There Should Be Clowns…

“A Little Night Music” may be one of Stephen Sondheim’s many Broadway hit shows, but it stands out from all the rest because it is the show that gave Sondheim his only pop hit to date: the ballad “Send in the Clowns.”

Even those who have no idea who Stephen Sondheim is, and who have never heard of “A Little Night Music,” instantly recognize “Send in the Clowns,” which has become a jazz standard performed by everyone from Judy Collins and Frank Sinatra to Kenny Rogers and, most famously, Barbra Streisand. From the very first bars and the opening line, “Isn’t it rich?”, audiences know they are in for a musical and vocal treat that is also achingly romantic and bittersweet.

The principal character, Desirée, sings the ballad in Act II of “A Little Night Music.” She reflects on the ironies and disappointments of her life, reacting to her former lover Frederik’s rejection after she urges him to leave his young wife and reunite with her. The song is later reprised as a coda after Frederik’s young wife runs away with his son, and Frederik is finally free to accept Desirée’s offer.

Sondheim wrote the lyrics and music over a two-day period during rehearsals for the play's Broadway debut. He wrote the song specifically for the actress Glynis Johns, who created the role of Desirée on Broadway. According to Sondheim, “Glynis had a lovely, crystal voice, but sustaining notes was not her thing. I wanted to write short phrases, so I wrote a song full of questions,” and the song’s melody is within a small music range. It became Sondheim’s most popular song after Judy Collins (right) recorded it in 1975. Subsequently, many other famous artists have recorded the song, and it has become a jazz standard.

Click here to see a video clip of Barbra Streisand sing "Send in the Clowns."

Is it, in fact, a song about the circus, as some assume from the title? Uh, no. The “clowns” symbolize fools, as Sondheim has explained in various interviews: when it comes to love, we are all capable of being fools. In the song, Desirée experiences both deep regret and furious anger, allowing artists a wide range of interpretations to play with in performing the song.

“Send in the Clowns” can now be found on more than 900 recordings by hundreds of performers, including Frank Sinatra, Shirley Bassey, Bing Crosby, Frida (of ABBA), Grace Jones, Mel Tormé, Frankie Laine, Elizabeth Taylor (for the 1978 film adaptation of “A Little Night Music,” in which she starred); Carmen McRae, Many Patinkin, Angela Lansbury, Barbra Streisand, Bryan Ferry, Glenn Close, Tom Jones, the Tiger Lilies, and even Krusty the Clown on “The Simpsons.” We’re sure you have your favorite version. But we’re also quite sure hearing the gorgeous Andrea Huber sing it LIVE on our stage will be an experience to remember. Buy your tickets… now!