CBU theatre invites audiences to ‘Sunday in the Park with George’

Riverside, Calif. (Nov. 7, 2024) – California Baptist University is bringing “Sunday in the Park with George,” a Stephen Sondheim musical, to the stage, starting Nov. 15.

The story follows George Seurat, a 19th century artist, as he works to complete “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte.” The artist and the painting are real, but the fictional story is by Sondheim. George finds inspiration, passion, obsession and even heartbreak as he gives everything to bring this work to life. 

“The challenge of this work is intrinsically entwined between the challenging music and the demanding emotions for the performers,” said Ethan Park, adjunct professor of theatre and the play’s director. “We have spent many nights hunched over the piano striving for complete accuracy with this complex score.”

Sondheim’s music is like its own character in the show, Park said.

“It has complexity, depth and heart. Much like the way an actor must uncover and discover who their character is, the team of student actors have had to spend time with the music and lyrics to understand all it has to offer,” Park said. 

The rehearsals have also dug into the depths of the characters’ wants and emotions, Park said.

“It is my hope the cast relishes and absorbs every possible ounce of beauty and magic within this work,” he said. “It has been an incredible honor to create this with them and to discover, shape and teach them through this process.”

For Sophie Hepton, a music senior who plays the Old Lady and Blair Daniels, the most challenging part is being exact with the music and lines.

“Sondheim is such a genius, and this is one of his most important masterpieces, so to respect the gravity of this production we’ve all been working hard to keep rhythm, pitch and words true to his vision,” she said.  

Grace Fleming, a theatre senior who plays Dot and Marie, said she was drawn to the show and her character Dot when she first saw it two years ago.

“I feel like this character and show is teaching me to appreciate the process of change and how beautiful it can be even if it hurts or feels strange at first,” she said.

One thing Park hopes the audience sees is that, as George says, "art isn't easy."

“We artists sacrifice and love and pour out so much of our hearts and souls to produce art we care about. And while it is George's struggle in the show, it is our struggle and responsibility for each show, concert, painting, etc. we create. I hope the audience can see and feel that through this production,” Park said.

Hepton said the show reveals more each time someone watches it.  

“I hope the audience gets to laugh, cry and feel as we bring to life what’s on the page. I hope they leave appreciating those they love deeper, and that they learn from our characters how to appreciate the life God has blessed us with as the ultimate creator,” she said. 

Theatre can be a powerful and unique form of worship and ministry, Fleming said.

“Through music, dance, theatre and art, there is a connection and appreciation that weaves us all together with the beauty that moves us. This tapestry can shape perspective and unlock a vulnerability inside of us all to connect not only to each other but with a God who is the ultimate artist,” she said. “I hope that God can touch people's lives in ways they would never expect.”

“Sunday in the Park with George”
When: 7 p.m. on Nov. 15-16 and Nov. 22-23; 2 p.m. on Nov. 16 and Nov. 23-24
Where: Wallace Theatre, California Baptist University, 8432 Magnolia Ave., Riverside, CA 92504
Tickets: calbaptist.edu/theatre