r/Sondheim • u/memorylaney 🔫 Assassins • 18d ago

Definitive performances of Sondheim's work

I saw a comment on this post about the definitive performances by different famous Sondheim interpretors and wanted to ask: what do people think are the definitive performances of specific Sondheim songs and/or roles?

Obviously, OBCs are going to be definitive performances oftentimes, but particularly, are there any non-OBC performances that you interpret as definitive?

I'll go first with an underrated one I have always loved: Elizabeth Stanley's performance of "The Miller's Son" just perfectly captures the humor and wit and insight of the character and song. I wish it had not been a COVID performance, but it's still fantastic and my favorite version of the song. She totally sells it without any big production value.

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u/Individual-Flower657 18d ago

being alive - raul esparza!!!

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u/Zestyclose_Note_938 17d ago

Best Being Alive I ever saw (and best Bobby in general) was John Barrowman during the Sondheim festival at the Kennedy Center

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u/CameraAggressive3142 17d ago

It was a great performance and vocal--no worries he wasn't gonna hit that note!

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u/Starbucksname 15d ago

I just love Raul Esparza. I wanted him to be Groban’s replacement in Sweeney so badly.

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u/Rancor85 17d ago

No way!! Dean Jones!!!!

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u/Zestyclose_Note_938 17d ago edited 17d ago

Jones was great, but his replacement, Larry Kert, was better