If you told 17-year-old me—fresh from her first musical, West Side Story, and a holiday concert filled with the music of George Gershwin, Stephen Sondheim, and Andrew Lloyd Webber—that she’d one day see both a Sondheim and Webber show on Broadway in one weekend, I would’ve laughed. But that’s exactly what happened. After watching Sunset Blvd. at the St. James Theatre, I headed to a matinee of Sondheim’s Old Friends at the Friedman Theatre, eager to see Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga live.
My friend Albert and I got there early and took in the energy of Broadway, even in the overcast weather. We admired the murals in the theater lounge, honoring its history and Sondheim’s legacy. From the bar, we ordered a “double prosecco” but were handed souvenir cups filled with what was basically an entire bottle of crisp, fruity Mionetto. It was more than enough to get us tipsy before the curtain even rose. I told Albert I was hoping Bernadette would sing “Children Will Listen,” a longtime favorite of mine.
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The show opened with sparkles and nostalgia. Bernadette and Lea appeared in dazzling ruby-red gowns for “Side by Side,” followed by high-energy numbers like “Comedy Tonight” and “Company.” I was instantly swept into the joy of it all. Then came the sly humor in “The Little Things You Do Together” and “You Could Drive a Person Crazy,” and suddenly I was thinking about Garin, my partner of nearly a decade. We’re opposites in many ways—our personalities, our wants—but we share the same core values. Being in love this long, we’ve learned that the “secret sauce” is simply showing up for each other, celebrating the wins and offering a hand through the tough days. Middle-aged love isn’t always charming, but it’s steady, warm, and real.
Lea’s haunting “Loving You” from Passion was unforgettable. Then Jasmine Forsberg stunned with “On the Steps of the Palace”—I found myself flipping through my playbill, needing to know who she was. Bernadette followed, singing “I Know Things Now” and “Hello, Little Girl” with Jacob Dickey as the Wolf. Somehow, hearing a seasoned artist perform a song about innocence and danger made it all the more powerful.
Then came “Children Will Listen.” I expected Bernadette, but it was Lea who began. At first, I was thrown off—but her voice was flawless, and midway through, Bernadette joined her. The duet turned the song into something transcendent. Just when I thought it couldn’t be more meaningful, it became magic.
A few more standout numbers—“Weekend in the Country,” and a beautifully weathered “Send in the Clowns”—rounded out the first act. Bernadette’s voice may have changed over the years, but the depth in her delivery added a new kind of ache. One small shrug from her, and I was in tears again.
During intermission, Albert and I decided against another prosecco—honestly, we were already buzzed from both the alcohol and the emotions. I listened to nearby conversations, many remarking on the cast’s experience and presence. I couldn’t agree more—this wasn’t just a performance; it felt personal, like a gift being passed down.
The second act had more glitz, less melancholy. The Sondheim Orchestra opened with the Merrily We Roll Along overture, and the stage lit up with show-stoppers like “Tonight,” “Broadway Baby,” and “You Gotta Get a Gimmick.” But then came “Losing My Mind,” sung by Bernadette, and the weight of Sondheim’s absence hit me. A montage of his life played behind the cast singing “Not a Day Goes By,” and I sat still, trying to keep my tears quiet. This was his legacy—his gift to us all.
Then came “Being Alive,” a reminder that to love and be truly known is what makes us human. The finale, “Old Friends,” brought everything full circle. Joyful, warm, and reflective.
After the show, Albert waited at the stage door while I stayed for the talkback inside. A few actors spoke to a small audience about the show, their characters, and the joy of honoring Sondheim. I pulled Albert back in so he wouldn’t miss it. Afterward, we joined the receiving line and said quick hellos and got autographs from some of the cast including Bonnie Langford, Beth Leavel, Jeremy Secomb. WE didn’t catch Bernadette nor Lea, but it’s fine.
That afternoon was more than just a show. It was a journey through music, memory, and love. I left the theater full—of gratitude, of emotion, of awe. Music, like the best relationships, leaves you changed. What a gift. Bravo, Old Friends. Bravo, Sondheim.
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