HOORAY FOR THIS BANQUET OF BLISS—
ALL THOSE SENSATIONAL SONGS AND ENERGY—
BEING ALIVE ON STAGE
Words seem woefully inadequate to praise the wonderful, song-stuffed, dazzling and polished production featuring highlights from the musicals of Stephen Sondheim. The limited run of Sondheim’s Old Friends is highlight after highlight. For those many fans who’ve seen Bernadette Peters in numerous shows, such as Sunday in the Park with George and Into the Woods, seeing her reprise some material from those musicals is especially moving and exciting.
Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga
Beth Leavel, Bernadette Peters, Joanna Riding perform “You Gotta Get a Gimmick”
Lea Salonga, not associated with out-and-out comedy, surprises with her fine handling of the funny side of Sweeney Todd’s plucky pie-baker, opposite an impressive Jeremy Secomb with a sharp-as-a-blade characterization of the murderous barber. Beth Leavel and Gavin Lee mine the mirth in “The Little Things You Do Together” together and add little things in their stage business that are LOL—and she’s fearless with “The Ladies Who Lunch.”
Beth Leavel's knockout "The Ladies Who Lunch"
Jeremy Secomb and Lea Salonga in “The Worst Pies in London"
Bonnie Langford—a veteran performer since her childhood days which included being in the Angela Lansbury-led revival of Gypsy—brings that extra authenticity to “I’m Still Here.” Matthew Bourne’s and Stephen Mear’s staging is full of character-apt action and personality. London and California got this proven prize previously, and now it’s Broadway’s turn for these songs which, of course, were born there in various musicals. It’s a celebration and an extravaganza, worthy of the pedigree.
Jeremy Secomb and Company in "The Ballad of Sweeney Todd"
Gavin Lee, Kyle Selig, Jason Pennycooke in "Everybody Ought to Have a Maid"
Well, as stated, words don’t suffice. Knowing that words have more power when attached to music, so what better plan in continuing this recommendation and review in rhyme and set the rest to a melody. And so, with respect and a smile, we borrow one of the most emphatic and dramatic compositions by Mr. Sondheim—“Being Alive” from Company. Here goes: On your mark, get set, sing!
Jasmine Forsberg, Jacob Dickey, Kyle Selig, Maria Wirries, Daniel Yearwood: "Tonight Quintet"
Something that feels like a hit –
Something with beauty and wit.
Something that has a strong cast,
With songs from the past
That are unsurpassed.
It only will last
Until mid-June;
Go see it soon.
Jacob Dickey and Bernadette Peters in “Hello, Little Girl”
Oh, what great singers you get:
Broadway’s beloved Bernadette.
Lea Salonga as well.
Beth Leavel is swell.
And some so sublime
Whose names do not rhyme…
Like Gavin Lee.
But c’est la vie
It’s a must-see.
Jacob Dickey, Bernadette Peters with Company in "Sunday"
They all deliver the goods:
A segment from Into the Woods
Gypsy and Company, too
(Road Show’s a show that they don’t do.)
But wait, there is more –
Many a score
That we adore.
Kyle Selig, Daniel Yearwood, Jacob Dickey are “Waiting for the Girls Upstairs”
Glamorous gowns —
Give them a cheer!
“Send in the Clowns”
“Sorry, my dear”
Who’s that here?
Oh, my god!
Sweeney Todd!
Gavin Lee, Kate Jennings Grant in "A Weekend in the Country"
There’s one more thing left to say:
Each theatre fan recommends:
Go get a ticket today
For Sondheim’s Old Friends.
Don’t hesitate. No!!
Stop reading this — Go!!
The cast is so large.
Well, call TeleCharge!
photos by Matthew Murphy
Sondheim’s Old Friends
Manhattan Theatre Club
In association with CMI and Daryl Roth
Samuel J. Friedman Theatre, 261 West 47th St
ends on June 29, 2025
for tickets, visit MTC
