Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends to run in the West End with Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga
Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends to run in the West End with Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga
jacobsnchz14
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/13/06
#1Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends to run in the West End with Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga
Posted: 2/12/23 at 4:07pm
Cameron Mackintosh announced live on stage at the 23rd Annual WhatsOnStage Awards that Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends, which he devised and produced, will be returning to the West End for a full run this autumn.
The production, which picked up a WhatsOnStage Awards this evening after its initial staging in May of last year, will run at the Gielgud Theatre from 16 September for a 16-week limited season.
The show will welcome back a variety of stars from the original concert including the multi-award-winning Bernadette Peters (who will be making her full-length West End debut in the show), Christine Allado (Hamilton, The Prince of Egypt), Janie Dee (Carousel, Follies), Bonnie Langford (42nd Street, 9 to 5) and Jeremy Secomb (Sweeney Todd, Les Misérables).
Set to join them for the season are Lea Salonga (returning to the London stage for the first time in 27 years in the show), Beatrice Penny-Touré (The Phantom of the Opera, winner of the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation Scholarship), Joanna Riding (Carousel, Follies) and Jac Yarrow (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat). Further names set to appear during the 16 weeks is to be revealed.
https://www.whatsonstage.com/london-theatre/news/stephen-sondheim-old-friends-west-end_58321.html
#2Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends to run in the West End with Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga
Posted: 2/12/23 at 4:40pm
Damn! I'm only gonna be in London till July 8! Wish they could've done this during the summer! Either way, this is gonna be a great run! Hopefully, we can get something similar in NYC soon!
The idea is to work and to experiment. Some things will be creatively successful, some things will succeed at the box office, and some things will only - which is the biggest only - teach you things that see the future. And they're probably as valuable as any of your successes. -Harold Prince
#3Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends to run in the West End with Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga
Posted: 2/12/23 at 4:57pm
Damnit I’m JUST getting back from London a few weeks before that and now I gotta go again for the start of this. When Queen Bernadette calls, I must answer.
Alessio2
Broadway Star Joined: 11/15/13
#4Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends to run in the West End with Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga
Posted: 2/12/23 at 5:05pm
This is incredible and I just so happen to have a trip planned to London in mid september for other shows!
#5Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends to run in the West End with Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga
Posted: 2/12/23 at 5:34pm
Jordan Catalano said: "Damnit I’m JUST getting back from London a few weeks before that and now I gotta go again for the start of this. When Queen Bernadette calls, I must answer."
Man, I wish I could travel to London as much as you do Jordan! I haven't been there in almost 5 years! I'm excited to be going over there this summer though! I'll just keep my fingers crossed for something similar to be staged in NYC!
The idea is to work and to experiment. Some things will be creatively successful, some things will succeed at the box office, and some things will only - which is the biggest only - teach you things that see the future. And they're probably as valuable as any of your successes. -Harold Prince
#6Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends to run in the West End with Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga
Posted: 2/12/23 at 5:37pm
The dream would be for Bernadette to bring back to New York next Spring for a limited run.
"You can't overrate Bernadette Peters. She is such a genius. There's a moment in "Too Many Mornings" and Bernadette doing 'I wore green the last time' - It's a voice that is just already given up - it is so sorrowful. Tragic. You can see from that moment the show is going to be headed into such dark territory and it hinges on this tiny throwaway moment of the voice." - Ben Brantley (2022)
"Bernadette's whole, stunning performance [as Rose in Gypsy] galvanized the actors capable of letting loose with her. Bernadette's Rose did take its rightful place, but too late, and unseen by too many who should have seen it" Arthur Laurents (2009)
"Sondheim's own favorite star performances? [Bernadette] Peters in ''Sunday in the Park,'' Lansbury in ''Sweeney Todd'' and ''obviously, Ethel was thrilling in 'Gypsy.'' Nytimes, 2000
#7Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends to run in the West End with Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga
Posted: 2/12/23 at 5:56pm
binau said: "The dream would be for Bernadette to bring back to New York next Spring for a limited run."
Oh, that would be great! Maybe even bring Patti and Matt Doyle back! I would do anything to see Matt sing "Not Getting Married Today" again!
The idea is to work and to experiment. Some things will be creatively successful, some things will succeed at the box office, and some things will only - which is the biggest only - teach you things that see the future. And they're probably as valuable as any of your successes. -Harold Prince
#8Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends to run in the West End with Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga
Posted: 2/12/23 at 6:07pm
Dylan Smith4 said: "binau said: "The dream would be for Bernadette to bring back to New York next Spring for a limited run."
Oh, that would be great! Maybe even bring Patti and Matt Doyle back! I would do anything to see Matt sing "Not Getting Married Today" again!"
We know Patti ain’t happening…for the obvious reasons
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#9Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends to run in the West End with Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga
Posted: 2/12/23 at 6:24pm
quizking101 said: "We know Patti ain’t happening…for the obvious reasons"
I know. It would be nice to have her back but oh well.
The idea is to work and to experiment. Some things will be creatively successful, some things will succeed at the box office, and some things will only - which is the biggest only - teach you things that see the future. And they're probably as valuable as any of your successes. -Harold Prince
#10Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends to run in the West End with Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga
Posted: 2/12/23 at 7:03pm
Patti can still perform on Broadway and my money is on her doing it again sooner rather than later.
#11Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends to run in the West End with Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga
Posted: 2/12/23 at 7:14pm
I believe this is all set for a Broadway run next spring, and it already seems destined to rack up some 2024 Tonys.
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#12Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends to run in the West End with Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga
Posted: 2/12/23 at 7:19pm
EDSOSLO858 said: "I believe this is all set for a Broadway run next spring, and it already seems destined to rack up some 2024 Tonys."
We can only hope!
The idea is to work and to experiment. Some things will be creatively successful, some things will succeed at the box office, and some things will only - which is the biggest only - teach you things that see the future. And they're probably as valuable as any of your successes. -Harold Prince
BETTY22
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/29/13
#13Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends to run in the West End with Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga
Posted: 2/12/23 at 7:52pm
Anyone else looking into flight to London? Wink
#14Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends to run in the West End with Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga
Posted: 2/12/23 at 7:58pm
Anyone planning a trip to see this can also check out the English language premiere of “Rebecca” At the Charing Cross theatre, starting around the same date.
Ke3
Broadway Star Joined: 6/25/20
#15Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends to run in the West End with Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga
Posted: 2/12/23 at 8:05pm
If the NYC rumour is true hopefully Lea comes too and NY producers remember she's alive.
#16Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends to run in the West End with Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga
Posted: 2/12/23 at 8:10pm
I really hope this takes the Sondheim after & Juliet concludes its cult classic run in January.
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#17Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends to run in the West End with Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga
Posted: 2/12/23 at 8:16pmUpdated On: 2/12/23 at 08:16 PM
#18Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends to run in the West End with Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga
Posted: 2/12/23 at 8:17pm
Jordan Catalano said: "“& Juliet” is at the Shaftesbury, where “Mrs. Doubtfire” begins in the Spring. “Les Miserables” is at the Sondheim."
I’m talking about when this comes to Broadway next spring.
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#19Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends to run in the West End with Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga
Posted: 2/12/23 at 8:20pm
EDSOSLO858 said: "Jordan Catalano said: "“& Juliet” is at the Shaftesbury, where “Mrs. Doubtfire” begins in the Spring. “Les Miserables” is at the Sondheim."
I’m talking about when this comes to Broadway next spring."
& Juliet seems to be doing well so far. We have to wait and see how it goes during awards season. I agree though, it would be wonderful to have this show at the Sondheim!
The idea is to work and to experiment. Some things will be creatively successful, some things will succeed at the box office, and some things will only - which is the biggest only - teach you things that see the future. And they're probably as valuable as any of your successes. -Harold Prince
#20Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends to run in the West End with Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga
Posted: 2/12/23 at 11:48pm
I bet this will land on Broadway as well for a limited engagement spring '24 ... Bernadette Peters and ?
"Anything you do, let it it come from you--then it will be new."
Sunday in the Park with George
Updated On: 2/12/23 at 11:48 PM
#21Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends to run in the West End with Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga
Posted: 2/13/23 at 12:02am
With Jac Yarrow booked for this is it safe to assume Joseph won’t be coming to Broadway this year?
pethian
Leading Actor Joined: 5/23/22
#22Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends to run in the West End with Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga
Posted: 2/13/23 at 1:50pm
I just checked my frequent flyer miles. London, here I come.
#23Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends to run in the West End with Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga
Posted: 2/13/23 at 9:16pm
Joanna Riding 
#24Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends to run in the West End with Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga
Posted: 2/21/23 at 3:22am
Was just dreaming that if it came to Broadway it would be amazing if it was finally the Bernadette/Patti show we’ve always dreamed of. The set list could easily suit both headlining. I would not be surprised if Patti was already asked for the west end run and said no lol.
"You can't overrate Bernadette Peters. She is such a genius. There's a moment in "Too Many Mornings" and Bernadette doing 'I wore green the last time' - It's a voice that is just already given up - it is so sorrowful. Tragic. You can see from that moment the show is going to be headed into such dark territory and it hinges on this tiny throwaway moment of the voice." - Ben Brantley (2022)
"Bernadette's whole, stunning performance [as Rose in Gypsy] galvanized the actors capable of letting loose with her. Bernadette's Rose did take its rightful place, but too late, and unseen by too many who should have seen it" Arthur Laurents (2009)
"Sondheim's own favorite star performances? [Bernadette] Peters in ''Sunday in the Park,'' Lansbury in ''Sweeney Todd'' and ''obviously, Ethel was thrilling in 'Gypsy.'' Nytimes, 2000
#25Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends to run in the West End with Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga
Posted: 2/21/23 at 7:41am
binau said: "Was just dreaming that if it came to Broadway it would be amazing if it was finally the Bernadette/Patti show we’ve always dreamed of. The set list could easily suit both headlining. I would not be surprised if Patti was already asked for the west end run and said no lol."
Now that you mentioned it, I’m also a bit surprised that Patti isn’t doing it in London. I think she loves it over there more than NYC. Correct me if I’m wrong. As for a Bernadette/Patti show on Broadway, I think that’s definitely possible! Just depends on if the Queen herself wants to do it or not!
The idea is to work and to experiment. Some things will be creatively successful, some things will succeed at the box office, and some things will only - which is the biggest only - teach you things that see the future. And they're probably as valuable as any of your successes. -Harold Prince
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