See Bernadette Peters, Lea Salonga and More Broadway Legends in Rehearsal forStephen Sondheim’s Old Friends

Mar. 15, 2025

Lea Salonga and Bernadette Peters.Photo:Matthew Murphy

Matthew Murphy

Bernadette PetersandLea Salongaare leading a bunch of “Broadway Babies” in the new musical,Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends—and PEOPLE has an exclusive look at the cast in rehearsal, with behind-the-scenes pictures from photographerMatthew Murphy.

The musical, which first ran in London’s West End back in September 2023, is having it’s North American premiere at the Center Theatre Group in Los Angeles this month ahead of its Broadway transfer. Performances begin Saturday, Feb. 8 at the Ahmanson Theatre in California. They play through March 9.

Broadway previews then begin Tuesday, March 25 at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre in New York City. Opening night is set for April 8.

Bernadette Peters in rehearsal for ‘Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends’ at Manhattan Theatre Club.Matthew Murphy

Lea Salonga in rehearsal for ‘Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends’ at Manhattan Theatre Club.Matthew Murphy

Starring alongside Peters and Salonga are a slew of theatrical greats including Tony Award winner Beth Leavel (The Prom), two-time Tony nominee Gavin Lee (Mary Poppins), Jacob Dickey (Aladdin), Kevin Earley (Thoroughly Modern Millie), Jasmine Forsberg (Here Lies Love),  Kate Jennings Grant (Noises Off), Bonnie Langford (Gypsy), Maria Wirries (Dear Evan Hansen) and Daniel Yearwood (Sweeney Todd).

West End theater giants Joanna Riding (a two-time Olivier Award winner), Jason Pennycooke (a multiple Olivier nominee) and Jeremy Secomb will also star. All three will be making their Broadway debuts.

Beth Leavel and Gavin Lee in rehearsal for ‘Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends’ at Manhattan Theatre Club.Matthew Murphy

Old Friendswas born out of the lifetime friendship between the late Stephen Sondheim and superstar producer Cameron Mackintosh. The two longtime collaborators conceived the musical during the pandemic, drawing on the many shows that they had done together with pal Julia McKenzie.

Jacob Dickey and Bernadette Peters in rehearsal for ‘Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends’ at Manhattan Theatre Club.Matthew Murphy

Now it comes to Broadway thanks to Manhattan Theatre Club, in association with CMI and Daryl Roth.

Jason Pennycooke and Daniel Yearwood in rehearsal for ‘Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends’ at Manhattan Theatre Club.Matthew Murphy

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Fans can expect to hear songs from Sondheim classics likeSunday in the Park with George,A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,Company,Into the Woods,A Little Night Music,Sweeney Todd,Merrily We Roll Along,Gypsy,Folliesand more.

Tickets forStephen Sondheim’s Old Friendsare on sale now.

The company of ‘Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends’ in rehearsal at Manhattan Theatre Club.Matthew Murphy

source: people.com