Celebrating Innovation
Sunday, March 8, 2026 | 3:30 pm
Federal Way Performing Arts & Events Center
Concert Information
Join the Federal Way Symphony and Centerstage Theatre at the Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center for a co-production “Celebrating Innovation.” This unique concert will feature the work of Stephen Sondheim, who revolutionized musical theater and Igor Stravinsky who transformed the music of ballet.
The Music
Meet our Soloists
The Composers
THE MUSIC
Stephen Sondheim
“Johanna” from Sweeney Todd
Mauro Bozzo
“The Road You Didn’t Take” from Follies
Bruce Haasl
“I’m Still Here” from Follies
Ila Sarah
“The Miller’s Son” from A Little Night Music
Harley Lampkin
“Losing My Mind” from Follies
Sonia Alexis
“Send in the Clowns” from A Little Night Music
Synopsis: A soldier, traveling home on leave, encounters the devil in disguise and is convinced to trade his violin for a book that promises untold riches. The two leave for a promised three days at the devil’s luxurious home where the devil will explain the book and the soldier will teach him to play the violin.
After the purported three days, the solider returns home only to realize he has been gone for three years and everyone in his village thinks he is a long-dead ghost. The devil reappears in another disguise and reminds the soldier of the great wealth he amassed with the help of the book but the soldier wants nothing more than the life he had before. The devil offers to resell the violin but, after purchasing it, the soldier finds he can no longer play it.
As the dejected soldier marches through town, he learns that the king’s daughter is ill and whoever can cure her will earn her hand in marriage. The soldier hurries to the palace to find the devil already there disguised as a virtuoso violinist. After winning the devil’s violin in a card game, the soldier revives the princess and defeats the devil with his playing. After dragging the devil away, the soldier and princess fall into each other’s arms to live happily ever after.
Or do they . . . ?
The Composers
Stephen Sondheim
Stephen Sondheim (1930-2021) was an American composer and lyricist widely regarded as one of the most innovative figures in musical theater who was celebrated for his intricate melodies, sophisticated lyrics, and psychological depth. Mentored early in life by Oscar Hammerstein II, Sondheim went on to redefine the Broadway musical with groundbreaking works such as Company, Sweeney Todd, Into the Woods, Sunday in the Park with George, and A Little Night Music. Over a career spanning more than six decades, he earned numerous Tony Awards, an Academy Award, and a Pulitzer Prize. More
Igor Stravinsky
Igor Stravinsky (1882–1971) was a Russian-born composer whose revolutionary approach to rhythm, harmony, and form made him one of the most influential figures in 20th-century music. Rising to international fame with the ballets The Firebird, Petrushka, and The Rite of Spring, Stravinsky continually reinvented his style, moving from Russian nationalism to neoclassicism and later serialism. After leaving Russia, he lived in Switzerland, France, and eventually the United States, becoming an American citizen in 1945. Stravinsky reshaped modern music by challenging tradition while maintaining a sharp sense of structure and clarity. More
Igor Stravinsky
Igor Stravinsky (1882–1971) was a Russian-born composer whose revolutionary approach to rhythm, harmony, and form made him one of the most influential figures in 20th-century music. Rising to international fame with the ballets The Firebird, Petrushka, and The Rite of Spring, Stravinsky continually reinvented his style, moving from Russian nationalism to neoclassicism and later serialism. After leaving Russia, he lived in Switzerland, France, and eventually the United States, becoming an American citizen in 1945. Stravinsky reshaped modern music by challenging tradition while maintaining a sharp sense of structure and clarity. More