LuPone, McDonald, Peters, Stritch, Pierce in SONDHEIM: BIRTHDAY CONCERT Tonight

Laura Benanti, Matt Cavenaugh, Jenn Colella, Joanna Gleason, John McMartin, Laura Osnes, David Hyde Pierce, Bobby Steggert, Elaine Stritch, Jim Walton, and Chip Zien have joined the New York Philharmonic's presentation of SONDHEIM: The Birthday Concert, Monday, March 15, and Tuesday, March 16, 2010, at 7:30 p.m. They will share the stage with the previously announced cast of Broadway stars that includes (in alphabetical order) Michael Cerveris, Victoria Clark, Jason Danieley, Nathan Gunn, George Hearn, Patti LuPone, Marin Mazzie, Audra McDonald, Donna Murphy, Mandy
Patinkin, and Bernadette Peters. This celebration of the 80th birthday of the great Broadway and film composer/lyricist will include Stephen Sondheim's most enduring orchestral music and songs, in addition to rarely-heard material. Paul Gemignani, Mr. Sondheim's longtime collaborator, will conduct the New York Philharmonic; Lonny Price is the director; and Mr. Price and Matt Cowart are the producers.

The evenings will include songs and orchestral pieces from Sondheim musical theater favorites such as Company, Follies, A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd, Merrily We Roll Along, Sunday in the Park with George, Into the Woods, Pacific Overtures, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, and Anyone Can Whistle, along with a suite from music he wrote for the film Reds, which has never before been performed live.

On Monday, March 15, 2010, the New York Philharmonic will celebrate Stephen Sondheim with its Spring Gala. The Gala Chairmen are Leni and Peter May and Donna and Benjamin M. Rosen. BNY Mellon is the presenting sponsor.