Stephen Sondheim Old Friends - Sondheim / TV / Gielgud

Yes definitely agree that it works with the larger numbers. But I found it so hard to adapt to Loosing My Mind because she every part of her looked like she was about to cry (voice, mouth, body, hands)… but her face would. Just. Not. Move. 🤣

I saw this for a third time last night and it was as great as always. It's interesting seeing the discussion about Bernadette here, as every time I've saw it my first thought is how incredible she looks - She could pass for being 20 years younger than her age in my opinion.

I thought I had hit the jackpot by getting a £25 under 30 ticket, bang in the centre of row B in the dress circle (I was also ID'd, so make sure you bring it!), but alas it all went down the drain when just as the opening number was starting two men came and filled the empty seats to my left, both holding paper Primark bags and chatting about how great the view was throughout the entire intro. The man closest to me then sang along to every song, repeatedly elbowed me whilst trying to mimic the choreography and constantly checked his phone - I was really disappointed that the FOH sitting in the aisle didn't say anything to be completely honest as he was very much in her eye-line.

I noticed when the interval lights came up that the two seats closest to the aisle were empty, so moved there for the second act and loved every moment, even with the safety rail to the left of the stage.

I'd actually recommend the aisle seats in the first rows of the dress circle, as during the West Side Story section when most of the cast are singing inside the building set, most of them are directly in line with you and feel very close.

I was id'd as well when I went on the under 30 ticket! Can't think of another time I've been id'd on a concession ticket (definitely never at an ATG venue or at the National).

To be honest I can't see them having Brits in the cast.
They will want to use their own talent as this is basically a tribute concert so not like a musical transferring with the original cast.
They have already done it here as many of the performers were not in the original gala concert.

Totally agree about Lea being replaced by Patti. But based on her interviews and her memoir I get the vibe that there is no way in hell she would share that top billing with Bernadette. She would be mighty expensive too. But that would be my dream pairing. I see Donna doing this especially as she is close friends with Bernadette.

What'a an SOLT offer?

God it would be truly incredible to see Patti finally share the stage with Bernadette. It would bring to mind the Ethel Merman/Mary Martin stage partnership late in their careers. It would be such a theatrical moment.

Exactly. However, as I understand it there is a little bit of jealousy from Patti towards Bernadette. For those that don't know the history:

1. Patti tried to replace Bernadette in Sunday in the Park but didn't get the part
2. She then was up for the witch in "Into the Woods" but negotiations fell through, she complains in her book that Bernadette got everything she asked for
3. According to Patti, Sam Mendes asked her to do Gypsy first and she has the 'letters to prove it' but Arthur Laurents refused to let it happen and instead asked for Bernadette to play the part because he was bitter Patti wouldn't do one of his plays, which Patti said the financial offer was 'insulting'. Of course, in a great twist of events Arthur Laurents hated the Sam Mendes production and then directed Patti in Gypsy himself(he liked Bernadette and said she found her 'rightful place' among the best roses, but only towards the end after she ignored Sam Mendes' direction. It is true if you listen to her final 'Rose's Turn' on YouTube, it sounds incredible and nothing like the cast recording or the awful preview bootleg video)
4. In an article or interview (I can't remember), Patti has openly expressed she doesn't think she is one of Sondheim's 'favourites' (it's quite obvious Bernadette is one)
5. Patti said she called Trevor Nunn to do a Little Night Music but "never got a call back". Then Bernadette played the part.
6. According to 2nd hand gossip speaking with some industry insiders, Patti is a bit jealous of Bernadette and her looks. She even made fun of Bernadette's high voice back stage once.

Patti and Bernadette are not friends at all. Patti once said she "hardly knows the woman" (lol). In my opinion, I'd bet that Cameron Mackintosh asked Patti to come to London before he did Lea and she refused. Hopefully he can convince Patti to change her mind for NYC. I am sure she has been asked. 

 It's also possible Bernadette doesn't want to be upstaged by Patti either. Especially as Patti's voice is in a much healthier state right now than Bernadette's. 

Thank you apubleed for providing the tea! Great to hear some of the history of Patti and Bernadette’s relationship. I must track down a copy of Patti’s book.

You should have known all that gossip before now. 

Well I didn’t, so I appreciated the post sharing the information. Great to understand a bit more about the dynamics between the two.

I’ve been listening to the audio book read by Patti herself. She provides a level honesty I could only ever dream of getting from Bernadette lol. She narrates it really passionately and is hilarious at parts. Would definitely recommend.

I adore both divas but I definitely get the vibe Patti is a bit of a bitter/jealous/entitled person and has been her whole career (in her book there is a falling out with somebody in every chapter 🤣).

That’s why I’m sooo certain she would never do this unless she was the only ⭐️