Audra McDonald and Sondheim

Apologies again if this sounds like a stupid question. In the what feels like now iconic 2010 Birthday concert we had Bernadette Peters, Patti Lupone, Elaine Stritch, Donna Murphy, Marin Mazzie and Audra McDonald all in red dresses giving amazing performances - it's very clear to me what relationship all (except Audra) have with Sondheim, starring in original productions or revivals or incorporating Sondheim in their concert work. Can anyone recommend their favourite Audra Sondheim performances to me? (even if never 'officially' recorded). I'm less familiar with her work with Sondheim. Both roles or specific songs performed outside shows. Looking to find new art!

Updated On: 4/12/21 at 03:31 PM

To my knowledge, Audra McDonald has played the following Sondheim roles:

Cora - Anyone Can Whistle

Dot - Sunday in Park

Clara - Passion

Beggar Woman - Sweeney Todd



All of which were either concert productions, or at the Ravinia festival in Chicago. I didn't get to see any of them live, but I've seen/heard all of them, either officially or "unofficially." It's hard to say which is her best, since this is Audra McDonald we're talking about. But Dot is the best role out of those, so I imagine it would've been her best performance.

When you put it that way, I suppose it's a bit odd that Audra would've been included in that group of women. But again, this is Audra. Can anyone really complain? Even if her work with Sondheim is limited, she's certainly in that same tier of high-caliber artists who mesh well with Sondheim's work.

Updated On: 4/12/21 at 03:49 PM

The character of the nurse that Audra played is Fay. Cora (Hoover Hooper) is the Mayoress. Small... well, really big... correction.

I have also heard her sing "Moments in the Woods" in concert, before which she gave an anecdote where she stated that Sondheim himself personally recommended to her that she sing that song.

The 4 Sondheim roles she played were all directed by Lonny Price, who also directed the 2010 concert. So that about explains it. That, and she's a legend whose performance was a highlight of that concert.