LAUREN SOVISKY
staff writer
Despite the cold spring weather, a delightful stroll through the park is still possible.
The Erie Playhouse is concluding its monthlong performance of “Sunday in the Park with George” this weekend.
Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s written musical is based on painter Georges Seurat creating “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte.”
This famous painter struggles with juggling his love of painting and his actual love, while the second half of the play delves into his grandson’s modern-day struggles with contemporary art.
George and Dot, played by Domenic DelGreco and Kate Neubert Lechner, attempt to maintain their relationship in 1880s France, despite gossiping town folks.
Dot is moving forward with her life, educating herself on how to read and write, but her love, George, is too enamored with his painting and frustrated with finishing the hat that he barely pays Dot any attention.
The second act fast forwards a century to America.
George and Dot’s great-grandson, also an artist named George, is at a museum unveiling his latest work, a reflection on Seurat’s painting in the form of a light machine called Chromolume #7.
The play brings into question modern art and its connection to paint and canvas if there is one.
Being nominated for 10 Tony Awards, including best musical, “Sunday in the Park with George” brings light to the difficult process of artwork, while introducing lovely songs that focus on the connection from the painter’s mind to putting it on canvas.
The musical is a fictional story of Seurat’s life but does include his real artwork.
This is the final week the Erie Playhouse will perform “Sunday in the Park with George.”
Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday as well as an additional performance at 2 p.m. Sunday.
Additional information about ticket prices can be found at erieplayhouse.org.
Upcoming Erie Playhouse performances include “The Little Engine that Could” and “Clybourne Park.”
LAUREN SOVISKY
[email protected]