Inspiration


Putting It Together was developed partly in response to the many requests for an updated version of the Sondheim revue, Side by Side by Sondheim, but the composer did not want to create just another revue, so he and director Julia McKenzie devised a loose plot that involves two couples at a party in a Manhattan apartment. Many of the classic Sondheim songs presented appear in an entirely different context from the manner in which they were originally written, so the show is billed as a "review" (rather than a revue ) of the composer's work.

Productions


The original production of Putting It Together premiered in Oxford, England, at the Old Fire Station on January 27, 1992, directed by Julia McKenzie, produced by Cameron Mackintosh and starring one of England's great leading ladies, Diana Rigg.

Putting It Together was next seen Off-Broadway at the Manhattan Theater Club. Previews began March 2, 1993, at City Center Theater, it opened April 1, and closed May 23, 1993. The show ran for 59 performances and 37 previews. The production featured Julie Andrews, Rachel York, Michael Rupert and Christopher Durang.

Cultural Influence

• A double-compact disc recording was released by RCA Records.

• The 1993 MTC Off-Broadway version of Putting It Together led to a separate 1999 version that ran on Broadway.

Trivia

• Putting It Together marked Julie Andrew's return to the New York City stage after an absence of more than thirty years.

• The original 1992 London cast featured Diana Rigg, Clive Carter, Claire Moore, Clarke Peters and Kit Hesketh-Harvey.
• The initial production of Putting It Together was devised by Julia MacKenzie and performed in Oxford, England, starring Diana Rigg.