Interview: Three-Time Oliver Winner Maria Friedman on Her Debut at Feinstein's/54 Below and Exploring the Work of the Greats

Three-time Oliver Award winner Maria Friedman (The Woman in White, Ragtime, Passion) will be making her Feinstein's/54 Below solo debut this September! This talented British actress and director will be performing the music of two legends close to her heart - Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim -- in her show, Lenny & Steve. The evening will be a celebration of their brilliant work and the powerful influence they've had on not only musical theatre history, but the ability to reach humanity at every level.

BroadwayWorld had the amazing opportunity to chat with Friedman before her debut and discuss preparing for her first time at the iconic venue; her affinity for these two greats and how they've influenced her since childhood; and why it's important to share the work of the classics with new generations.

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Congratulations on your debut at Feinstein's/54 Below!

Thank you! I really am so excited - - I've known Michael [Feinstein] for years and am really looking forward to performing at this iconic venue!

Your show, Lenny & Steve, will explore the music of Stephen Sondheim and Leonard Bernstein. Can you talk about the influence these two legends have had on your life and career?

One of my first Sondheim memories was going to see A Little Night Music with my father. It was just so electric. I just remember thinking, "This is proper stuff." The complexity of Sondheim's ideas and music just locks me in. I felt the same way after seeing Sweeney Todd years later. It's just music and word at their very best - true perfection.

I can imagine that choosing a selection of songs from these two greats wasn't easy! What was that process like?

Similar to watching a play, I want to take my audiences through different emotional temperatures through the course of my shows. I am so thrilled to explore the work of these two extraordinary composers together - they mean so much to New Yorkers. Their work is just so brilliant.

Why do you think it's so important to share their work with new generations?

I'm so delighted to have the chance to sing these classics and really believe that we need intelligent music - music that reminds us of our humanity. I think it's crucial for younger generations to be exposed to Sondheim and Bernstein's music and finding the relevance in their own lives. Their music transports us to our own experiences and stories and there are many wonderful connections to be discovered - something that all generations can benefit from.

Performances will run Tuesday, Sept. 19th - Saturday, Sept. 23rd at 7 p.m. Click here for more info and to purchase tickets.