STAGE REVIEW : Reconstructed Sondheim Revue Seamless at Saddleback College

When Stephen Sondheim’s witty show tunes get as elegant and sophisticated a performance as the cast of “Side by Side by Sondheim” is giving them at Saddleback College’s Cabaret Theatre, it’s time to do a double-take.

You don’t often come across this sort of theatrical scintillation--least of all in Orange County, and especially not when the show had to be revised in mid-run on short notice.

After the retrospective revue’s music publisher learned of director Beth Hansen’s updated song list through an anonymous theatergoer and demanded restoration of all the selections from the original 1976 production, two performances were canceled to rehearse a revamped first act and a virtually new second act.

Out went medleys from “Into the Woods” and “Sweeney Todd,” along with the title tune from “Sunday in the Park With George.” Back came four numbers from “Company” and “Follies,” which were already well-represented, and four more from “Gypsy,” “West Side Story” and “The Mad Show.”

Interestingly, two of the restored songs in the second act--”The Boy From” and “You Gotta Get a Gimmick”--provided some of the most entertaining moments in an evening with a profusion of them. Myrona Delaney rendered both comic songs with a stylishly light touch, incorporating an endearing parody of a Castillian lisp in the former and a savvy but not overdone bump-and-grind in the latter.

They were a wonderful match for Carole Best’s second-act offering of “I Never Do Anything Twice,” a vampish number she did to satirical perfection while reclining on top of Terence Alaric’s grand piano. Meanwhile, George Quick turned the restored “Could I Leave You!” into another highlight, infusing the song with exceptional dramatic suspense while offering his usual vocal finesse.

But apart from the individual brilliance of the 32 total numbers--many focusing on love, marriage and relationships--what is most impressive about this cabaret production of the Sondheim revue is the cohesive balance of the performers as a group.

Delaney, who is a soprano, has polish, conviction, range as an actress and all the right moves. Best, who is a belter, can sing the blues or the ballads. Her potent voice has a lush, dark tone. Quick, a baritone, is masterful in his phrasing and possesses a seemingly effortless song delivery.

Together with Alaric, who lends solid musical support with an exceptionally subtle touch at the piano, the four make an irresistible combination.

Bravos, too, should go to Hansen and choreographer Susan Cable, whose revisions clearly have paid off in a seamless show.

“Side by Side by Sondheim” continues through Aug. 12 at Saddleback College’s Cabaret Theatre, 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo. Performances are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:30 p.m.; Sundays at 3:30 p.m. Tickets: $8 to $11. Information: (714) 582-4656.