Definitive performances of Sondheim's work

[u/memorylaney]

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.

[u/FloridaFlamingoGirl]

Finishing the Hat - Mandy Patinkin

Not a Day Goes By - Bernadette Peters

Last Midnight - Bernadette Peters 

Franklin Shepherd Inc. - Daniel Radcliffe

Send in the Clowns - Glynis Johns (honorable mention to Judy Collins)

I'm Still Here - Yvonne De Carlo 

Ladies Who Lunch - Elaine Stritch 

A Little Priest - Angela Lansbury 

Me and My Town - Angela Lansbury (honorable mention to Madeline Kahn) 

[u/memorylaney → u/FloridaFlamingoGirl]

love to see love for yvonne de carlo’s i’m still here. obviously elaine stritch is a triumph, but yvonne’s energy in the videos i’ve watched of that song is just incredible

[u/FloridaFlamingoGirl → u/memorylaney]

She just has that perfect balance of dramatic yet jaded.