STEPHEN SONDHEIM’S OLD FRIENDS recording…

[MichelleCraig]

Posted: 12/8/23 at 11:59pm

If there’s a thread on this, I’ve missed it.

This recording of the tribute, from May of 2022, was released digitally today. Is anyone listening?

I’m just a few tracks in and there are definitely ups and downs. I’m thinking/hoping it will even out.

I thought this would be a cast album of the show currently playing in the West End, but that’s not what it is. Would love to hear what others think of it.

”Getting Married Today” is pretty great, but that’s as far as I’ve gotten…

 

[Dylan Smith4]

Posted: 12/9/23 at 12:16am

This recording is simply gorgeous! Basically the same thing as the pro-shot. It hits differently though as we recently lost Hadyn Gwynne. I really hope they bring this to New York! Desperately wanna see this with Bernadette and Lea!

[dramamama611]

Posted: 12/9/23 at 10:09am

I rather enjoyed this.

Can anyone answer: IS this the same line up as what is currently running in the UK (Seems long to do every night!)

[binau]

Posted: 12/9/23 at 10:22am

No not at all, mostly a completely different cast. And the current cast and evening is actually much better performed than the concert so it’s a shame the concert is the one on record. 

[yyys]

Posted: 12/9/23 at 10:26am

YES - it appears to be the same order as well.

dramamama611 said: "I rather enjoyed this.

Can anyone answer: IS this the same line up as what is currently running in the UK (Seems long to do every night!)"

 

[binau]

Posted: 12/9/23 at 10:34am

Sorry if line up means songs yes, except no ‘our time’. 

[yyys]

Posted: 12/9/23 at 10:41am

There's also a "Side by Side finale" as the last number in the current West End production.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 12/9/23 at 11:24am

Yes, sorry for not being more clear... I did mean the line up of songs. I did know the cast wasn't entirely the same. (Is Bernadette the only one?)

[uncageg]

Posted: 12/9/23 at 3:00pm

Really enjoying this recording. I knew about the concert but didn't really follow it. Have it on while while doing things around my place this afternoon. What a nice surprise to hear Dame Judi Dench sing "Send in the Clowns". I did not know she took part in the evening. (Or maybe I did and forgot!) The orchestra is wonderful and the supporting cast of voices is wonderful.

[meredithchandler73]

Posted: 12/10/23 at 12:23pm

Only 6 out of the current 19 member cast of STEPHEN SONDHEIM'S OLD FRIENDS were part of the concert last year and are on the album: Bernadette Peters, Janie Dee, Christine Allado, Bradley Jaden, Bonnie Langford and Jeremy Secomb. There was a 7th - Haydn Gwynne - who left the production shortly before previews began and passed away a month and a half later.

[MrsSallyAdams]

Posted: 12/13/23 at 10:16am

This recording is making a poor first impression. Many of the veteran performers have lost their voices. They have to whisper or speak their way through their songs. Several tracks are downright unpleasant to listen to.

[Musicaldudepeter]

Posted: 12/13/23 at 12:41pm

Why does Anna Jane Casey do a British accent for Getting Married on this recording but Joanna Riding does an American accent in the current show?

Why did they give I'm Still Here to Petula Clark? What an awful performance and just such a waste. She is not someone I consider having an affinity with Sondheim or theater in any respect, even though I know she has done several shows. So utterly strange. 

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 12/14/23 at 3:14am

I loved hearing Petula Clark sing “I’m Still Here.”

[Musicaldudepeter]

Posted: 12/14/23 at 3:33am

CATSNYrevival said: "I loved hearing Petula Clark sing “I’m Still Here.”"

Did you? 

 

[binau]

Posted: 12/14/23 at 3:50am

Bonnie Langford, who was Baby June in the Lansbury Gypsy if I recall, does ‘I’m still here’ in the west end run of the show and it’s stunning. I don’t know if I care bare to hear the original concert recording again after the west end cast and choices. 

[Musicaldudepeter]

Posted: 12/14/23 at 5:04am

binau said: "Bonnie Langford, who was Baby June in the Lansbury Gypsy if I recall, does ‘I’m still here’ in the west end run of the show and it’s stunning. I don’t know if I care bare to hear the original concert recording again after the west end cast and choices."

I agree. The current cast, though less starry, is superior and I would've preferred a disc with that company. There are many other Sondheim revue/concert recordings to choose from with better performances including the Hey Mr Producer SS section