The assumption, and hope, behind "Side by Side by Sondheim" is that music can be more powerful than most well-written sonnets.

BoarsHead Theatre's latest song and dance show doesn't bother to dally with spoken dialogue, but instead relies on actors' vocal and physical talents.

"Side by Side by Sondheim" is a musical review and tribute to Stephen Sondheim, a composer and lyricist, who is known for his work with musicals such as "West Side Story" and "Gypsy."

But this production doesn't have a straight-lined plot - it incorporates more than 28 songs from Sondheim's musicals, and groups the tunes into themes, such as marriage and lust.

"Sondheim is a musical genius and musical dramatist," said Shannon Locke, one of the show's three singers. "He is a stellar playwright that uses music to establish characters.

"It takes a special kind of talent and composer to be able to do that."

Director Geoffrey Sherman said lyrics are important in the show because they replace traditional dialogue and propel the show forward.

"It's a more fulfilling experience if you can get in touch with what the actors are trying to communicate in the songs," Sherman said. "(Sondheim's) trying to communicate important things so you have to treat the lyrics as if they were scripts."

This is a challenge for the audience to listen to and the actors to perform, Sherman said. In order to truly present Sondheim's songs, the singers have to be well-trained in vocals and acting, he said.

"The three of us never address the audience and there is a challenge with that because you have to develop your character through song," Locke said.

The largest challenge of the musical is quick character and setting changes, she said.

But Jeff Applegate, one of the singers in "Side by Side by Sondheim," said his acting style is a perfect fit for the show's demands.

"Different characters are not all different things that you have to be," Applegate said. "It's just stretching different sides of yourself."

Stretching also takes place with the performers' vocal cords, said Sarah Wallace, the third singer.

All three actors are well-trained vocalists, but an entire show of singing without rest from dialogue can create wear and tear on one's voicebox, she said.

"Those muscles are developed enough so you know how to handle it if you do feel stressed," Wallace said.

Applegate said the performances are like marathons for trained runners and the show is a test of endurance.

"It's a workout, but not beyond what you can do," he said. "You've got to pace yourself and sing healthfully so your voice can last the length of the show."

BoarsHead Theatre includes several local media professionals in the show as narrators, a role Sherman said is integral to the revue.

The narration consists of historical information about Sondheim's life and background for upcoming songs.

But the focal point of the show should be the actors, Sherman said.

"I was trying to create a cozy atmosphere and throw the focus on the singers because the evening belongs to them and to Sondheim," he said.

Tickets range in price from $8 to $33 and can be purchased by calling (517) 484-7805. "Side by Side by Sondheim" plays at 7 p.m. tonight, 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 2 p.m. on Sunday. BoarsHead Theatre is located at 425 S. Grand Ave. in Lansing.