Do we need another Sondheim tribute/revue?
Yes, if it is as delightful as Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends now at the Samuel J. Friedman Theater on 47th Street. I was shocked that the show did not receive multiple Tony award nominations; it deserved them.
The show began in London as an all-star one-night tribute following Sondheim’s death. It was so successful it went on to play London’s West End (Broadway). Now it has crossed the Atlantic for a limited run.
The cast, many of whom were in the original, combines British and American performers.
It’s led by Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga, each of whom wows us – Bernadette with “Send in the Clowns,” “I Know Things Now/Bounce,” “Sunday,” and “Losing My Mind:” Lea delivers with “Loving You,” “The Worst Pies in London,” “Somewhere,” and “Everything’s Coming Up Roses.”
But they are joined by very talented performers. Broadway veteran Beth Leavel’s “The Ladies Who Lunch” is terrific, and, with Gavin Lee, “The Little Things You Do Together.” Gavin Lee displays his comic chops in “Comedy Tonight,” “Everybody Ought to Have a Maid,” and his depth with “Could I Leave You?”
It was delightful to see Bernadette parody herself in “Broadway Baby” with Jason Pennycooke. Later she was a terrific Miss Mazeppa in “You Gotta Get a Gimmick” together with Beth Leavel and Joanna Riding. But these weren’t the only outstanding numbers. Bonny Langford did “I’m Still Here,” and Jason Pennycooke in “Buddy’s Blues.”
Many of the group numbers let us experience more of Sondheim’s brilliance. From “A Weekend in the Country” to “Into the Woods” to “Not a Day Goes By” the cast worked together seamlessly.
Sometimes it is the little things that are most impressive. In many of the numbers the tiny gestures and expressions added so much to the presentation. They were not random, but meaningful. You can credit not only the performers but also the director.
Old Friends had direction and musical staging by Matthew Bourne and choreography by Stephen Mear. Both were excellent.
The entire production team was excellent; the costumes – all black – by Jill Parker – were terrific.
If I had one complaint, it is that some of Sondheim’s shows, including Assassins and Pacific Overtures, are not represented. Old Friends was conceived by producer Cameron MacIntosh, who limited it(with an occasional exception) to shows he produced.
It runs through Sunday, June 15.