Bernadette Peters, Lea Salonga Are 'Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends' on Broadway
A starry group of stage favorites are performing songs by the late Broadway master via Manhattan Theatre Club.
Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends begins its Broadway transfer at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre via Manhattan Theatre Club March 25 ahead of an April 8 opening night. Tony winners Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga are both reprising their performances from the concert's London bow, leading a cast of stage notables singing songs written by the late Broadway master.
The cast also includes Jacob Dickey, Kevin Earley, Jasmine Forsberg, Kate Jennings Grant, Bonnie Langford, Tony winner Beth Leavel, Tony nominee Gavin Lee, Olivier nominee Jason Pennycooke, Olivier winner Joanna Riding, Jeremy Secomb, Kyle Selig, Maria Wirries, Daniel Yearwood, Paige Faure, Alexa Lopez, Greg Mills, and Peter Neureuther. Langford, Lee, Pennycooke, Riding, and Secomb are all reprising their work from the London bow.
| by Anonymous | reply 9 | June 12, 2025 7:31 AM
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As in the West End, the concert features the songs of Stephen Sondheim and is devised by producer Cameron Mackintosh. Matthew Bourne is back to provide musical staging and direction, leading a creative team that also includes artistic consultant Julia McKenzie, choreographer Stephen Mear, music supervisor Alfonso Casado Trigo, music director Annbritt duChateau, arranger Stephen Metcalfe, set designer Matt Kinley, projection designer George Reeve, costume designer Jill Parker, lighting designer Warren Letton, and sound designer Mick Potter. Orchestrations are by Jonathan Tunick, and David Lober serves as production stage manager.
| by Anonymous | reply 1 | March 25, 2025 6:39 PM
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How does Lea Salonga qualify as an old friend? Was she in any Sondheim productions while he was alive?
| by Anonymous | reply 2 | March 25, 2025 6:40 PM
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R2. The title of the show is a nod to the song 'Old Friends,' from the Broadway show, 'Merrily We Roll Along,' a musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by George Furth. It is based on the 1934 play of the same name by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart.
Yes, Bernadette Peters has appeared in some Sondheim shows; however, the title of the show, 'Old Friends,' is a tribute to Stephen Sondheim and his music and many hits throughout the years more than the actual performers on stage. If Bernadette Peters were to leave the show, it could still live on with another talented performer in her place.
All the songs in 'Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends' on Broadway:
| by Anonymous | reply 3 | March 25, 2025 7:15 PM
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All they offered me was Send in the Clowns. Not even top of the bill. Well, Helen Lawson doesn't do goddam cameos.
| by Anonymous | reply 4 | March 25, 2025 7:19 PM
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Beth Leavel is the stand out, IMO.
| by Anonymous | reply 6 | June 12, 2025 5:48 AM
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Who’s doing “The Ladies Who Lunch”?
| by Anonymous | reply 7 | June 12, 2025 7:06 AM
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When I think of Stephen Sondheim I DON’T think of Lea Salonga.
| by Anonymous | reply 8 | June 12, 2025 7:29 AM
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And why no role for Julie Benko?
| by Anonymous | reply 9 | June 12, 2025 7:31 AM
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