Civic Theatres lush, smart and totally delightful production of Stephen Sondheims "A Little Night Music" is very well sung and crisply directed by Civic artistic director Williams Sanders.
The musical is through May 21 at Civics 19th Street Theatre, 527 N. 19th Street, Allentown.
One of Sondheims less commonly done musicals, "A Little Night Music" features counterpoint, some of Sondheims more complex musical lines and an almost operatic score; however, Civic is up for the challenge with this outstanding production.
Full of complicated relationships and sexual intrigue, this is a very adult show with humor that will bring a knowing chuckle. 
The musical follows the intertwining connections between multiple couples (and singles) at the turn of the 20th century.
Todd Rizzuto is sympathetic and yearning as Fredrik Egerman, a widow of a certain age who has married a girl younger than his son. His Fredrik is smitten with the childish but spirited Anne, who has not been intimate with him since their marriage 11 months earlier. Malana Wilsons Anne is charming and radiates youthful exuberance but also is somewhat giddy.
As Fredriks seminarian son Henrik, Anthony Rizzuto exudes bitterness and frustration. The three are wonderfully expressive in their individual songs "Now," "Later" and "Soon" which express their differing longing and come together in satisfying counterpoint.
Pat Birnbaum is an imperious and jaded Madame Armfeldt, an elderly woman who once had affairs with dukes and kings. She is wrenching on the poignant "Liasons."
Julia Urich is outstanding as Madame Armfeldts free-spirited actress daughter Desiree. Urichs Desiree is worldy and good-naturedly self-possessed. She and Fredrik are delightful on the entertaining "You Must Meet My Wife," and she delivers a haunting "Send in the Clowns."
As Count Carl-Magnus and his long-suffering wife Charlotte, Will Morris and Cheryl Moritz are the comic highlights of the show. Morris is hilariously arrogant as Carl-Magnus as he struts around the stage like a rooster. In his well-done "In Praise of Women," he contemplates and then haughtily disregards that any woman would cheat on him. Mortiz is deliciously sardonic as the wronged wife and her champagne-fueled tirade at the dinner party is a hoot. She and Ann form a surprising alliance in the inciteful "Every Day a Little Death."
As Desirees illegitimate daughter Fredrika, Annie Hotz is too mature and knowing for her age.
Miki Fuentes is fun as Petra, Annes lusty maid, who sings the amusing song of opportunity "The Millers Son."
Mark Shoemaker, Veronica Cummings, Kate Varley, Carole Silvoy and Sebastian Paff act as a sort of Greek chorus throughout the show, moving among the action unseen. All five are talented singers and add immensely to songs like "The Glamorous Life," "A Weekend in the Country," and "The Sun Wont Set."
The period costumes are sumptuous while the scenic design by Luke Blomstrom is minimal but effective. Marcus Geises lighting adds greatly to the moody atmosphere.
Music director Pamela Wilt conducts a small orchestra that is at the back of the stage and is uniformly excellent.
Performances are 7:30 p.m. May 12-13 and 19-20; and 2 p.m. May 14, and 21.
Tickets are $25 and $34 for adults; $23 and $32 for seniors and students; and $10 and $13 for children age 13 and younger. Civic Theatre will offer a pay-what-you-can performance on May 18.
For information, call 610-432-8943 or go to civictheatre.com.