Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends Starring Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga to Light Up the Manhattan Theatre Club’s 2024-25 Season
The Manhattan Theatre Club has announced the Broadway transfer of the acclaimed musical revue Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends. This highly anticipated show, which stars the immensely talented Tony Award winners Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga, is slated to grace the stage as a highlight of the 2024-25 season. The revue pays homage to the legendary composer Stephen Sondheim and promises to be a cornerstone event, showcasing some of his most memorable and beloved works.
Old Friends recently concluded a successful 16-week engagement in London’s West End, further cementing its status as a must-see production. The show is directed by the visionary Matthew Bourne, who also contributes his expertise to the musical staging, alongside Julia McKenzie. The project is a brainchild of Cameron Mackintosh, with Stephen Mear handling the choreography, ensuring that the production is a fitting tribute to Sondheim’s genius.
Before making its way to Broadway, Old Friends is scheduled for a stint at the Center Theatre Group’s Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles, hinting at a grand tour that befits the stature of Sondheim’s work. Cameron Mackintosh shared insights into the origins of the revue, noting that it was Sondheim himself who proposed the idea during the lockdown, envisioning it as a celebration of his prolific career.
The announcement also shed light on other exciting additions to the Manhattan Theatre Club’s season, including the Broadway premiere of “Eureka Day.” This comedy, penned by Jonathan Spector, delves into the contentious politics surrounding a mumps outbreak, offering a sharp and timely commentary on societal divides. Directed by Anna D. Shapiro, “Eureka Day” is set to start performances at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre this November, followed by Old Friends in March 2025.
Furthermore, the off-Broadway scene is set to be enriched with the world premiere of “Vladimir,” a compelling drama by Erika Sheffer. Directed by Daniel Sullivan, the play explores the challenging life of an independent journalist in Moscow during Putin’s first term, providing a poignant exploration of resilience in the face of adversity.
The Manhattan Theatre Club’s upcoming season, with its mix of Broadway and off-Broadway productions, underscores the vibrancy and diversity of the theater scene. As the community eagerly anticipates these productions, it is clear that the legacy of Stephen Sondheim will continue to be celebrated and cherished, bringing old friends and new audiences together in appreciation of his unparalleled contributions to musical theatre.
