Sondheim’s Old Friends

The Playbill for Sondheim’s Old Friends adds the tagline, “A Great Big Broadway Show.” Yes it is! Calling it a Staged Concert just doesn’t do it justice, and I felt like I was seeing so many mini-musicals in one shot. Mrs. Lovett even does her thing right there in front of us! And I am fairly picky when it comes to performances of “Agony,” and many productions end up letting me down. Not this one. “Agony” is fantastic!

I have been to many Sondheim tribute concerts before, and I had a pretty long wish list of shows to see during this last trip out to New York City for the Tony Awards, so I was initially reluctant to add this concert to my schedule. I will confess it was Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga who caught my attention. My surprise was that the entire cast was loaded with superstars, and this “concert” ended up being much more than just a concert, and every single cast member had impeccable vocals.

I grabbed a front row orchestra seat, hoping the stage wouldn’t be too high and wondering how close I would be to Bernadette and Lea. This venue is great for front row, as the stage was not too high at all, and the performers are just a few feet away when they come downstage. Bernadette and Lea were frequently all the way downstage, and I was treated to Bernadette singing directing to me - with eye contact - for much of the show. If you have a fan preference of Bernadette or Lea, don’t sit dead center. Sit a bit to the left if you love Bernadette, and sit a bit to the right if you love Lea, since Bernadette is a bit stage right and Lea is a bit stage left most of the show.

Sondheim’s Old Friends is an absolute joy, and it is highly recommended. It is a Preview Night! Critic’s Pick.

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