Putting It Together, a dazzling celebration of Stephen Sondheim’s greatest work, arrives in Sydney in the New Year and features some of Australia’s finest performers. Set at a glamorous cocktail party, the cast navigate the complexities of love, ambition and desire.
The Scoop chatted with one of the show’s stars, Stefanie Caccamo, who will be joining Caroline O’Connor, Michael Cormick, Nigel Huckle and Bert LaBonté in the iconic revue. Stefanie talks about the joy of live theatre and what’s special about this show. Read the full interview below.
Putting It Together is a unique piece in the Sondheim canon. How would you describe this production’s tone and focus to someone who only knows the big musicals?
It’s intimate and sophisticated. A celebration of Stephen Sondheim’s many works woven into a narrative of its own! Some musicals are great for escapism – this one will make you reflect and FEEL. It’s also an amazing vehicle for the cast and musicians – storytelling through song at its finest!
What excites you most about starting the New Year with this production?
Kicking off the new year with some of music theatre’s finest material? Yes, please! The end of one year and the start of the next is usually a reflective time. What’s so fantastic about this show is that it strips everything back and unpacks the fundamentals: relationships, love, life; all the universal things that audiences can resonate with.
What are you hoping 2026 audiences are going to take away from this production?
Sondheim’s works are timeless. Written decades ago and still relevant today – people might be surprised by that.
What does the live theatre experience offer people that they simply can’t get by staying at home and watching their screens?
Feeling connected to your community. There’s something so special about sharing an artistic experience with others – you don’t know everyone around you but you’re all on the journey together. Also, people are also less likely to hop on their phones in the theatre – you can be really present.
You are a WAAPA graduate, and we are at that time of year when auditionees are receiving their drama school offers. Not everyone, of course, will receive an offer. I wondered if you have any advice for people doing the audition circuit who might be facing next year with no firm plans?
Work / life balance is really important. Set yourself up with consistency and routine whether that be through a “muggle job” as we call the 9-5. Or through dance classes, acting and singing lessons – these are accessible ways to feel connected to the industry and meet other graduates as well as people who are currently working in the industry.
Classes and workshops are great spaces to work with people on the other side of the desk as well – casting agents, choreographers etc. Stay connected, keep the craft up, go see shows if you can. And don’t forget to live! Take that holiday. Do that random gig. Your work will be better for it.
And finally, this is a fun question: are there any shows / roles / genres or people you’d like to work with on your bucket list?
I’m a classically trained singer and I’ve always loved the classical/MT crossover so shows like Bridges of Madison County are very high up on my bucket list! I’ve had the privilege of working with the incomparable Caroline O’Connor in the past and I’m ticking off other creatives that I’ve been dying to work with on this very production – I feel so lucky.
Putting It Together runs from 6 January – 15 February at Foundry Theatre, Pirrama Road Pyrmont NSW 2009.
Tickets: https://www.foundrytheatre.com.au/putting-it-together#times
Website: https://www.foundrytheatre.com.au/putting-it-together
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/foundrytheatresydney/
Hero image: Daniel Boud
