If I could play any role in any musical, it would be Desiree in 'A Little Night Music' - Oh my, it is perfection. The character gets to be funny, beautiful, sexy and smart all at the same time and have two men fighting over her. The show is Stephen Sondheim at his absolute best... need I say more?

In this quote, Nancy Allen expresses her admiration for the character Desiree in the musical A Little Night Music by Stephen Sondheim. She describes the role as perfection, highlighting the appeal of playing a character who embodies a blend of funny, beautiful, sexy, and smart qualities. For Allen, the allure of Desiree is that she is multifaceted, with her charm and wit captivating not one but two men, making her the object of their affections.

Allen’s enthusiasm about the role reflects her appreciation for the complexity and depth of Desiree's character. She sees it as the ultimate opportunity for an actress to showcase a wide range of emotions and traits, all while being part of a musical that represents Sondheim's brilliance. The combination of humor and emotional depth in the character makes Desiree an ideal role for Allen, someone who admires the chance to portray such a dynamic, strong woman on stage.

The origin of the quote comes from Allen's own love for the theater and the art of performance. She speaks from the perspective of a seasoned actress, acknowledging that the best roles are those that allow an actor to explore multiple facets of a character. Allen’s admiration for Sondheim’s work, particularly in A Little Night Music, shows her deep respect for the craft of musical theater and the nuanced characters that are central to it.

In essence, this quote showcases Allen’s appreciation for roles that combine intelligence, charm, and romantic intrigue, all of which she believes are embodied perfectly in Desiree. Her admiration for both the character and Sondheim's work underlines the importance of rich, well-rounded characters in the world of musical theater and the joy that comes with portraying such a compelling role.