Take Me to the World: A Sondheim 90th Birthday Celebration

Please donate to ASTEP (Artists Striving to End Poverty): www.broadway.co...
0:18 - Stephen Schwartz - "Prologue" (Follies)
3:28 - Broadway Musicians - "Overture" (Merrily We Roll Along)
8:47 - Sutton Foster - "There Won't Be Trumpets" (Anyone Can Whistle)
12:47 - Neil Patrick Harris - "The Witch's Rap" (Into the Woods)
16:26 - Kelli O'Hara - "What More Do I Need?" (Saturday Night)
19:56 - Judy Kuhn - "What Can You Lose?" (Dick Tracy)
23:53 - Katrina Lenk - "Johanna" (Sweeney Todd)
27:11 - Aaron Tveit - "Marry Me a Little" (Company)
32:58 - Beanie Feldstein & Ben Platt - "It Takes Two" (Into the Woods)
36:25 - Brandon Uranowitz - "With So Little to Be Sure Of" (Anyone Can Whistle)
41:04 - Melissa Errico - "Children and Art" (Sunday in the Park with George)
46:20 - Randy Rainbow - "By the Sea" (Sweeney Todd)
49:21 - Elizabeth Stanley - "The Miller's Son" (A Little Night Music)
54:21 - Mandy Patinkin - "Lesson #8" (Sunday in the Park with George)
59:05 - Maria Friedman - "Broadway Baby" (Follies)
1:02:36 - Lin-Manuel Miranda - "Giants in the Sky" (Into the Woods)
1:05:46 - Lea Salonga - "Loving You" (Passion)
1:08:28 - Laura Benanti - "I Remember" (Evening Primrose)
1:14:06 - Chip Zien - "No More" (Into the Woods)
1:19:27 - Josh Groban - "Children Will Listen/Not While I'm Around" (Into the Woods/Sweeney Todd)
1:25:13 - Brian Stokes Mitchell - "The Flag Song" (Assassins)
1:28:04 - Michael Cerveris - "Finishing the Hat" (Sunday in the Park with George)
1:33:28 - Linda Lavin - "The Boy From..." (The Mad Show)
1:37:10 - Alexander Gemignani - "Buddy's Blues" (Follies)
1:41:08 - Ann Harada, Austin Ku, Kelvin Moon Loh & Thom Sesma - "Someone in a Tree" (Pacific Overtures)
1:50:59 - Raúl Esparza - "Take Me to the World" (Evening Primrose)
1:53:55 - Donna Murphy - "Send in the Clowns" (A Little Night Music)
1:58:47 - Christine Baranski, Meryl Streep & Audra McDonald - "The Ladies Who Lunch" (Company)
2:03:31 - Annaleigh Ashford & Jake Gyllenhaal - "Move On" (Sunday in the Park with George)
2:08:14 - Patti LuPone - "Anyone Can Whistle" (Anyone Can Whistle)
2:11:46 - Bernadette Peters - "No One Is Alone" (Into the Woods)
2:17:49 - Ensemble - "I'm Still Here" (Follies)
Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Hosted by Raúl Esparza
Musical Direction by Mary-Mitchell Campbell
Directed by Paul Wontorek
Executive Producers
Mary-Mitchell Campbell, Bill Curran, Raúl Esparza, John Gore, Stephen Sondheim and Paul Wontorek
Illustrations by Tug Rice
Graphics by Ryan Casey
Edited by Jim Cocoliato, Alexander Goyco, Mike Karns/Marathon Digital, Nick Shakra
Ryan Simmons
Audio Mixed by Michael Croiter and Mattias Winter
Press
Rick Miramontez of DKC/O&M
Performers
Iain Armitage
Jacqueline B. Arnold
Annaleigh Ashford
Kate Baldwin
Christine Baranski
Laura Benanti
Kerry Butler
Stephen Carlile
Miguel Cervantes
Michael Cerveris
Andre De Shields
Zara Devlin
Jeanna de Waal
Claybourne Elder
Melissa Errico
Raúl Esparza
Kim Exum
Beanie Feldstein
Sutton Foster
Maria Friedman
Kathryn Gallagher Jr.
Jenn Gambatese
Alexander Gemignani
Mandy Gonzalez
Celia Rose Gooding
Josh Groban
Jake Gyllenhaal
Ann Harada
James Harkness
Neil Patrick Harris
Roe Hartrampf
Erika Henningsen
Adrianna Hicks
Greg Hildreth
Robyn Hurder
Judy Kaye
Sean Allan Krill
Austin Ku
Marc Kudisch
Judy Kuhn
McKenzie Kurtz
Josh Lamon
Linda Lavin
Katrina Lenk
Dawnn Lewis
Kelvin Moon Loh
Patti LuPone
Brittney Mack
Ainsley Melham
Ginna Claire Mason
Rob McClure
Kenita R. Miller
Lin-Manuel Miranda
Audra McDonald
Brian Stokes Mitchell
Donna Murphy
Manu Narayan
Anne L. Nathan
Christiane Noll
Brenock O'Connor
Kelli O’Hara
Brad Oscar
Mandy Patinkin
Bernadette Peters
Jessica Phillips
Meghan Picerno
Shereen Pimentel
Ben Platt
Randy Rainbow
Renee Rapp
Ciara Renee
Noah Ricketts
John Riddle
Michael McCorry Rose
Lea Salonga
Caesar Samayoa
Stephen Schwartz
Michael James Scott
Margo Seibert
Kyle Selig
Thom Sesma
Jennifer Simard
James Snyder
Kimber Elayne Sprawl
Elizabeth Stanley
Cody Jamison Strand
Meryl Streep
L. Steven Taylor
Aaron Tveit
Brandon Uranowitz
Jessica Vosk
Barbara Walsh
Adrienne Warren
NaTasha Yvette Williams
Amra-Faye Wright
Tony Yazbeck
Chip Zien
Musicians
Matt Aronoff
Ted Arthur
Summer Boggess
Benedict Braxton-Smith
Caleb Burhans
Katherine Cherbas
Nicholas Connors
Monica Davis
James De La Garza
Elizabeth Doran
Tedd Firth
Michael Gacetta
Lino Gomez
Todd Groves
Chris Gurr
Richard Heckman
Sarah Hewitt
Tony Kadleck
Steve Kenyon
Adda Kridler
Alex Lacamoire
Randy Landau
Judy Lee
Dan Lipton
Nate Mayland
Julie McBride
Jeff Nelson
Jon Owens
Jocelin Pan
Jared Schonig
Sara Seiver
Matt Smallcomb
Mark Stephens
Billy Stritch
Joseph Thalken
Mark Thrasher
Larry Yurman
Meg Zervoulis
Special Thanks
American Federation of Musicians
Michele Esparza
Jesse Frohman
Joan Lader
Sam Merabi
Karen Reinhard
Michael McCorry Rose
Caitlin Moynihan
Jeff Romley
Melanie Shore
Beth Stevens
Lindsey Sullivan
Joanne Villani
Please Support
ASTEP.org

[@lydiavalentino]

Coming back to this after Sondheim departed this realm. What an honor to have shared time on this earth with him.

[@stevenelworth8614]

Yes we were honored.

[@canadeeana]

@@stevenelworth8614 all of us were honored to either work with him or listen to his amazing body of work ... such beautifully expressive singers, such agile dancers .....

[@patrickgomes2213]

Three years later, the Pacific Overtures cast still makes me cry. Separated by world events, they still have a beautiful chemistry and a connection. How they did it is anyone's guess. Simply amazing.

[@Broadwaybuff-pi1qg]

It was a beautiful performance under any circumstances, but even more impressive that they managed it while separated by video. Shows the power of music to move even if not in an ideal setting. Bravo to all!

[@disneythequeen]

THIS WAS A WHOLE DAMN LOT TO HANDLE GUYS

[@cynthiarangaves6471]

I haven’t even finished it yet and I’m sobbing...with joy, with well, you know, it’s Sondheim!!! Thank you, Mr. Sondheim, for your talent, for your work, for who who are. Thank you so much for all of it.

[@lillycaines7756]

I cried during Josh Groban's segement. You could just feel the genuine love for Sondheim's pieces in his voice. So truly magnificent and moving. Happy belated birthday Stephen Sondheim. You are legendary.

[@carolynturk-hu7je]

Stephen Sondheim brightens my days still! The man, legacy, music, lyrics will live forever! ❤

[@gavinmasterson7850]

A little love for “Someone in a Tree” ! So melodic and gorgeous....

[@matthewpayne411]

R.I.P. to the King of Broadway

[@TalkAsSoftAsChalk]

Lea Salonga's diction is honestly unreal!

[@andrei2734]

Maliha Intikhab it’s just clearer than my vision, gahd!

[@heyitsNIZAH]

I really love Kelli O'Hara's performance. Just puts a big smile on my face.

[@peggydwyer1932]

Oh Chip. Thank you. just gratitude for you and your gifts.

[@bjpe8228]

100% worth the wait

[@unturnthisstone]

I enjoyed this video SO much. Each Sondheim song more incredible than the next - I found so many new favourites!

[@aprilczareen5706]

Sunday in the Park with George 😢

[@alexs.3383]

we will always belooooooooooooooooooooooong together 🎶

[@wehojm7320]

Donna Murphy singing "LEAVE YOU" is a brilliant performance.

[@cchiles4]

This was wonderful to watch!!!

[@leeuerkwitz5176]

Mandy kills!

[@miamiracer]

Lots of great performances but Neil Patrick Harris takes the trophy for his turn as the Witch in Into the Woods. I would love to see him in the role on Broadway!!

[@natyinthehouse]

How is no one talking about the performance by Alexander Gemignani? It was just a room but it felt like it was the stage during the song.

[@Evelyn82C]

Wanted to take a second to acknowledge and appreciate the hard work done by the editors here, who took a bunch of independently recorded clips, almost certainly of varying quality and possibly even submitted in varying formats, and turned them into a seamless thing where everyone looks and sounds great. These performances are incredible and I'm so thankful for the people who worked to pull them together for us.

[@larrygrimaldi1400]

Totally agree, the overture with all those instruments --getting the audio right was a miracle

[@1101grayzer]

Hear, hear. Shout out to the sound person. The Merrily Overture was astoundingly PERFECT.

[@MorganBondelid]

AMEN - applause for the tech team! 👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@maria2benali]

my grandma that doesmn't know how to work a computer can do a better editors job. Was awful!!!

[@tdmark]

And the Producers and Director as well. Exceptional work.

[@IsaacBD]

If this video is ever taken down, we riot.

[@KevinLynchNJ]

Agreed. I absolutely LOVE Sondheim. And to see all these greats and original performers from his shows perform like this is just magical.

[@mjjm5511]

There you are Issac......agreed lol

[@substantialtess]

Agreed. We ride at dawn 😂

[@paulix2102]

for sure!

[@logan.weisberg]

Kevin Lynch did not expect to see you here. Although it totally makes sense

[@hannahclark2564]

"Sometimes people leave you halfway through the wood. Do not let it grieve you, no one leaves for good." May his memory be a blessing.

[@adamgregory5274]

❤

[@DippyHippie]

It’s times like this that I wish I wasn’t deaf….😢

[@revbeth]

❤

[@carolynturk-hu7je]

Yes, still a blessing! Still watching this beautiful celebration that was a fundraiser in such a hard time. Selfishly have tears for the new music/lyrics for musicals we will never get to love. He was magic, I knew it the first time hearing the documentary of the first "Company".

[@PanamaBob1942]

Not only is this a tribute to Sondheim, it is also a celebration of the professionalism of the many Broadway performers. No electronic voice manipulation, no tricks, just pure, finely honed talent. Sondheim gives them the blueprint of greatness, they make it soar.

[@sandragailucas7764]

I totally agree. Such a gift in these stay at home times of isolation. Thank you all

[@artistphx]

what a special opportunity to just see the raw talent.

[@sandragailucas7764]

@@artistphx So true, performers I hadn't known about, just heartwarming. Can't wait to view again

[@faure4804]

Exactly, you're right!! I thought that way too Never drifted off his professional music world.

[@Anita_Backrub]

These videos are saving me during quarantine. katrina lenk ❤patti lupone❤neil patrick harris❤

[@TeddyLeitner]

Neil Patrick Harris: I thought I’d do a song that shows off my vocal range *does a rap* Me too, man

[@dinosaurchickennuggets5138]

my forever mood

[@kenneythekoala]

BUT WHY DIDNT MERYL DO IT 😭 he did great tho

[@softmoxymuffin2351]

His kids were so cute in there hehe

[@seppyq3672]

I loved it.

[@DaniCali1890]

Yeah I thought NPH would have sung something better than that.

[@emmaknowler1945]

They really started at 200% and didn’t give us a chance to rest or recover for the next 2 hours 22 minutes and 59 seconds.

[@maejee8189]

Ive been up for days. These broadway shows they are giving us for free is really amazing. Quarantine is not so bad somehow.

[@gabrieltaylor2589]

Okay...Bernadette is 72. SEVENTY TWO. And she’s just chilling in her apartment, no good lighting, no musical accompaniment and singing No One Is Alone. That’s a Broadway Legend my friends. There’s a reason Sondheim considers her his muse.

[@bondservant4jesus]

Bernadette does not look nearly any where that. She's amazing. I first heard her as Rita in Animaniacs.I hope they have her on there again.

[@davidlrattigan]

What the actual flip?

[@dayosinghs6299]

She looks in her 30s or 40s! She is so awesome!!

[@felizmentelena]

I was refreshing wikipedia thinking the age was mistaken. Unbeliavable

[@timothyburch9708]

HOW IS SHE 72?? Incredible...she looks 40 max here. Wow.

[@hachinavio]

Only a year later did the legend pass. Rest In Power Sondheim.

[@SeaTravelr123]

❤️

[@yujicortez]

A perfect farewell. 😌

[@ebbandflowph]

It was Stephen Sondheim's birthday and yet WE got the gift. Thank you for this. I'm coming back to this and will definitely find time to donate.

[@DobbysN1fan]

When I tell you I screamed when Christine came on, then screamed when Meryl appeared and then Audra appeared and I realised they were trying to kill me 😅

[@tazgriffin]

I was laughing like a crazy person while watching them, alcohol-free :)

[@solma018]

SAMEEEEE

[@laurenospina8066]

The POWER they possess

[@alexanderzamora5930]

I screamed with you! I don’t know if my condo board of directors will send me a letter of complaint for my noise level last night...

[@dorbzilla]

Audra sang them into the ground.

[@karolespinoza5230]

Anyone else rlly happy that something that’s from something considered a “small community” on KZbin is currently #5 on trending?!

[@ameliamorgan2287]

Yes! I saw it trending on Twitter a few days ago and it made me really happy!

[@ras613pa]

Maybe summer baseball isn't on everyone's minds! :)

[@lauraimpastato6841]

Love the beautiful piano Overture. This is a GREAT Sondheim collection by so many talented people. Dont ever remove it and maybe do another!!!!!

[@sunflower2187]

That rendition of Ladies who Lunch added years to my life

[@OgSUBSCRIBO]

I have type 2 depression

[@LloydAntonyLB]

yellow daisies Elaine Stritch would be proud!

[@Quinefan]

@@OgSUBSCRIBO Aw man, I've had all the types.

[@carolynzaremba5469]

@@LloydAntonyLB Elaine Stritch was the only one who did it properly.

[@cka2nd]

@@carolynzaremba5469 Anna Kendricks killed it in the movie, "Camp."

[@yemimawibowo8219]

So they put the song title ‘Ladies Who Lunch’ without the name of the singers. And then Christine Baranski showed up wearing robe and pouring wine, I was overjoyed. Then Meryl showed up and I leaped from my chair. By the time Audra show up, I was watching on the floor and crying. What a great surprise. Happy Birthday, Stephen Sondheim, you’ve brought us all the music of our lives!

[@lindarowe787]

Me: Wow, Christine and Meryl are really good singers Audra: Hold my cocktail ...

[@jaybirddee3790]

Thank you so much for the heads-up! I rushed over there right away! You were so right--gobsmackingly fabulous! Sublime.

[@lillianward2810]

I could tell from that that they would have multiple people/surprises but it was fabulous.

[@bassavino]

They walked away with it. In a night of superlatives they were the top of top.

[@theresevanarsdale6470]

@@lindarowe787 Christine Baransky was a Broadway star when I was growing up. I looked forward to seeing her on the Tonys every year. She got great pipes. And she can sell a song to a deaf man.

[@chrishallings8616]

Christine, Meryl and Audra plastered and singing ladies who lunch was the funniest thing I’ve seen in a long time 😏

[@hectorsmommy1717]

Christine is drinking a $100 bottle of wine and may have already downed a bit of it already by the look of the glass

[@OgSUBSCRIBO]

I have type 2 depression

[@kingofchangaspubgking1411]

Chris Hallings c ‘waswas mike Abdulaziz T T J uj

[@barbarajames3265]

So true, it is too funny for words!

[@JosephJohnson-gu5fw]

Christine BARANSKI is a priceless

[@ALICIABOJANGLES]

I watched this wonderful tribute when it aired , over a year ago. And, I just finished watching it again. I’m so sad that our world has lost this BRILLIANT & unparalleled man, artist, & genius. I can’t imagine musical theatre without Stephen Sondheim. I wish I knew how to properly honor him, but it’s not possible. So, I will just share his creations with others, every chance I get.

[@theglitterybookworm]

Can we just take a minute - Aaron Tviet is recovering from covid-19 and he can sing like THAT. We love you, man. Hope you’re getting better💕💕💕

[@mlhart3741]

Oh wow... didn't know that. All best wishes to him - it's the best, most expressive performance of that song I've heard.

[@givinyouup]

@@mlhart3741 u should hear kyle Selig's version. It's amazing too

[@MayaHasiba]

It looks like he's on the verge of crying and I - :'(

[@francanino4190]

YES!!!

[@MrGreenBeanBeenBeanin]

Recovering from covid and sounds like that? must be somethin there hidin

[@STierGamer]

Okay...Bernadette is 72. SEVENTY TWO. And she’s just chilling in her apartment, no good lighting, no musical accompaniment and singing No One Is Alone. That’s a Broadway Legend my friends. There’s a reason Sondheim considers her his muse.

[@DobbysN1fan]

Bernadette singing No one is Alone really hits different rn

[@robertpresar9970]

The beauty of this is I felt included. No pomp and circumstance. Just people making people happy. No glamour, no stage. Just us, together. A rare silver lining.

[@StarlightIllusions]

what we're not going to do is sleep on that flawless, staged, beautiful, perfect performance of "someone in a tree".

[@barbraseville8984]

Say it again...

[@elenamirano3707]

That was stunning

[@AndrewRudin]

The way those actors related to each other... simply enchanting. I saw PACIFIC OVERTURES the 2nd night of it's run and this brought me back to it, and how much I loved it.

[@michelleepstein1999]

Yes! Yes! Yes! One of the most haunting and magnificent versions I've ever heard and I saw the original! And to think they were in 4 separate places, their intimacy was astonshing. Bravo.

[@GriffGriffith]

I think this will be a watershed moment for so many young people who will remember this as the reason they went for a career in musical theater.

[@KevinLynchNJ]

Sondheim is to Musical Theatre what Cheese is to Pizza

[@debra13]

@@KevinLynchNJ Yes, but historically I think of Sondheim as when they started to add more interesting and exotic toppings. ;-)

[@barbraseville8984]

It will be exactly that. Except for the idiots who chime to say what ks wrong with it. But you are right. For me, it was cast of A Chorus Line on Donahue. I was like...what??? But every time a network airs a LIVE musical show, good or bad, I say the same thing you said. This is SOMEONE'S intro to musical theatre. It can't be all bad. :-)

[@maxaustin3377]

because what better time to be a struggling theatre actor than right now...

[@dinosaurchickennuggets5138]

Wow I really hope so

[@evydori6133]

This could have been a disaster at first because of technical issues, but it turned out so amazing and better than I could’ve hoped for. It’s so inspiring to see all these talented people group together to celebrate Mr. Sondheim’s life and work. Really shows what theater can do. Happy birthday and thank you Mr. Sondheim!

[@OgSUBSCRIBO]

I have type 2 depression

[@larrygrimaldi1400]

They waited until the overture was virtually perfect--- Audio is much more difficult to get right than the picture--- when you think of how many instruments on remote, it was a miracle that it all worked.

[@Lupin788]

@@larrygrimaldi1400 All of the performances were pre-recorded, even the instrumental overture. Kudos to the video and audio editors. I think they had difficulty trying to integrate some live commentary while streaming the actual performances.

[@jeffblack8457]

I couldn't start streaming until just after 9pm EST - when I finally got to the computer, Steve Schwartz was playing the piano; delighted that the broadcast was delayed so I could see the whole thing "live." Giving another $100 in Sondheim's honor today.

[@larrygrimaldi1400]

@@jeffblack8457 it's so wonderful that you are donating--- I think they should have done more to punch the link for donations. It is sad that so many people got annoyed waiting on the website--- I watched the enthusiastic 'chat' for 40 minutes, (during which time I saw the KZbin counter go from 105 thousand people watching down to 94 thousand, then I gave up and watched a documentary on the trans-Siberian railway. When that ended, YT recco page offered the Sondheim again, and I came in about the middle of the wonderful orchestral overture. While this show was classified as live, it has been pointed out to me that it was a work of incredible editing, particularly the audio.

[@AshAshBaby]

What a beautiful and strange piece of broadway history this is going to be.

[@gottasing7]

It certainly is. And did I need this today. No words. This is beyond sublime.

[@NeobahamutZero]

When Chip launched into No More I lost it and sobbed. He's the best Baker, I swear he is

[@dougcargill6730]

I saw Into the Woods during out-of-towns at the Old Globe in San Diego when I was a kid. Chip was amazing then and this performance was the highlight of the evening.

[@theofields6359]

When Chip hugged the baker’s hat, I started to groan and then I just cried because it was so heartfelt and I’m starting to cry again bah

[@user-ee9ti6qe2e]

Lea Salonga never ages does she? Without make up she looks exactly as she did when she did Miss Saigon. Also besides Ladies Who Lunch, I think she gave the best performance.

[@kittmarie8285]

She is flawless.

[@vertigoed.]

Asians dont raisinnnn

[@tjs2605]

Brilliant performance honestly!!!

[@Sunflower0122Z]

She was quite good and one of my favorite Sondheim pieces of all time. But to me Donna will always own that song followed by Judy Kahn, who I saw perform back in 2013 and of coarse Patty LuPone too.

[@lionkingerika]

Patti Lupone is overrated

[@courtjester4400]

Wow Raul Esparza singing take me to the world makes me sob

[@lucindaarmour7422]

Agreed.

[@trindog5843]

Same

[@benhume2874]

TheLocal Cryptid2 the one Sondheim said was he favourite in lead role of Company, TV recorded version with actors with instruments. One set pieces show. Hauntingly beautiful! Right on Raul!

[@ellaisplotting]

I play the separate video of it basically daily, it's perfect.

[@lindastewart3128]

I LOVE THIS MAN'S VOICE. I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE HIM IN A SHOW.

[@deborahs2593]

A smaller world tonight, yet we'll all be humming his tunes and lyrics...always.

[@DobbysN1fan]

Do you think Mandy and Bernadette talked beforehand and were like "should we maybe get a piano or something" then just decided "nah I'm sure everyone will be doing a capella"

[@karenschneiderman7180]

They were two of the best. Didn't need anything but heart.

[@bondservant4jesus]

Bernadette did a good job with acapella.

[@athollhay3207]

They both reduced me to a soggy heap.

[@danaekolyva3309]

Actually I think this might be true. My friend showed me a pic of Bernadette facetiming Mandy earlier so they could have been discussing that lol. And I'm saying this with my heart bursting with love for them both!

[@Gee-xb7rt]

I think I'll stand in a field -- Mandy

[@cheyennegray7801]

The Ladies Who Lunch is the best thing I’ve ever seen in my life

[@lindsaykearney5089]

Cheyenne Gray SO GOOD!!!

[@sunflower2187]

Literally added YEARS to my life 😍

[@robynlindsay9747]

It literally took the wrinkles off of my face and the bags from beneath my eyes i smiled for the first time in years after seeing that

[@dj4265]

U need to get out more

[@qbee2985]

It was so much fun watching the 3 of them haha

[@brucezwecker8750]

Bernadette Peters is a national treasure. Her a cappella rendition of “No One Is Alone” was heartbreaking. Bless her, and all these performers.

[@kenalanfitness]

The superlatives to hurl at this musical collage are cliche. This is a game-changer. A tribute that others will be measured against for generations to come. Oddly enough, being done in this virtual format made it more moving, meaningful, and emotional than if it took place on stage. Hats off to all talent on-screen and off-screen that made this happen. It's a work of art in and of itself, creating a stunning portrait of the depth and brilliance of Sondheim's music and lyrics brought to life by some of the most talented singer/actors today. How is one supposed to sleep after watching this? An amazing experience of laughter, tears, and heartwrenching feeling. A true gift to all who appreciate the transformative power of Sondheim's theater.

[@davidanthonystone5165]

You can get right into their heads

[@kittmarie8285]

Beautifully stated.

[@crystalcavegirl6476]

Wow. You really captured it. Brilliantly stated... and FELT.

[@gottasing7]

Brilliantly stated. And all the more poignant today. This is the memorial of his heartfelt art that we needed today. Just sublime. There are no proper words.

[@kenalanfitness]

@@kittmarie8285 Appreciate your comment,

[@MABACTS]

That rendition of The Ladies Who Lunch murdered me in the best way possible. Iconic!!!

[@YnacelRose1209]

For anyone that dreams of doing musical theater, watch the show from start to finish. There is so much to learn about... well... everything! - Ms. Lea Salonga

[@OgSUBSCRIBO]

I have type 2 depression

[@tdmark]

I told my daughter that if she didn't watch this, she shouldn't come home. :) She came home. :):)

[@BoySamusMetroid]

Hearing Chip Zien do No More again was astounding. What a beautiful performance.

[@anastapatsak]

His performance moved me the most, i don't know why this particular piece did it, but i was ugly crying

[@Hplourdecole]

anastapatsak Same! 😭 It’s much more appropriate for our current climate than I would have thought. And his rendition is so emotional.

[@alytum]

The hat!

[@barbarasmith3794]

Yes, incredibly moving. Wow.

[@markmiller3279]

"No More"is always a moving song, and Zien's history with it made it even more so. His voice isn't what it once was, but it didn't matter much.

[@Mithrylon]

If this version of “Ladies Who Lunch” isn’t put in the Smithsonian, I’m not sure what’s considered historically important anymore.

[@carolynzaremba5469]

Oh, I didn't like it. It was one of the few that I did not care for on this. The rest was stupendous.

[@annalisasteinnes]

It was iconic.

[@joyceharrison1682]

@@carolynzaremba5469 Same. It seemed lazy when everyone else worked their hearts out.

[@juliedull2221]

You’re commenting on wrong clip

[@ernie7453]

Oh c’’mon they re goofing around, not singing.

[@elizabethvetter8313]

This was beautiful, but AaronTveit singing Marry Me A Little, was perfection!

[@elkewheeler]

Meryl, Christine and Audra. Here’s to the ladies who rule.

[@command47]

Audra is the personification of amazing. I will die on this hill.

[@gracewenzel]

Coming back after hearing the news. 91 is an amazing run, and he made so much amazing music in his long life, and yet I can't help feeling completely shattered. I kind of don't know what to do right now except listen to his music and sob.

[@gottasing7]

Exactly. I am still in shock and I don't think I will ever get over it. I mean, we all knew he couldn't live forever, but oh, how I wish he could. Thank goodness we have his work to listen to forever.

[@cufflink44]

You've captured my own experience perfectly. It's now a week later, and I'm finally getting some control of my emotions.

[@deborahwong9883]

Same here

[@rachelwoeste6635]

How are we not talking about Iain Armitage's tiny, precious, and pitch-perfect rendition of 'Finishing the Hat'?!?!

[@debbiedoodiedandi]

That was adorable! I read he got his start on KZbin as a theater reviewer (!!)

[@osahju914]

When was that?!

[@maxaustin3377]

That was unbelievable. I don’t think I knew the lyrics to any song at that age let alone those Sondheim notes

[@annalisasteinnes]

That was so precious and amazing at the same time. It was like the song was written to be sung by a child.

[@cka2nd]

@@osahju914 Near the beginning. He's the little blonde boy sitting at a table from a few years ago.

[@shannongeier63]

If you haven't listened to an 11 year old sing "I stuffed the dailies in my shoes..." what are you even doing with your life?

[@robinstelly1413]

Shout out to Linda Lavin who crushed "The Boy From ..."

[@MyrrhRhythm]

There were many songs that made me cry, but her rendition of an already silly song made me LOL!!

[@joyceharrison1682]

That was my favorite! She was terrific!

[@susanb4937]

@@MyrrhRhythm She originated that song Off-Broadway.

[@pedrobcn]

Pretty sure Billy Stritch was at the piano

[@markmiller3279]

That was a fun surprise. It's rare to get a performance that good from someone who originally sang the song well over 50 years ago. I'd forgotten quite how funny it was.

[@mollyingerson3174]

A pitch perfect “happy birthday” song from Sutton Foster’s child. I would expect nothing less!

[@BonnerDoemling]

I think she’s adopted but still, I can imagine her getting a lot of vocal education even if she didn’t get the genes

[@lunatickgeo]

Whenever I hear Someone In a Tree, it reminds me that I'm not invisible or inconsequential. It's not about being the most important person in the room but more about being in the room means you're important. For an overweight, gay boy growing up, it was important to be reminded once in a while that it was the fragment, not the day, that is happening.

[@happygucci5094]

Sondheim makes me feel seen too- sending you love 😊

[@lunatickgeo]

@@happygucci5094 thank you, sending love right back at you

[@happygucci5094]

@@lunatickgeo 💗💗💗😊

[@santafejack]

Randy Rainbow at 46 minutes. He holds his own against legends! And even manages to incorporate a few contemporary laughs. That's my Randy!

[@kenley-me]

Thank you for giving time!! Was tuning in to see him, mainly.

[@anneford1351]

Absolutely the tribute that this truly amazing genius deserved on his 90th birthday! I loved every single nano-second of it. Bravo to all the amazing performers. You just made my life a lot better and cracked my heart wide open. LOVED IT.

[@themightyp]

Just loving all of this. Nothing out of place. Watching Jake and Annaliegh makes me sad though - we have tickets to see them do this in London on 20th of June, there's no way restrictions will be lifted. Atleast I get to see them on here. Happy 90th Mr Sondheim. I once sat behind the legend himself all the way through a production of Sweeney Todd at the National Theatre many years ago. I had no idea he was there until the cast pointed to him during the curtain call and he stood up. I nearly passed out. What an amazing tribute this has been.

[@elenaTheOneWithTheDoodles]

Paul Sargeant I have tickets for September, but don't have too much hope :(

[@hejiranyc]

Ooh... I didn't know they were staging Sunday again. I saw it a couple of years ago and it was a phenomenal production - in some ways better than the 1984 original with Mandy and Bernadette.

[@thenygalavant]

They were both good in their roles. Got to see the production at NY City Center Encores.

[@MrHades-vm2hm]

Listening to this hits different right now. Rest In Peace Stephen Sondheim, A great among the greatest.

[@rachelhtsang]

Where's the love for Donna in the comments? That was a devastating 'Send in the Clowns'!

[@eirikastokes9652]

Literally shattered me. Give her Desiree in a full scale revival of Night Music ASAP, nothing like the lukewarm one from roughly a decade ago.

[@wordswordswords8203]

Yes, wonderful.

[@jonathancumberbatch2000]

Rachel Tsang Best version I’ve ever heard.

[@sandydonald4089]

love this woman

[@lucysnowe31]

She is phenomenal.

[@zakariashartley]

the miller's song absolutely stunning. I'm sure Sondheim adored it it was bang on

[@davidshukis1886]

Just the amount of expression she was able to put on the word “meanwhile” blew me away.

[@inediblearrangement]

What a phenomenal performance of "Someone in a Tree" 💙

[@paolagonzalez9040]

MostArdentlyEva truly!

[@actingout4462]

man i love that song so much and they did a great job

[@MGustave]

Right!? Im so glad they remembered something from Pacific Overtures!

[@gracewenzel]

Harry Dibbs So sad that pacific overtures is slept on at all. One of Sondheim’s greatest

[@mlhart3741]

Best use of the format with the 4 split screens to help convey the story. Loved it! Most underrated musical...

[@xiaoxiaosun3887]

Master acting class one after another

[@killerqueen1148]

Elizabeth Stanley "the Miller's Son"...hands down Best Performance...imo...very difficult song to sing.

[@davidshukis1886]

One of the best performances of anything I’ve heard in 50 years as a musical theater fan. Absolutely stunning

[@cka2nd]

Yes, I have heard before that that is a very tough number.

[@anabritelora]

All the performances and messages! (Starting at the opening of each performer’s segment) Follies Prologue - Stephen Schwartz (0:22) Merrily Overture - Broadway musicians (3:32) There Won’t Be Trumpets - Sutton Foster (8:15) Witch’s Rap - Neil Patrick Harris (11:58) What More Do I Need - Kelli O’Hara (15:45) What Can You Lose - Judy Kuhn (19:34) A message from Victor Garber (22:29) Johanna - Katrina Lenk (24:00) Marry Me a Little - Aaron Tveit (26:26) Finishing the Hat (archive video, verses) and message - Iain Armitage (31:00) It Takes Two - Beanie Feldstein and Ben Platt (32:56) With So Little to Be Sure Of - Brandon Uranowitz (36:32) A message from ASTEP (38:42) Children and Art - Melissa Errico (40:47) By the Sea - Randy Rainbow (46:19) The Miller’s Son - Elizabeth Stanley (48:48) Lesson #8 (a cappella) - Mandy Patinkin (53:54) A message from Steven Spielberg (56:41) Broadway Baby - Maria Friedman (57:53) Giants in the Sky - Lin-Manuel Miranda (1:02:40) A message from Lonny Price (1:05:10) Loving You - Lea Salonga (1:05:50) I Remember - Laura Benanti (1:08:35) Raúl Esparza “Entracte” (Into the Woods story) (1:11:07) No More - Chip Zein (1:12:38) A message from Joanna Gleason (1:18:20) Children Will Listen/Not While I’m Around - Josh Groban (1:19:30) A message from John Weidman (1:24:00) The Flag Song - Brian Stokes Mitchell (1:24:44) Finishing the Hat - Michael Cerveris (1:28:07) A message from Jason Alexander (1:31:11) The Boy From... - Linda Lavin (1:33:04) Buddy’s Blues - Alexander Gemignani (1:37:13) Someone in a Tree - Ann Harada, Austin Ku, Kelvin Moon Loh, and Thom Sesma (1:40:59) A message from Nathan Lane (1:48:34) Take Me to the World - Raúl Esparza (1:51:02) Send in the Clowns - Donna Murphy (1:54:00) The Ladies Who Lunch - Christine Baranski, Meryl Streep, Audra McDonald (1:58:49) Move On - Jake Gyllenhaal and Annaleigh Ashford (2:03:35) Anyone Can Whistle - Patti LuPone (2:08:18) No One is Alone (a cappella) - Bernadette Peters (2:11:21) Raúl Esparza closing (2:15:00) Credits (2:17:01) I’m Still Here - Company (2:17:52)

[@heathers5459]

Wow, thanks for this!!

[@spinalc0rds]

thank you!

[@lillianward2810]

A+++

[@blaarghaargh]

What an amazing Ladies Who Lunch - an anthem for the lockdown, if you will. Also props to all of the songs which were so well re-imagined within the context of Zoom (Buddy's Blues, Ladies Who Lunch, Someone in a Tree). Needless to say everyone was very talented. HAPPY BIRTHDAY SONDHEIM!!!

[@imdyingfromhype6037]

Don't forget By the Sea!

[@Victor1930]

I would have thought "Take Me to the World" or "I Remember" was the perfect anthem for the lock down. But then, I'm not drinking my way through it so there's that.

[@johnwebb4655]

So many beautiful and moving performances... And pleasantly unexpected ones too! Loved Kelli's belting and performance (so different for her). Lea, Aaron, Judy, and Raul have exquisite voices, Laura moved me to tears and "I Remember" rings so true with the way we're all shut off from the world now. Katrina gave me chills with arguably the most beautiful Sondheim song. Elizabeth Stanley just left me speechless, best rendition of Miller's Son I've ever heard. Randy and The Ladies Who Lunch Trio provided much needed laughs, and what can you say about Mandy, Patti, Donna and Bernadette other than legend? What a treasure this is!

[@annalisaferr0]

I was already crying when Chip started to sing, but I absolutely lost it when he took the hat. This video is the one thing I will remember the most about quarantine.

[@SoCalScents]

That is one of the best renditions of “Miller’s Son”

[@MEHerlihy]

SoCal Scents Absolutely. One of my favorites, and this performance brought me to tears.

[@metikabegleiter1770]

It really is ❤️❤️

[@alexanderzamora5930]

Her audio was the best and Elizabeth Stanley’s voice was beautiful. I felt ashamed just to know now that this exquisite singer exists! I think my license for musical theatre broadway is being revoked 😢🌹🙏🏽😂❤️Love from 🇨🇦

[@guidonapp7590]

Absolutely

[@debraearle5551]

@@alexanderzamora5930 I am in the same boat.. A lot of these younger singers were not known to me until now, I have a lot of watching to do! Take a few years off and move away from New England and boom, time flies! No harm, now I have sonething fun to do!! 💗 from Georgia!

[@Tremeishere]

Someone in a tree may be my favourite performance of this whole concert. I just love all the actors in it so much. Thom Sesma's smile is infectious. "I was younger then........"

[@cka2nd]

I was thinking the same thing about Mr. Sesma's smile. Nice voice, too.

[@ginafourie1567]

Damn. My heart is so full. Also, it was as if I heard "No More" for the first time (thank you for revisiting it, so beautifully, Chip Zien).

[@anastapatsak]

I lost it when he started singing... So powerful..

[@linajylha3377]

This broke me. Seeing Mandy Patinkin and Chip Zien as old men was a strange experience. I’ve watched only ever watched their performances at a digital distance all my life, and they’ve always been in their 30-50’s. I’ve sort of not realized that THEY could grow old. Seeing the songs I’ve cried too numerous times, in all kinds of places and times, and the people behind them again. It just, was very powerful and you could tell how sentimental they were, so. Here I am, sobbing, realizing all Sondheim has contributed to so many peoples life and will continue doing. And how many people that have moved mine and that nothing will hinder the passing of time, but that their legacy will be kept alive forever. Sad, sentimental, yet beautiful. Thank you Sondheim.

[@denisepaul7274]

“I can’t believe there’s never been a musical tribute to this unsung genius.” Nathan Lane is a hoot!

[@jacquelinehurwitz199]

PBS Lincoln Center 80th Sondheim Birthday tribute is amazing. Hard to find but if you can, watch.

[@denisepaul7274]

Jack Mason I’ve just pushed over the rock I live under to find your questions. Nathan Lane does not sing. He comes in at 1:48 and speaks about his relationship with Mr. Sondheim and jokes about yet another tribute. I’ve seen many from my little hole in the ground. Have a nice day.

[@denisepaul7274]

...and jokes about yet another tribute. I’ve seen many from my little hole in the ground. Have a nice day.

[@Hugo_Hackenbush]

Got pretty emotional watching this; human beings are such a frustrating species. We are capable of something as astonishingly beautiful as this, and at the same time we engage in horrific brutality and cruelty to other humans and to Mother Nature. If we destroy everything in the end, there will be no more stunningly arranged musical vibrations like this. I don't think the cockroaches can do it. What a waste.

[@roberthart9675]

Finally someone who has expressed my exact sentiments about my love/hate relationship with humanity but I couldn't find the right words to do so! Thanks so much Hugo!

[@elizabethmiller1804]

I feel exactly the same way, Hugo. Exactly.

[@willec7105]

Oh yes, Hugo, we are such a maddeningly paradoxical combination of angel and demon. It makes no sense at all to a logical mind and, though the world is filled with billions of books trying to describe or explain it, it's an endeavor doomed to failure. Reminds me of the Gibran observation: "Love knows not its own depth until the moment of separation." Apparently we can't apprehend the enormity of what we have here in this world so therefore, can't imagine what its loss will be.

[@ms.martiegallego8834]

@@willec7105 You said what I feel , so very eloquently ! Thank You .

[@ms.martiegallego8834]

Life is a paradox ¡ You are so right in what You say, It's sad that we humans ruin the God given beauty , then want to blame Him, and not our selves ! I hope the music never ends !!

[@DiontaeBlack]

So many of my favorite performers, Audra, Kelli, Raul, Aaron, Lea, Donna, Michael, Mandy P, ETC ETC ALSO KATRINA LENK DIDN'T HAVE TO GO THAT HARD ON JOHANNA, BUT SHE DID! This entire Livestream was truly a masterclass in Acting and Singing. Sondheim is a Master of Lyrics, of Storytelling, of Music. And it was a blessing to remember the power of Music and Theatre.

[@seansilence2697]

I'm glad someone acknowledged Katrina. She was phenomenal

[@DiontaeBlack]

@@seansilence2697 i was shook that so few people were talking about her performance! To me her version of Johanna somehow managed to be Sweet, Seductive and terrifyingly possessive all in one

[@thatsaudrey3601]

Yasss I was looking for someone to compliment Katrina❤️

[@DiontaeBlack]

@@thatsaudrey3601 She is underappreciated! While i don't listen to her as much as i do Audra or Kelli, i always appreciate hearing her voice!

[@markmiller3279]

Lenk was magnificent. Just for vocal splendor she was my favorite. Made me want to go buy copies of other shows she's been in.

[@KevinLynchNJ]

For those saying "Where is West Side Story?!?!" in the concert..... Sondheim wrote the LYRICS not the MUSIC! It's like saying "Where is Gypsy?!".... We want a celebration of MUSIC AND LYRICS. This was probably THEE BEST LIVE STREAM since the COVID quarantine. So freaking happy I can rewatch this. Love the performers. Happy Birthday Mr. Sondheim !!!!

[@sharonhowe5175]

Think it was mainly one person .. repeated over and over. STUPID

[@nokocchi1983]

exactly! (but also... sondheim only wrote the lyrics to The Boy From and that song was still featured..)

[@stephenneilson]

I'd want either, actually. If creating the lyrics to West Side Story weren't worth celebrating on your 90th birthday... if that was ALL you did... it would be your leader on the annual death reel of departed stars.

[@yoavidal]

What about your live stream in May 15??

[@crescenJOSH]

I think some people needs to know that tho!! People be mad at me when I tell them Sondheim wrote them lyrics 😂

[@gregorymowery8879]

Lea Salonga has been one of Broadway's greatest singers for decades. Loving You is yet another vocal masterpiece from this highly under-served singer. Just fabulous.

[@joshuaalexander6296]

Was searching for this comment. She is literally the best.

[@marshallartz395]

Her performance here is tremendous.

[@ernie7453]

The only one who really sang in this Sondheim 90th

[@carolynturk-hu7je]

Been rewatching this alot lately, emotional support, anxiety reduction. I continue to be grateful for Stephen Sondheim, the person, music and lyrics God! For all who gave of themselves for this wonderful gift that keeps on giving! Today no tears, only GRATITUDE!

[@bladerunner556]

I can’t carry a tune to save my life, but I have grown to admire the incredible talent of theatre performers. Yes, performers because they aren’t just actors or singers, they do it all. Watching these wonderful talents on my TV reinforced my admiration for all of you.

[@robynlindsay9747]

The Ladies Who Lunch made me cry happy tears and made me smile for the first time in months, just goes to show what a little Meryl Streep, Christine Baranski, and Audra McDonald can do: wonders!

[@tigger8252]

No One is Alone - perfect finale.

[@johnozed]

Ann Harada, Austin Ku, Kelvin Moon Loh, and Thom Sesma stole the show with Someone in a Tree, Stephen Sondheim's favorite song.

[@maemarizmontero1350]

Aaron Tveit proposing to all broadway.

[@alanacalello2340]

He's the best 😻

[@maemarizmontero1350]

@@alanacalello2340 couldn't agree more

[@bondservant4jesus]

Kudos to whoever edited this together.

[@mikeyirish1967]

Can we acknowledge the National Treasure that is Linda Lavin, please?

[@emylye627]

I listen to her version of "You've Got Possibilities" (from one of her earliest B'way roles in "It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's Superman") on repeat, sometimes 8 or 10 times. I LOVE IT.

[@puppylove2493]

Sometimes you don't need costumes, scenery, hair and makeup. You just need talent..Covid has reminded us that the basics are what matter.

[@dmbaker15]

I would love a book of all the beautiful drawings throughout the show.

[@jameshknight8804]

Donna Baker loved the art work !

[@ojj75]

How long will this video be available for? Please say forever. :)

[@PhantomifyEponine]

Bernadette Peters: 🎶just remember... Someone is in your side...🎶 (Me: **tears streaming down my face** 🎶our side🎶)

[@DavidSSabb]

Brian Stokes Mitchell's voice is just indescribably wonderful.

[@klarac.6279]

Lin Manuel Miranda with his iconic hat killed is as always. But damn everybody did.

[@keyonwoodswjj387]

Raul favors Sondheim in the 80s. I would love to see him portray him in a film about the making of Sunday. The last speech he made his mannerisms made my hair stand up on my arms.

[@camfam611]

crying over here listening to children and art. so beautiful.

[@lukenjanahavas]

That was my favorite! I cried too. Gorgeous.

[@salvatorelaverdi7755]

Gorgeous

[@bethcrawford7427]

Outstanding.