Steven Sondheim’s long-running musical “A Little Night Music” will be performed tomorrow and Saturday by the Ohio State University Opera/Musical Theater in Weigel Auditorium.

The show will be guest directed by the critically acclaimed British director Paul Curran and is among the most ambitious productions undertaken by the Musical Theater.

“Steven Sondheim’s works require a certain type of presentation, which does produce some difficulties,” said producer Patrick Woliver.

Curran, who has directed operas and musicals around the world and has spent time as an assistant to Baz Luhrmann, was recruited because of the relative inexperience of the predominantly student cast.

“He is internationally recognized and sought after and has a unique way of getting what he wants from the students by tapping into their imagination,” Woliver said.

“He is one of the best directors I think I’ve ever worked with; he’s quite brilliant,” said Eileen Davis, professor of vocal performance, and the only non-student in the cast.

Humbled by his colleagues’ praise, Curran cites the students as the real stars.

“I’ve found the students hugely responsive – I came here as a professional in my field, and they met me at my level, which is wonderful,” Curran said.

For the Theater, the show is a teaching process first, and a finished product later.

“The final product is important, but it was never the ‘raison d’etre for us,” Woliver said.

Despite the relative experience of some of the cast, others are undergraduates with little or no experience, especially with musical theater. Many were cast on the virtue of their potent singing voices.

However, Woliver does not see the cast’s inexperience as a liability.

“Their abilities are reflected in their imagination,” he said.

Davis has been very helpful because she is not only a cast member, but to many of the cast, she is also their teacher.

“She’s been a great example to the kids, especially when she occasionally gets it wrong,” said Curran.

For Davis, everything about the show – her role, the cast, and the director – has been perfect. Following spring graduation, Davis plans to retire. Although she will likely continue to appear in shows, this will be the last in which she can relate to the cast at such a personal level.

“I think it is absolutely perfect for me; I suppose you could say that this is my swan song,” Davis said.

The show centers on Madam Armfeldt – a wealthy, former courtesan played by Davis; her more prudish daughter, Desiree and her innocent granddaughter, Fredrika.

Although Davis may be the star, the story centers around its youngest member, Fredrika, aged 13.

“Fredrika is the central character in the piece. She observes everything, and is the sounding board for all the adults who come to her with their problems,” Curran said.

For Davis, the bawdy sexuality and naked ambition of Madam Armfeldt proved very attractive.

“I enjoyed the role very much. She is an older, sophisticated lady in the higher class of society. She has been a courtesan – which helped her move in aristocracy, and now she has all the trappings,” she said.

These “trappings” include chateaus and clothing, but not the respect of her daughter, an actress.

The outcome of this and several other subplots help create an intricate web of stories centering around the relationships between couples.

“It is a sophisticated sex comedy about human relationships and human ambition. It’s a funny piece, with great songs,” said Curran.

For Curran, the show develops an understanding for all the intangible elements of life.

“Sex – who’s sleeping with whom; Religion – a bizarre vein of Lutheran Protestantism; and Politics – the sexual politics of couples,” he said.

Called alternatively a “fantasy for adults” or an “adult fairytale,” the show is a strictly 18 and over affair. Davis warns not to bring children.

“It does have some slightly graphic sex scenes – although not nearly as bad as on the television,” she said.