Maria Friedman News

Earlier this month, we marked the 91st birthday of the living legend that is Stephen Sondheim with a look back at five London productions of his work that are embedded in my memory. This week, we honour a quintet of performances that has achieved the same result, even if this has meant choosing from an astonishing array of riches that could populate a column like this ten times over. In any case, here are just a few of the Sondheim star turns that linger in the mind.

Today's top stories: Ain't Supposed to Die a Natural Death is set to return to Broadway, Sunday in the Park With George will not open in the West End this year, and more!

Last night the Marvin Hamlisch International Music Awards featured celebrity presenters Barbra Streisand, Quincy Jones, Idina Menzel, Melissa Manchester, Lucie Arnaz, Sir Howard Stringer, Johnny Mathis and Maria Friedman.

The internationally acclaimed pianist Dominic Ferris will give his first post-lockdown live performances at London's Crazy Coqs on Monday 31st May and Tuesday 8th June 2021 at 7pm.

Last week, we acknowledged the forthcoming birthday of Andrew Lloyd Webber via a look back at five defining London stagings of his work. This time, we offer the same tribute to Stephen Sondheim, with whom Lloyd Webber, 18 years Sondheim's junior, shares a birthdate of March 22: on that day, the great man turns 91.

The enduring legacy of one of America's most decorated composers has been the basis for launching the Marvin Hamlisch International Music Awards, aimed at recognizing and enabling the next generation of music composition talent.

Marvin Hamlisch International Music Awards has announced its 2020-2021 nominees. The actual 2020-2021 awards ceremony and concert is planned for Monday, March 22, 2021

Thirty-three years later, these are the shows that Stephen Mosher remembers most vividly, from his first time in a Manhattan nightclub to the last night, on March 12th, 20202

Need something new to read, watch, or listen to? Check out this week's list of new and upcoming releases! This week's list includes the new Christmas album from Michael Ball & Alfie Boe, new music from Linda Eder, Liz Callaway, and more.

Doorstep Productions has been founded by actors Maria Friedman and Adrian Der Gregorian.  Nothing can equal the experience of a live performance, so, while most theatres remain closed, Doorstep Productions will bring a slice of the West End to the people. 

When he recorded the first complete recording of ANYONE CAN WHISTLE, John Yap didn't know it would be twenty-three years before anyone heard it. Well, they will be listening now.

17 years after being recorded, Jay Records will release the cast recording for Anyone Can Whistle on December 4. This is the first 'complete' recording of the musical, which includes all songs, dances, overtures, entr'acte and underscoring. Pre-order today!

17 years after being recorded, Jay Records will release the cast recording for Anyone Can Whistle on December 4. This is the first 'complete' recording of the musical, which includes all songs, dances, overtures, entr'acte and underscoring.

BroadwayWorld put together a list of all the live action musicals you can stream on Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, BroadwayHD, and Disney Plus. Are you looking for something to get your mind off… all of this? So are we. Because everyone needs some escape,

This week's list includes Laura Benanti's debut solo album, The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra performing Disney music, the 2020 West End Mary Poppins cast recording, and more.

Crazy Coqs, Sohoa??s unique live entertainment venue within the Brasserie Zédel complex, announces a new limited August programme and a full September programme, offering both live shows and live-streamed shows.

In the year that the Proms turns 125 years old, the 2020 season brings the spirit of the Proms to music-lovers at home. BBC Radio 3 and BBC Four broadcasts treasures from the past 30 years of the Proms across six weeks, before two weeks of incredible live performances at the Royal Albert Hall.

Hope Mill Theatre will host an online evening on Saturday 18th July, celebrating the many works of the well-loved writer Jonathan Harvey (Gimme,Gimme,Gimme/ Coronation Street).

As a result of their annual event the Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year (SSSSPOTY) being cancelled, due to Covid-19, the SSS will be launching its first online Sondheim Sessions this Sunday.

Olivier Award winner Jamie Parker has reunited with pianist and entertainer Joe Stilgoe, his co-star in Maria Friedman's 2015 Old Vic production of Cole Porter's High Society. Both got together in lockdown for Well Did You Evah?, the number they performed together in the show, Jamie as Mike Connor and Joe as pianist Joey Powell.