Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends
| Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends | |
|---|---|
 West End Promotional Poster | |
| Music | Stephen Sondheim |
| Lyrics | Stephen Sondheim |
| Premiere | 3 May 2022: Sondheim Theatre, London |
| Productions |
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Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends is a tribute revue honoring musical theatre composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim devised and produced by Cameron Mackintosh.
Originally designed as a one-night performance, the revue premiered at the Sondheim Theatre in London on 3 May 2022. Over a year later, Mackintosh began producing a limited West End run. This run began previews on 21 September 2023 and opened on 3 October at the Gielgud Theatre.
Background
The idea for the concert came about during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown where Sondheim suggested to Mackintosh a follow-up of their revue productions Side by Side by Sondheim and Putting It Together. During the development of the concert, Sondheim died in November 2021.[1]
Productions
Gala Performance (2022)
The concert was announced to be performed for one night only on 3 May 2022 at the Sondheim Theatre in London's West End. It was staged by Matthew Bourne and Maria Friedman with a 26-piece orchestra conducted by Alfonso Casado Trigo. The line-up included Michael Ball, Petula Clark, Judi Dench, Daniel Evans, Bonnie Langford, Damian Lewis, Julia McKenzie, Bernadette Peters, Clive Rowe and Imelda Staunton.[2] The concert sold out immediately and was simultaneously live screened at the Prince Edward Theatre and later broadcast on BBC Two on 31 December 2022. On 12 February 2023, the concert won the WhatsOnStage Award for Best Theatre Event.
West End (2023)
At the 2023 WhatsOnStage Awards, Mackintosh announced that the revue would return for a 16-week run at the Gielgud Theatre from 16 September 2023 until 6 January 2024, starring Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga. In addition to Peters, Janie Dee, Bonnie Langford, and Jeremy Secomb returned and were joined by Salonga, Joanna Riding, Jac Yarrow, Gavin Lee, and Christine Allado.[3] On September 7, 2023, it was announced that the show's first preview had been postponed due to the withdrawal of Haydn Gwynne, who later passed away in October. On 12 September 2023, it was announced that Clare Burt had joined the production as Gwynne's replacement.[4] The production, staged and directed by Matthew Bourne and Julia McKenzie, choreographed by Stephen Mear, conducted by Alfonso Casado Trigo, musical supervision by Stephen Brooker, musical arrangements by Stephen Metcalfe, set design by Matt Kinley, projection design by George Reeve, lighting design by Warren Letton, and sound design by Mick Potter, began previews on 21 September and officially opened on 3 October.[5][6]
Los Angeles (2025)
The show is scheduled to have its North American premiere in Los Angeles for a limited run. The show is expected to begin performances on February 8, 2025 at the Ahmanson Theatre and is scheduled to run through March 9. Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga are expected to reprise their performances from London. Further casting is still to be announced.[7]
Broadway (2025)
Following the run in Los Angeles, the show is scheduled to transfer to Broadway in 2025 with Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga expected to reprise their performances. The show is scheduled to begin performances on March 29, 2025 at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. Further casting is still to be announced.[8]
Cast
| London Gala Performance[9] | West End[10] |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 2023 |
| Bernadette Peters | |
| Maria Friedman | Lea Salonga |
| Michael Ball | Christine Allado |
| Helena Bonham Carter | Clare Burt |
| Janie Dee | |
| Rob Brydon | Damian Humbley |
| Petula Clark | Bradley Jaden |
| Bonnie Langford | |
| Anna-Jane Casey | Gavin Lee |
| Judi Dench | Jason Pennycooke |
| Hadyn Gwynne | Joanna Riding |
| Rosalie Craig | Jeremy Secomb |
| Damian Lewis | Jac Yarrow |
| Julia McKenzie | Marley Fenton |
| Julian Ovenden | Beatrice Penny-Touré |
| Daniel Evans | Harry Apps |
| Siân Phillips | Bella Brown |
| Jon Robyns | Richard Dempsy |
| Clive Rowe | Monique Young |
| Jenna Russell | — |
| Imelda Staunton | — |
| Charlie Stemp | — |
| Gary Wilmot | — |
| Michael D. Xavier | — |
Musical numbers
2022 Gala Performance[11]
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References
- ^ "Cameron Mackintosh on "Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends": 'We knew we had his blessing, and he helped shape it'". whatsonstage.com. 29 December 2022. Retrieved 6 June 2023.
- ^ "Sondheim gala to take place in the West End in May". whatsonstage.com. 4 March 2022. Retrieved 6 June 2023.
- ^ "Stephen Sondheim tribute Old Friends to get West End run at the Gielgud Theatre starring Bernadette Peters". WestendTheatre.com. 12 February 2023. Retrieved 6 June 2023.
- ^ "Clare Burt Replaces Haydn Gwynne in Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends in London". 12 September 2023. Retrieved 18 September 2023.
- ^ "Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends delayed as Haydn Gwynne withdraws from the production". 7 September 2023. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
- ^ "Photos: Get a 1st Look at Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends, Starring Bernadette Peters, Lea Salonga, More". 22 September 2023. Retrieved 23 September 2023.
- ^ Wright, Joshua. "Bernadette Peters & Lea Salonga Will Lead STEPHEN SONDHEIM'S OLD FRIENDS in LA and on Broadway". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
- ^ Culwell-Block, Logan. "Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga Will Star in Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends on Broadway". Playbill.com. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
- ^ "Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends live cast recording announced | West End Theatre". www.westendtheatre.com. 23 March 2023. Retrieved 17 August 2023.
- ^ "Sondheim's Old Friends | Book Now". sondheimoldfriends.com. 20 December 2022. Retrieved 21 September 2023.
- ^ "Old Friends Stephen Sondheim in the West End & Gala Concert: Full Song List | West End Theatre". www.westendtheatre.com. 24 September 2023. Retrieved 13 April 2024.