"The Ladies Who Lunch" with Meryl Streep, Christine Baranski & Audra McDonald (Official Video)

From TAKE ME TO THE WORLD: A SONDHEIM 90TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION, a tribute to Broadway songwriting icon Stephen Sondheim created during the COVID-19 epidemic as a benefit for ASTEP (Artists Striving to End Poverty).
Watch the full concert: • Take Me to the World: ...
Please donate to ASTEP: www.broadway.com/sondheim90
Christine Baranski, Meryl Streep and Audra McDonald sing "The Ladies Who Lunch" from COMPANY (Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim).
TAKE ME TO THE WORLD: A SONDHEIM 90TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
Hosted by Raúl Esparza
Musical Direction by Mary-Mitchell Campbell
Directed by Paul Wontorek
Executive Producers: Mary-Mitchell Campbell, Bill Curran, Raúl Esparza and Paul Wontorek
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

[@LegionIvory]

FUN FACT: Christine Baranski stated that they did so many takes that by this one they were legit drunk. 😂

[@czarlleyjannel]

Where did u know?

[@tayahazlewood2286]

😂😂😂

[@liatrandolph8011]

i stannnnn herrr

[@liatrandolph8011]

@@czarlleyjannel she did a podcast

[@the4bubblesbylisa54]

which podcast did she say this in 😂❤️

[@summer_the_rae]

when you're a depressed suburban mom but a theater kid at heart

[@joeyg.3423]

OMG yes!

[@Futbolballerina]

I'm a product of a single mom and I found this awesome. I want my mom to lunch.

[@christinewhitney125]

Yeah, but perhaps depressed all the way to the bank.

[@allisongoldberg8674]

You are speaking to me, sister.

[@alexmg3648]

I'm a theater kid but a depressed middle-aged mother at heart

[@f5rg1l]

Me: Can’t talk coherently on Zoom Them: Can do a whole Broadway number

[@miquelbatlle3235]

They must have the password of the NASA wifi

[@tattyuk75]

I didn’t think it was possible to love Christine Baranski any more than I did but there you go, I do.

[@super_siri]

She's amazing. Love her in everything.

[@drieuxkoeppel8152]

LOVE HER in “The Good Fight”!! The BEST show on TV!!

[@JessStone-hl8ed]

My BFF looks like her & has a great sense of humor too!

[@OldMan339]

She is so hot

[@saram7347]

@@drieuxkoeppel8152 have you seen the good wife?

[@KeelyBurnMusic]

The way Christine Baranski says "Does anyone still wear a hat?" is so perfect.

[@quackslikeaduck]

KBMusic Not being a nay-sayer, because I liked it, too, but check out Elaine Stritch in the original recording.

[@tayahazlewood2286]

YESS

[@KeelyBurnMusic]

@@quackslikeaduck They have different interpretations and I prefer this one! But Elaine Stritch is also amazing

[@joed180]

Seriously tho, does anyone?

[@jan2bratt]

@@quackslikeaduck I also love the one in the other tribute to Stephen Sondheim where it is sung by Patti LuPone with Elaine Stritch on stage also, wearing a hat, and when Patti says that line she looks straight at Elaine...it is a hilarious moment. Classic!

[@pamgrove4131]

They each bring something special to this performance: Christine is the diva, Audra is the VOICE, and Meryl is the actress. Together, they are priceless!

[@deannkelley5134]

That's a perfect observation! 🌼

[@cherlynscott667]

I totally agree with you!

[@DanielSFMB]

Accurate

[@rebeccawindham8749]

Agreed! I adore all of them....for different reasons; it's just so blatant how Audra's musical talent shines so far above the other two- she can't help it.... seeing as how it IS, after all , a MUSICAL THEATRE number; yet, they are all priceless and wonderful.

[@aquarian6004]

True! Meryl is not necessarily a singer, but with acting ang attitude and voice control, she pulled it off.

[@rebecca8525]

I named my guinea pig after Meryl Streep. Her name is Meryl Squeak.

[@sassydiva7821]

@Rebecca that’s so cute! 🤣😂

[@traceywillard16]

Aw! Thats so cute!

[@leyaleigh5041]

Does your guinea pig love convicted pedophiles too?

[@Blue-xt7kc]

Leya Leigh Dude

[@crazycatperson4953]

Leya Leigh bruh

[@jayzhelle001]

"I'm already drinking, dear." is such a Miranda Priestly vibe. 🔥

[@merylsawagh4963]

RIGHT?? '

[@solarprogeny6736]

It really isn't

[@DanielSFMB]

That's not Miranda Priestly at all lmao.

[@liatrandolph8011]

yessss, love that vibe

[@relll394]

More like "im already drinking... what you looking at? get the book from emily and bring it to my house tonight" theres is no way miranda would say something like "dear" except maybe to her own family

[@MrMdprosser]

Audra McDonald is just glorious. Meryl and Christine are fantastic, but Audra just gives me chills. I never tire of listening to her.

[@bjpe8228]

100%. They were all amazing, but she absolutely dominated vocally

[@user-ee9ti6qe2e]

She's was def worth watching. I know Meryl (whom I love) is the one the name they are using to get this clip out there, but Audra owned it. She could've done a solo version and would've been just as good.

[@kauri44]

@@bjpe8228 To be fair, while I'm sure Audra is the better singer, Christine and Meryl were doing much more of an acting style of singing. Audra was going more for straight vocal performance. I don't doubt that both Meryl and Christine could do a serious vocal performance at a higher level if they wanted to.

[@kauri44]

Also, I think when Audra said "I did it all wrong!" at the end, it may have been because she approached the song in a completely different style than the other two were.

[@EvaSofie]

kauri44 No, it was just because she held the glass up while they held the glass forward.

[@kaley1368]

They honestly should win Tonys for this performance. ICONIC.

[@timbolester]

Tony’s what?

[@JasonRodriguez-bv7lh]

it's an award @@timbolester

[@gauravw6947]

Tony is awarded for performances on stage, not performances on film…

[@musictherapythings7485]

Can we admit how AMAZING of a performance this was for being on Zoom??

[@jarrodmowatt4755]

When Meryl drank from the bottle - perfect. Not to mention Audra’s problem with the cork. And Christine’s laugh at the end. Excellent!

[@Mxyzptlksac]

Christine was rather intoxicated by the end actually.

[@robertcharles8538]

Is it just me who clicked this and was like Donna and Tanya are back together!!!!

[@tayahazlewood2286]

YES!!! Ahahaha

[@mollyingerson3174]

The way Meryl did a double take to the camera at 1:51 and then her eyes got big while drinking deserves a Tony in itself.

[@KHobbies_cina]

3:00 was even better

[@emqcontent]

Yeah that moment stood out to me too

[@freedomm]

Also the “fools” at 2:20.

[@corryjookit7818]

All these women are magical, sensible ,talented people, who enjoy a wee touch of shaken alcohol, now and again.. Wonder if Meryl will join in with the latest drama along with Christina and Audra ?

[@opalfruitcake]

Sublime

[@mgeek1]

They're all great, but I didn't get a chill until Audra started singing. Jesus, she can sing!

[@suzannebracker8219]

yes. She has pipes

[@victoriap1561]

She has like 6 tony awards, she is a Broadway godess.

[@donnadizucchero]

She's a pro. Christine & Meryl are "singing actors". Audra is a legit trained singer. Not to put anybody down, i bloody adore all of them! Just difference in the skill, not the talent. Like boxing and kung-fu.

[@hurd98]

@@donnadizucchero They're all trained singers. The difference is that Audra is Audra and she was trained classically. And at Juilliard, no less.

[@kimclarke5018]

Her voice is perfection

[@julietantonio1049]

Can we all agree that the way Meryl said "And one for MAHLER" was PERFECT?!?!?!

[@katbowl9971]

SO good!

[@Thundersnowy]

Agree!

[@lizdelisle1912]

Absolutely!

[@romuedgaram]

because she knows who Mahler is (what does it means in the context of the song)

[@user-ke4kz3in9j]

I watched rewatched that about 20x times. So natural, such perfect delivery.

[@user-xr5kp6qz8g]

Meryl looking at the cup and then just drinking from the bottle is iconic

[@EllensLaughter]

"I'm already drinking, dear." OMG, this is all just too priceless. Please, sir, I want some more!

[@meechielorenzo746]

Audra McDonald’s “I’ll drink to THATTTT” 😩🙌🏽

[@tjs2605]

When quarantine is over we are gonna need a live version!!!! This is absolutely Fabulous!

[@brendangoudswaard8010]

I think the lock-down version is perfect just as it is. It brings a new level to it that it's never had before.

[@user-hv3mt9fh8e]

I'll drink to that! ❤

[@andreepun7242]

I'll drink to that...

[@hansmiller664]

YES! PLEASE! START SELLING TICKETS!❣️🥃

[@halyingo7027]

About time

[@SchnarphStudios]

Even if it weren't a pandemic, it would still make sense as a Zoom call; the sheer brilliance of seeing these three in one room together could blind three city blocks.

[@seppyq3672]

Love Audra at the end: " I did it all wrong!" Nice to know even goddesses can feel critical of themselves.

[@rneumeye]

Of course. How else did the become so amazing? 💁🏻‍♂️

[@Bill.R.124]

There's singing and then, there's Audra. I bet just singing along with the car radio is a Grammy/Tony-winning performance for her.

[@alohaisland9999]

okay but IMAGINE being in a zoom call with Meryl Streep, Christine Baranski AND Audra McDonald

[@passiveagressive4983]

Watching Baranski, Macdonald and Streep singing a Sondheim song that I never asked for but so glad that they did!

[@CH-1001]

Anyone else now wanting a Dancing Queen zoom performance with Meryl Streep, Christine Baranski & Julie Walters!?✨

[@tayahazlewood2286]

me me me me!!

[@christiankrenek7689]

I remember watching this when it first premiered...and when Audra McDonald hit that note on "gem," I legitimately yelled "OH FUCK." It just *lands* and sends chills through your whole body. What a number...

[@jaejayjx]

Audra McDonald's voice does things to my soul!

[@j.j.1753]

Yeah but you must admit this is not her type of song to be singing. She is too trained and opera like qualities surpass this song.

[@luciannaguo9230]

I loooooove Meryl Streep’s sense of humour so much!!!

[@karungany6968]

Audra darling… I'll drink to that 🤩 What a voice!

[@photoshawn801]

After a day of school teaching junior high students from my kitchen table, that just made me happy. Thank you.

[@jcbogdon]

Shawn S oh man I would not wanna be you! Lol I just finished my last day as my 14yr old homeschool teacher! We ended on PFL’s Never again please! 🤪

[@Jan96106]

Your comment makes me feel better. I'm teaching community college students composition virtually. Actually, I'm through. Now they take an exam and I have to grade a lot of papers while also taking a class on how to teach on-line that has assignments every week.

[@beths3288]

I salute you teachers! (raises glass)

[@overit6012]

Shawn you are my bosom buddy.

[@jessicawhite3810]

I'll be a SPED teacher in a week- i don't ķow what to think

[@nnfcsjcaffc]

I'm here to campaign Christine Baranski as Joanne for the next Company revival

[@chimeinnow88]

gracenaholic 100%

[@krazykittymatt]

The cast LuPone... AGAIN. Don't get me wrong, she's a legend. But any of these 3 talented women would be amazing.

[@lizdelisle1912]

Definitely!

[@nnfcsjcaffc]

@@krazykittymatt I saw Mrs. LuPone four times in London, she blew my mind away! She's the perfect Joanne in her own way. But I do agree that for the next revival, in case it will happen soon, I want to see one of these three ladies in this role.

[@krazykittymatt]

@@nnfcsjcaffc no, I mean they're bringing the West End version to Broadway and LuPone was cast again as Joanne. And I love her in the role, just wish for someone else to get a shot.

[@freedomm]

Queen Baranski was having the best time of all the ladies.

[@gigimills3504]

Amazing. I have died and gone to heaven. I was lucky enough to see Christine Baranski in the role of Mame some years ago, at the Kennedy Center. She brought down the house. Meryl is my absolute favorite. She never disappoints. Audra McDonald has a one in a million voices. You could hear it 10 years from now, and still recognize the pure tones of her vocals. Thank you Ladies. You have made my week.

[@tayahazlewood2286]

so lucky! I’d do anything to see christine!!

[@DaisyChain1729]

It's amazing that she managed to perform Mame to the fantastic level she did inspite of her broken knee/leg

[@gwynethbennellick4839]

I hope Sondheim realises that THAT performance was the reason he is in the world. Sensational.

[@ninah7732]

Are we gonna ignore the way Christine is wearing her headphones...?

[@aie_aie_]

😂😂😂😂

[@laylasilverio1944]

It’s her own unique way lol

[@esrakoc1471]

Queen shit

[@leslielandberg5620]

Meryl Streep drinking martinis and chasing it with a swig from a bottle of Scotch. I’m in love.

[@huburgalula4031]

I can't believe they thought this could end their career! Easily one of the highlights of Take Me To The World!!

[@brklynrox]

Had to come back to this today. May his memory be a blessing. The best to ever do it.

[@robertperry814]

I love the way Meryl plays her martini shaker like maracas.

[@hiimv8712]

all i want to do is drink with Meryl Streep

[@bonniel4325]

Streep is a major snob, she wouldn't want to drink with any of us.

[@AndrewRudin]

my favorite line in this song: "...clutching a copy of Life just to keep in touch." I love the ever so slightly bitchy twist Streep puts on "classes in Optical Art", and especially what she does with "...a Pinter Play..." and how she's already 'in medias res', shaking that cocktail shaker with annoyed determination. A master class in acting in just a few seconds.

[@emmadrew3911]

If Meryl had taking voice lessons early in her career she’d probably be another Patti Lupone known primarily for Broadway and secondarily for film. Like she has so much I ate talent that was found so late in her life it’s amazing

[@ebbandflowph]

What's funny is she took opera lessons from the same teacher who taught Beverly Sills when she was a young girl, so the talent was always there.

[@SallyWilliams]

Not completely true, in Postcards from the Edge she delivers a phenomenal song at the end. I hadn't a clue that she was so talented as a singer

[@emmadrew3911]

@@SallyWilliams that’s my point. She’d be even more known for her amazing voice had it been nourished earlier.

[@dotim67]

I’m really missing theatre, but this is happiness.🥰

[@lisamelroy2855]

Same - my local theatre canceled their summer season, and I was so bummed about it. This definitely helps, though! 🎼🎶

[@15Candles]

Send this video to The Academy, Meryl will sure get an Oscar nomination XD

[@jeanannmoale7295]

🍷🍸 Here's to all of us! 🥂🍾

[@TheBasher-_-]

🍸

[@danaaya1856]

RIP Mr Sondheim. Absolutely the best and you will be missed

[@savage_skirt5386]

Audra's voice is so good

[@WillRucker]

This was splendid! Audra’s voice is heavenly. Wow!!!

[@timohyland]

Quarantine perfection.

[@bdrogin]

Meryl Streep, as usual, giving a Master Class. She probably couldn't get away with most of that on a stage, but on video/film, it's perfect and inimitable. Will eventually see Patti Lupone's version when we get back to the theatres.

[@yojiviriak675]

One of the few glorious things that came out of a pandemic

[@sand3882]

So who watched this more than once? I did.

[@sueparras6028]

Just love Christine Baranski! Whatta lady!

[@tayahazlewood2286]

Same!!

[@lizdelisle1912]

Finally! A group of beautiful women together giving alcohol a good image!

[@hannahmaria9021]

This is the best thing to have come out of this pandemic I am convinced.

[@DeathDad]

I'd like to propose...a concert !!

[@JohnKing-do2yc]

RIP Stephen Sondheim

[@michelejm1237]

What a brilliant tribute. 👏 Everybody, rise! RIP, Mr. Sondheim.💕

[@Lawgirlt]

The fact that she is drinking Paola Bea makes me love Christine Baranski even more!

[@charliehealy8652]

I must watch this three times a week

[@shell9403]

I swear I keep coming back to this every day, why is it so addictive💀

[@charliehealy8652]

@@shell9403 haha still here girl

[@adamdegregorio3949]

Why is no one talking about Audra😞 she’s amazing!

[@AmberHeckYes]

When this was first posted it was a big help to my mental state. This was one of the first videos of celebrities posting from their homes I saw and it gave me a surprising amount of comfort to see even those of such high caliber sheltering in place with the rest of us. I will probably enjoy this video as a an emotional pick-me-up for years to come.

[@collinsy]

Amen. Or.... Awomen...

[@sarahatherton7284]

Christine Baranski and Meryl Streep are great actors and everything but my gosh Audra's Voice... she steals this x

[@Am-rg1kg]

I love you Meryl Streep and it’s going to kill me when you are gone especially since you are such an idol in my life 💖💜💖💜😭 sorry guys

[@oludotunode]

Christine and Meryl were dope, but Audra singing sent chills through my body! Holy cow!

[@gcvrsa]

RIP Stephen Sondheim. One of America's greatest.

[@feign_]

Meryl Streep aged like fine wine.

[@alexr137]

RIP Steve. Thank you for the music. You will be so missed.

[@marymathews6110]

Legends!! I can hear Elaine Stritch’s standing o from here! ❤️

[@unowen-nh9ov]

Best Golden Girls reboot ever! Steve, if you're not available to play Sophia? I am!♥️

[@nongandrews7750]

Yessss

[@TesIaNews2024]

Meryl: Blanche Christine: Dorothy Audra: Rose

[@artyssamornay]

Ok, real tears 😭 QUEENS

[@anyluke9841]

Meryl, Christine and Audra sing Beautiful. ♥️😮❤️❤️♥️😍😘

[@tocino415]

I may be late on the scene but this and its subsequent parodies have been a tonic, a gas even! Meryl on the shaker was well-timed.

[@timbolester]

Even when playing around, Audra’s voice is spectacular.

[@levimota007]

After this video, Meryl Streep should be a guest star in "the good fight".

[@frootytooty4130]

my literal icons- i- love meryl and audra and christine

[@collinsy]

Wow. Marvelous. Now this vid tells the truth about social distancing and what most of us have been up to whilst we "stay home." Love Audra's voice -- so powerful and Baranski -- a comic genius.

[@spinalc0rds]

thank you for everything Mr Sondheim

[@mshalo1822]

How does this not have millions of views?

[@Stephanibrito]

OMG! This is perfection baby! There's still have magic in the word! To those divas, I drink!

[@lizdelisle1912]

Cheers!🍷

[@wtamax]

And one for...... Steve.💜💜💜

[@DivaDelgado128]

Omg, friggen Audra McDonald. I adore her!

[@wizzardajp]

Why is no one talking about Audra McDonald?? What a VOICE😍

[@cellamidnight3296]

These women look like every mom going through 2020 lockdown. These was so perfect

[@kaityreneetorres]

They’re all legends, but Audra’s voice makes me feel some type of way. 💖

[@kakao4423]

Imagine bumping into the zoom call by accident

[@AAwildeone]

RIP WE LOVE YOU MAESTRO SONDHEIM

[@Nargon46]

One freaking year later and this is still the best thing to come out of Covid

[@pudpoopoo5109]

Yassssss absolute queens

[@travismoore1437]

Best thing to come out of quarantine!

[@GrandiaKnight]

Well I know what I'm going to be watching on repeat for the next few days!

[@borderlandwerun]

RIP Stephen Sondheim. I must have watched this seven times in the past three days, and will watch it seventy more.

[@CoryJones-yc9ie]

Audra... good god. I cant do this. So immaculate.

[@velma.k3lly]

*gay panic*

[@mzmiller52]

More so if it was streisand, milder and lupone.

[@sw9618]

mzmiller52, you’re correct.

[@alienden8801]

@@mzmiller52 Nothing truer has ever been said.

[@mzmiller52]

@@alienden8801 the problem with those 3 is that none of them have their original talents that made them legends. Just schlock after their incredible beginnings.

[@nellissh2553]

Yes

[@luzukom213]

Covid was just...wow. And this song, although not about it, just shows the struggle people were going through during isolation, quarantine, hectic life changes - 2024

[@rellenoz]

Meryl is killing it!!!

[@quinnaddison420]

Audra’s belt is underrated. Goddamn.

[@59markr]

Thank you lovely ladies. Zoom will never be the same!

[@miguelarce4159]

OH MY GOD THIS IS GLORIOUS !!!!!!!!!!!! These ARE THE LADIES WHO SHOULD LUNCH AT THEIR BEST !

[@ilgmsoysal1863]

LEGENDARY!