté.

Set at a glamorous cocktail party, Putting it Together uses some of Sondheim’s most iconic numbers to take audiences on a journey...