“Old Friends,” now playing at the Ahmanson Theatre, is a love letter to Stephen Sondheim from Cameron Mackintosh with Bernadette Peters , Lea Salonga and a stellar cast which delivers its message on so many glorious levels. The casting is perfect with outstanding voices and formidable experience brought to bear on the material. Each performer beautifully suited to their specific solos and characters throughout the evening. This was a joy to see.
The show had its roots in the Covid Pandemic as both Sondheim and Mackintosh were ruminating on how to get back into the theater. Sondheim suggested a third review of his work following “Side by Side by Sondheim” (1976) and “Putting It Together” (1992). Both he and Mackintosh became busy as life intervened. Then after Sondheim’s passing, Mackintosh decided to “Finish the Hat” as it were (program notes). He recruited Matthew Bourne to stage it and Stephen Mear to choreograph and here we are. The result is phenomenal theater with mature performances by seasoned professionals – what more could anyone ask for?!
Jasmine Forsberg, Jacob Dickey, Kyle Selig, Maria Wirries, Daniel Yearwood and Company perform the “Tonight Quintet” in Stephen Sondheim’s “Old Friends” – Photo © Matthew Murphy.
Technically the show is extremely strong with sets by Matt Kinley, Costumes by Jill Parker, lighting design by Warren Letton and gorgeous projection design by George Reeve. Each one of these artists deserves a page review for the clean, professional and beautiful work done. The sets move in and out and serve to represent the London of “Sweeney Todd,” the Fairy Castle of “Into the Woods,” Bobby’s Apartment in “Company,” the tenements of “West Side Story” as well as various prosceniums from “A Funny Thing Happened On The Way to the Forum,” and “Gypsy” among others. This was nothing short of magical in transition.
Jasmine Forsberg, Jacob Dickey, Kyle Selig, Maria Wirries, Daniel Yearwood and Company perform the “Tonight Quintet” in Stephen Sondheim’s “Old Friends” – Photo © Matthew Murphy.
The costumes were brilliant in simplicity as some changes happened very quickly and only needed the addition of a coat or scarf, crown or cravat. Some others, like “Sweeney Todd” were full blown period costumes down to the leggings and boots and corsets and demanded more time to get into and out of. However, we were unaware of these costume transitions due to the diligence that went into the program. Due to a solo before and after the larger numbers no time was lost and the show zipped along at an amazing pace. There was the use of back lighting in down spots which is dicey as the spill is sometimes difficult to control against side light and front light. But this effect was fantastic and served to highlight the emotional impact of some songs so that there was not a dry eye in the house. “Losing my Mind” by Bernadette Peters was one such example, “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” by Lea Salonga another. And the projections of “Sunday in the Park with George” were exquisite drawings in black and white which then become fused with color as the number crescendos. It was a spectacular display matching the voices all at full power.
Jacob Dickey, Bernadette Peters and Company perform “Sunday” in Stephen Sondheim’s “Old Friends” – Photo © Matthew Murphy
The cast was a dream by any standard. The voices strong and inflected when necessary, bold and powerful when required, soft and delicate in emotion. The acting was spot on as the characters of Sondheim’s imagination came to life. Peters and Solonga, comfortable and relaxed in every number, were joined by a motley crew of fabulous well-rounded performers who easily transitioned between drama, comedy, angst and even camp. Well done all.
Beth Leavel, Bernadette Peters, Joanna Riding perform “You Gotta Get a Gimmick” in Stephen Sondheim’s “Old Friends” – Photo © Matthew Murphy.
I must mention a few examples: Beth Leaval and Gavin Lee in “The Little Things You Do Together” – hysterical and nuanced, their timing impeccable; Joanna Riding in “Getting Married Today” was very funny and physically committed unto death as it should be; Kyle Selig and Kevin Earley in “Agony” each one intent on their own goal and oblivious of the other was extremely amusing; Beth Leaval again in ‘The Ladies Who Lunch” was a tour-de-force and could only be done by someone who has experienced the scenarios she relays and has the gravitas to judge them; Bernadette Peters in “You Gotta Get A Gimmick” was a course in nuance and how to throw away small gestures to the greatest effect. She was a tired burlesque performer who couldn’t really be bothered with the bump and grind of her own routine and merely ‘marked’ her hip bumps until she had to actually bend over for her big trumpet salute, making me laugh out loud. Bonnie Langford in “I’m Still Here” delivered with panache and owned every single lyric which spans a lifetime; Gavin Lee in “Could I leave You?” is funny, then sarcastic, biting and then deadly, an excellent transition from light to dark all in the span of one song. These are just the moments that made me catch my breath and regard in joyful wonder. The entire show is full of these moments, and all are to be raised up in praise. Jacob Dickey, Jasmine Forsberg, Kate Jennings Grant, Jason Pennycooke, Jeremy Secomb, Maria Wirries and Daniel Yearwood along with the above mentioned are the superlative cast.
There was also a loving tribute to Sondheim through photos that ran the length of his creative life. It was moving and beautifully done. Anyone human should see this show as it defines the essence of that creature in all of its’ manifestations.
“Old Friends” runs through March 9, 2025 at the Ahmanson Theatre. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit their website.
Written by Brian Fretté for LA Dance Chronicle.
Featured image: Jasmine Forsberg, Beth Leavel, Bernadette Peters, Kate Jennings Grant, Bonnie Langford, Lea Salonga, Maria Wirries and Joanna Riding perform “Broadway Baby” in “Old Friends” – Photo ©Matthew Murphy.
