“Old Friends”: More Than Just Another Sondheim Tribute on Broadway
Stephen Sondheim’s legacy continues to enchant Broadway audiences with the latest revue, “Old Friends,” which opened at Manhattan Theater Club’s Samuel J. Friedman Theater. This production stands out despite being the fourth Broadway compilation of Sondheim’s work.
Conceived initially as a London gala following the composer’s death in 2021, the show has transformed into a full-fledged Broadway production featuring 41 carefully selected songs from Sondheim’s extensive catalog.
Led by Broadway legends Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga, the 17-person cast breathes new life into familiar favorites from classics like “Sweeney Todd,” “Company,” and “Into the Woods.” While maintaining the traditional revue format, this production distinguishes itself through exceptional vocal performances, thoughtful arrangements, and a genuine severence for Sondheim’s genius.
The show balances greatest hits with a few rarities, striking an emotional chord with longtime fans and newcomers to Sondheim’s work. Instead, what could have been another tribute emerges as one of the season’s most heartfelt celebrations of musical theater’s greatest composer.
A Fresh Take on Familiar Material
When approaching a Sondheim revue, the challenge lies in making the well-known feel new again. ““Old Friends” tackles this by assembling an extraordinary cast with distinct interpretations of these classic songs. The production doesn’t rely on theatrical gimmicks or special effects—instead, it presents itself “simply yet exquisitely” as a labor of love.
Producer Cameron Mackintosh, a longtime friend of Sondheim’s, has curated the selection primarily from shows he produced with the composer. The numbers are grouped mainly through individual shows, flowing gracefully from one to the next under Matthew Bourne’s direction and Stephen Mear’s choreography.
Standout Performances
The star power of Peters and Salonga anchors the production, but every performer gets their moment to shine. Salonga particularly impresses with her fierce rendition of “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” from “Gypsy” and her surprising turn as Mrs. Lovett in selections from “Sweeney Todd.”
Beth Leavel commands the stage with a scathing version of “The Ladies Who Lunch,” while Joanna Riding delivers “Getting Married Today” with “pristine clarity and hilarity.” Veterans like Bonnie Langford bring decades of theater history to numbers like “I’m Still Here.” The men also step up impressively, including Kyle Selig, Jason Pennycooke, Kevin Earley, and Jacob Dickey, whose “Being Alive” soars.
Our incredible company at our opening night at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre @MTC_NYC #SondheimOldFriends ✨ pic.twitter.com/Zrk1iapwp3
— SondheimFanPage (@SondheimFanpage) April 8, 2025
More Than Just Greatest Hits
While the show primarily features Sondheim’s most beloved songs, it includes playful innovations. Peters, who originated the Witch in “Into the Woods,” appears as Little Red Riding Hood instead. Gender-swapped performances, like Gavin Lee’s take on “Can I Leave You?” from “Follies,” add freshness to familiar material.
The production also wisely includes songs from “West Side Story” and “Gypsy,” where Sondheim contributed lyrics, with the stunning “Tonight Quintet” and hilarious “You Gotta Get a Gimmick” silencing any potential criticisms.
An Emotional Tribute
Perhaps the most moving moment comes when Georges Seurat’s “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte” painting comes to life as the ensemble performs “Sunday” from “Sunday in the Park with George.”
As Peters, now 77, steps into frame with her parasol, echoing her iconic role from decades ago, the moment celebrates not just Sondheim but all the artists who have brought his work to life over generations. This “old friends” gathering transcends the traditional revue format to become “one of the season’s most heartfelt and joyous shows.”
FAQs
Q. How many songs are featured in “Old Friends”?
A. The production includes 41 songs from various Sondheim works, with emphasis on shows like “Sweeney Todd,” “Company,” and “Into the Woods.”
Q. Who are the lead performers in this production?
A. Broadway legends Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga headline the 17-person cast, which includes Tony and Olivier winners.
Q. Is this just another Sondheim tribute show?
A. While it’s the fourth Broadway revue of Sondheim’s work, critics note that it offers fresh interpretations and emotional depth beyond a typical tribute.
Q. What makes this production unique?
A. The exceptional talent of the cast, thoughtful arrangements, and genuine reverence for Sondheim’s genius elevate this beyond the typical revue format.
Q. Where is “Old Friends” playing?
A. The show runs at Manhattan Theater Club’s Samuel J. Friedman Theater on Broadway.
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