The Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles has transformed into a grand stage for a pre-Broadway celebration of the legendary Broadway composer Stephen Sondheim, as the revue ‘Old Friends’ opened to much fanfare on February 14, 2025. This star-studded event brings together a remarkable lineup of performers, including renowned artists such as Lea Salonga, Bernadette Peters, and Beth Leavel, who are set to pay tribute to Sondheim’s classic works. Directed by Marianne Elliott, the production aims to honor Sondheim’s extraordinary contributions to the musical theatre landscape. The evening featured a rich array of Sondheim’s musical repertoire, showcasing beloved numbers from iconic works like ‘Company’, ‘Sweeney Todd’, and ‘Into the Woods’. In her remarks at the opening night, Bernadette Peters expressed her admiration for Sondheim, stating, ‘There is just no one like him. His work spoke to the heart and soul of so many’. Additionally, the revue’s orchestrator, Jason Carr, highlighted the significance of Sondheim’s storytelling through music, saying, ‘Stephen had a unique ability to capture the nuances of our lives in his songs’. The grand atmosphere of the evening was enhanced by a beautifully designed set that reflected Sondheim’s theatrical brilliance. With expectations high as the show prepares to move to Broadway, ‘Old Friends’ is poised to be a fitting tribute to a giant of American theatre. This production not only showcases the timelessness of Sondheim’s music but also serves as a reminder of the indelible mark he left on the arts.
