Stephen Sondheim’s ‘Old Friends’ Review: A Spectacular Broadway Celebration of 41 Melodies!

Musical revues celebrating the genius of Stephen Sondheim seem to multiply almost as rapidly as his own prolific work. The latest tribute, titled 'Old Friends,' recently premiered at the Manhattan Theater Club’s Samuel J. Friedman Theater, and it promises a nostalgic journey through the enchanting catalog of one of Broadway’s finest.

Sondheim, who passed away in 2021, is revered for his complex, psychologically rich compositions. His contributions to musical theater have left an indelible mark, and this performance features a staggering 41 songs from beloved classics such as “Sweeney Todd,” “Company,” “Merrily We Roll Along,” “Follies,” and “Into the Woods.” While the revue embraces the spirit of familiarity, it also aims to refresh our perspective on these timeless pieces.

The cast, featuring luminaries like Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga, elevates the experience with powerful renditions that range from touching to electrifying. Peters's heartfelt interpretation of “Send in the Clowns” and Beth Leavel’s fierce delivery of “The Ladies Who Lunch” serve as highlights that transcend the redundant. Even Salonga’s rendition of 'Everything's Coming Up Roses,' although echoing another production across town, reinvents the classic with her unique flair.

While some numbers benefit from the vast array of talent—a diverse ensemble of 17 performers—the revue yields its best moments during darker, more introspective songs. Numbers such as the haunting duet “Agony” from “Into the Woods” and the soaring “Sunday” from “Sunday in the Park With George” resonate deeply, showcasing Sondheim's brilliance in capturing the human experience.

Adding to the richness of this production is an impressive 14-member orchestra conducting arrangements by Stephen Metcalfe, whose sound design, aided by Mick Potter, envelops the audience in a lush auditory experience. The lavish production values, facilitated by producer Cameron Mackintosh—one of theater’s few billionaires—underscore the dedication to honoring Sondheim's legacy, with elaborate costumes designed by Jill Parker that reflect the high standards often associated with Mackintosh's work.

However, the celebration doesn’t shy away from moments that feel a bit self-indulgent. In a somewhat sentimental introduction, Peters acknowledges the closeness between Mackintosh and Sondheim, intertwining their shared history into the fabric of the show.

Yet, in a world often starved for artistic beauty, Sondheim's capacity to connect through music is crucial. His creations encapsulated the complexities of human emotion with a distinct flair, and 'Old Friends' serves as a testament to that very spirit—the intricate dance between despair and joy that defines much of our existence. This revival offers audiences an invaluable opportunity to revisit the emotions that Sondheim so deftly articulated.

'Old Friends' will be running at the Samuel J. Friedman Theater until June 15, 2024. For those eager to relive Sondheim’s magic—or to discover it anew—this is a theatrical feast not to be missed. Don’t wait; experience this celebration of an artistic titan that promises to be both entertaining and deeply moving.