West End Theatre Trip: Stephen Sondheim's OLD FRIENDS at Gielgud Theatre

[@coronacitas1964]

Ms. Lea Salonga!! Thanks for posting...I can't wait for your NYC 2nd time adventures!!

[@charliehorey9886]

Bernadette peters is such a gift to our planet! how awesome that you got to see her.

[@barbaraz8264]

Saw Bernadette and Mandy in the original production of Sunday in the Park. Magical night!

[@AeronJames]

Wow!!! That must have been phenomenal!

[@bardlark]

Into the Woods is my favorite with Sunday in the Park a tight second. Song wise, that's really hard. No More always gets me, so does Sunday and Children Will Listen is also amazing. I've sadly never seen either Bernadette or Lea live, but I fell in love with Sondheim due to the proshoots of Into the Woods and Sunday in the Park that used to play on PBS in the US.

[@deanogren4767]

coming to see this on Dec 12, and I can hardly wait .....is it time yet? Have seen Ms Peter's many times on Broadway and am so excited to see this .

[@watchetboy]

I saw Sweeney with Michael Ball & Imelda Staunton, with added bonus of Mr. Sondheim sitting in the row in front. Sondheim moments don't get much better than this!

[@williammckay5914]

I was there Friday 30th loved every minute. Was looking out for your guys. Wanted to say hello I live in Gran Canaria and miss theatre so you guys keep me sain. Hope you have a great time in New York

[@Tunarth]

Favorite Sondheim show is impossible to name at this point in my life. For many years my answer was Sweeney Todd since that was *my* gateway to Sondheim, but every show has something to make it stand out from the others. Other top shows for me are Company, Follies, Little Night Music, Into the Woods, and Sunday in the Park. Favorite Sondheim song has to be "Sunday". I have not had the pleasure of seeing Lea Salonga in person, but I got to see Bernadette Peters in Follies in Los Angeles, and I saw her in Into the Woods with the entire original cast in New York. For what it's worth, in New York I also got to see the 1995 Roundabout Theater revival of Company with the astounding Veanne Cox as Amy, the 1996 revival of Forum with Nathan Lane, the 2008 Patti Lupone revival of Gypsy, and best of all, I was at the final performance of the 2008 Broadway transfer of the West End production of Sunday in the Park with an incredibly emotional Daniel Evans and Jenna Russell, and with Stephen Sondheim sitting in the aisle seat across the aisle from me. I was a weeping mess at the end.

[@yankee04]

That must have been AMAZING! Thanks for sharing.

[@annabrown6247]

I would've loved to have seen this! I've seen Bernadette before and she's such a commanding performer. Favorite show is hard... probably Company, but favorite song is easily Take Me to the World from Evening Primrose.

[@eurytv2530]

I love Lea 💗

[@meredithchandler73]

I am going to see the show in the final week. I can’t wait!!! Can’t choose a favorite Sondheim song, but favorite show is probably Sweeney. I saw Lea in Once On This Island and several times in Here Lies Love.

[@RetiredRosie]

I feel that Passion is an underrecognized Sondheim musical. I love the original NY cast with Donna Murphy as Fosca. Favorite song is a tie between Loving You and No One Has Ever Loved Me.

[@ren598]

I've only seen Bernadette in Hello, Dolly!. I'm a huge fan of Lea Salonga. I've seen her in Allegiance, Once On This Island and most recently Here Lies Love. I've seen her in concert at 54 Below and Sony Hall. She is an amazing live performer.

[@thedisneyhappychannel.12]

I looooooooove Sweany Todd so much! My fav song is "The Ballad Of Sweany Todd" because the harmonies are so good and beautifully sung. I am begging on my knees for the Broadwsy revival to transfer to the West End. Super video ❤❤😊😊

[@rburns5495]

Fave song is Send in the Clowns. I saw Lea Salonga as Kim in the original West End production of Miss Saigon. My favourite version of the show (saw the 25th anniversary revival as well). Looking forward to MJs review of Old Friends..

[@EMM_84]

That is certainly be a show not to be missed! I've, sadly, not seen any Sondheim show on stage. I've seen the movie musicals and pro shots but that's entirely different in my head. Hopefully that will change. I'd love to see Sweeney Todd and Into The Woods.

[@minirth.maggie]

Omg i had no idea Bernadette Peters hadnt appeared in the West End before! What a splendid show to see. I've never seen her live, I'd love to.

[@markhickernell7905]

Favorite Sondheim show - Sweeney Todd. Impossible to pick a favorite song. I was lucky enough to see Bernadette Peters in Annie Get Your Gun some years back; that must be the first time I'd seen her on stage. I loved Old Friends, was in tears from the opening number throughout. I could watch it every day but alas, I don't live in London.

[@andrewwood3090]

Thank you for this review-ive gotta come and see it❤

[@williammckay5914]

Did 8 shows in 6 days this time - Crazy for you , Book of Mormon, Old Friends, Frank and Percy, Beautiful thing, Jersey Boys, Operation Mincemeat and Guys and Dolls standing. Loved them all thanks for your recommendations x

[@williamfairchild7439]

I really enjoyed seeing Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends at the Gielgud Theatre in London on Wednesday 27th September and it was absolutely fantastic

[@wehojm7320]

First of all you guys are soooo cute together. And, you're so lucky to see a performance like this with this high caliber star cast. I got to see Bernadette Peters in concert when she performed in LA at the Pasadena Civic back in June. FABULOUS. I first saw Lea Solonga in Miss Saigon ages ago and recently in ALLEGENCE. Fantastic. I hope this production goes to NYC or LA. Hopefully you lads are getting settled in NYC. I'll be on the look out for your postings and vlogs. Take care.

[@Waggers789]

I was lucky enough to be at the concert last year, such an incredible and special night, and I saw this concert last week and it was joyous and I was sat in the front row and I couldn't stop smiling.

[@louyou5667]

Favorite show of his is Into The Woods. Favorite song is Sunday (finale)

[@1966midge]

Assassins is my favourite show. Current favourite song if I’m allowed A weekend in the Country

[@Showtunediva]

So jealous you got to see Bernadette Peters and Lea Solanga. ❤ Fave Sondheim shows are West Side Story &Into The Woods. Favorite songs are Tonight, One Hand One Heart and Gee Officer Krupkee ( WSS) and Agony, On The Steps Of The Palace and No One Is Alone (Into The Woods)

[@brianeduardo1234]

Bonnie Langford is terrific

[@brucedouglas7950]

I think my fav Sondheim show is Merrily as it's just such a clever concept and well crafted score! However, as a stand-alone song it probably has to be 'Sunday In The Park With George'!

[@yayshowvids6427]

You guys really hyped me up for this show talking about it on Sunday, and this vid has just increased that excitement. Sad I can’t fit it in this weekend, but will definitely get there on my November trip. Can’t wait! I have seen Lea in Allegiance, Once on This Island, and Here Lies Love. I have only seen Bernadette in Hello Dolly, and she was perfection. My favorite of the four Dollys I saw in that revival and the subsequent tour (the others being Midler, Murphy, and Buckley - an embarrassment of riches!) Bernadette was the only Dolly to make me tear up, something I didn’t remotely expect from that show.

[@dylansmith1833]

Hopefully, we will get a Broadway transfer soon after!

[@daniel_plays_eupho]

Sweeney Todd is my favourite Sondheim musical, but I do love West Side Story's "Tonight"

[@littlelizzyann]

Assassins and I could say Bowler Hat or Someone in a Tree, because I love the music from Pacific Overtures, but really it's Anyone Can Whistle (because it's a very me song). I am extremely jealous of you because that sounds like an amazing show. This was a delightful video! And welcome to New York. :) ...now I'm having second thoughts and feeling bad for all the shows and songs I love but didn't mention. :( I love them all, okay! Except maybe Passion. I've never quite warmed to that one.

[@emms232]

My favourite show by Stephen Sondheim is probably Into The Woods as well, but as for the song I must say Send In The Clowns, especially the version by on of my favourite Broadway actresses (unfortunately late) Marin Mazzie whom I had a privilege to see on the tour of the Best Of Broadway concert and with this song she totally blew me off my feet.

[@meredithchandler73]

I was going to see the show twice during my half week in London…but instead I’m seeing it 3x! I watched it twice yesterday and my last time is tonight. LOVED it. Fantastic cast. I wasn’t familiar with most performers previously and I can see why they are stars. I know I am biased, but I truly adored Lea Salonga in this show. Janie Dee was terrific (and “The Boy From…” is certainly a crowd-pleaser), but the other female veterans are fabulous as well. Joanna Riding made the most out of every moment in “You Could Drive a Person Crazy” and “Broadway Baby” and “Gotta Get a Gimmick.” Clare’s hilarious southern accent in “Gotta Get a Gimmick” and then her ferocious “Ladies Who Lunch” were excellent. And Bonnie Langford all but twinkles on that stage. Who doesn’t love seeing her kick her leg to her face or do the splits? Her “I’m Still Here” is one for the ages.

[@meredithchandler73]

Update: I ended up seeing the show 4 times and it was fabulous every time. Clare Burt was out Wed and Thu afternoon, but it was delightful to see Janie Dee sing "Little Things You Do Together" with Gavin Creel and Joanna Riding sing "Ladies Who Lunch." (One of the younger performers - Monique Young - sang "Electra in Gotta Have a Gimmick" and I think she also sang Janie Dee's part in "You Could Drive a Person Crazy" so that Janie could do "Little Things You Do Together".)

[@nemccann]

Ohhhh that’s tricky!! Favourite show, A Little Night Music, but favourite song…. probably Being Alive, but the quintet version from Putting It Together. Hope you have the best time in New York Aeron and Mickey! 🗽🚕🏙️🎭🍪

[@susanpolastaples9688]

Nightmusic is my favourite Sondheim and I was trying to do a revival cast and as Desiree I was waffling between Grace Mouat or Willimijn with Bernadette Peters as the grandmother. Mickey you looked fab. I'm going to date myself but I first saw Bernadette in Sunday in the Park and I've not even lucky enough to see Lea but did have to buy 2 copies of Miss Saigon

[@brianeduardo1234]

Favourite sondheims - Company and Passion

[@wwozanewmusical]

I saw her in Annie Get your Gun revival, and in Gypsy revival, also met her at some CD signings as well, she is a wonderful women and fire of heart human. Glade you guys had a great time, and got back to NYC. where in Brooklyn are you staying? I'm from NY and Brooklyn New York Park Slope.

[@dirkandi]

Bernadette = goddess!!!!! 💖💖💖

[@Lucillelf]

I don't think I can pick a favorite Sondheim song...too many to choose from! Unfortunately, I have not seen Bernadette Peters or Lea Salonga live in any production. But they are perfection!

[@emergingmuses]

First professional Sondheim was Sweeney Todd and the cast also played the instruments too which was phenomenal. Favourite Sondheim is Into the Woods followed closely by Gypsy. Favourite songs: Last Midnight, Agony (both), Joanna (Act II), Get a Gimmick, Sorry/Grateful and Tonight Quartet ❤

[@labellavita12]

I love Lea. I really hope she play Mrs. Lovett in the Westend or Broadway. She did that musical in the Manila and Singapore production and she was Phenomenal in that character.

[@subbtopp]

loved Bonnie

[@gemmasandow9531]

Gotta have a Gimmick! 💗

[@44nobody]

My favourite Sondheim musical: "Sweeny Todd." My favourite Sondheim song: "A Little Priest."

[@brianeduardo1234]

I wish people would give the shows their full titles rather than reduce them to one word to try to seem cool

[@amycarcaterra8177]

West Side Story Song America because of Ariana debose and karen olvio

[@64circles]

Sunday