Bernadette Peters: Renowned Broadway star Bernadette Peters is set to enchant audiences once again in the highly anticipated revue Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends, which celebrates the legacy of the legendary composer. The show, featuring an all-star cast, will begin previews on March 25, 2025, at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre, with an official opening night scheduled for April 8.
Peters, who has been a beloved figure on Broadway for decades, joins fellow Broadway luminaries including Lea Salonga, Beth Leavel, and Ryan McCartan. This stellar ensemble will perform iconic numbers from Sondheim’s repertoire, showcasing the timeless melodies that have made his work a cornerstone of American musical theatre.
Sondheim himself, who envisioned a celebration of his work before his passing, served as the original inspiration for the production of Old Friends by Cameron Mackintosh in collaboration with the Manhattan Theatre Club. Mackintosh expressed his desire to honor Sondheim’s memory through this musical tribute, stating, “For all of us working on this show, it is our love letter and thank you to Steve—a musical genius whose brilliant work and memory will last forever.”
Bernadette Peters, a three-time Tony Award winner and a recipient of numerous accolades including a Golden Globe and several Emmy nominations, is celebrated for her dynamic performances in iconic productions such as Hello, Dolly!, Gypsy, and Into the Woods. Her recent West End debut in the same production has further solidified her status as a Broadway legend.
In addition to her illustrious stage career, Peters has made significant contributions to film and television, with roles in over 30 films and numerous hit shows, including Smash and Mozart in the Jungle. She is also an acclaimed author of children’s books and a recording artist with Grammy nominations, adding to her impressive array of accomplishments.
Old Friends is not only a tribute to Sondheim’s indelible impact on theatre but also a celebration of the rich talent that Peters and her fellow cast members bring to the stage. As anticipation builds for the Broadway premiere, audiences can look forward to an unforgettable evening filled with music, nostalgia, and the enduring spirit of one of musical theatre’s greatest composers.
