American Playhouse Season 5 Episode 19 Sunday in the Park with George

In American Playhouse Season 5 Episode 19, viewers are treated to a unique musical experience with Sunday in the Park with George. This episode is a recording of the original Broadway production, which first premiered in 1984 and was created by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine.

The show tells the story of George Seurat, a 19th-century French pointillist painter, and his struggles with the creative process. George is portrayed by Tony Award-winning actor Mandy Patinkin in a performance that critics have raved about for years.

Accompanying George on his artistic journey is his lover and muse, Dot. She is played by the legendary Bernadette Peters, who captivates audiences with her stunning vocals and emotional depth. Together, George and Dot explore the beauty of life, love, and art.

The musical is split into two acts, the first of which focuses on the creation of George's famous painting, A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte. As he meticulously works on the piece, George is surrounded by a cast of colorful characters, each with their own stories and struggles.

The second act fast-forwards a century to the present day, where we see the impact that George's legacy has had on the world of art. We meet his great-grandson, also named George, who is struggling to find his own voice in a world that has changed significantly since his ancestor's time.

Throughout the show, the music and lyrics of Stephen Sondheim are on full display, and viewers are treated to some of the most iconic songs in Broadway history. From the bittersweet "Finishing the Hat" to the uplifting "Sunday," the music of Sunday in the Park with George is sure to leave audiences humming long after the show is over.

The show also features stunning set design and costumes, which transport viewers directly into the world of George Seurat. The use of projected images adds an extra layer of depth and beauty to the already visually-stunning production.

Overall, Sunday in the Park with George is a must-see musical for any fan of theater. It showcases some of the greatest talents in the industry, and tells a heartfelt and emotional story that will stay with viewers long after the curtain has closed.