Stephen Sondheim: Could I Leave You?

Written by Colton Pometta

Stage Director

In category: Song of the Day

Published August 10, 2018

This is absolutely my favorite musical theater lyric of all time.  Every rhyme, every word, each consonant and vowel is full of action and rich with subtext. The song shifts between 3/4 time, with understated and seemingly solicitous lyrics, and 6/8 time, at which point the emotions of the lyric are more articulate and fiery. The words have a lacerating effect as the character Phyllis makes a bold statement about her independence.

I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve watched this brilliantly savage performance by Donna Murphy. In addition to a stunning interpretation, you have Patti LuPone reacting in the background. Can’t get much better than that.

“Could I Leave You?” from Follies

select author’s name to read all of their posts

Colton Pometta is a stage director based in Manhattan. He is currently directing the first Spanish adaptation of Adam Gwon’s Ordinary Days in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Other international directing credits include premieres of musicals in Paris and Edinburgh. In NYC, he has directed/choreographed productions, concerts and workshops at Cherry Lane, Second Stage Uptown, Primary Stages ESPA, 54 Below, Joe’s Pub and The Triad. Also a member of Actors’ Equity, SAG and The Dramatists Guild, he has performed as an opening solo act for Carol Channing, acted in regional productions, written librettos for musicals, self-produced national tours of musicals for young audiences, and adapts musicals from French to English. Regionally, his work has been seen at Rep Theater Saint Louis, Sierra Rep, Maples Rep, Townsend Opera, and Surflight Theater.  Colton has studied at RADA and is an alumnus of Circle in the Square, Interlochen, and Directors Lab West.

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *