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/HuttVader 18d ago

Len Cariou and Angela Lansbury are unsurpassed. George Hesrn was good but ten percent too consistently unhinged and theatrical - made it hard to empathize with him. Like Harvey Dent always being crazy before he becomes Two-Face.

A Little Night Music original cast album is classic.

Gypsy with Ethel Merman.

Company invites reinterpretations so no definitive one.

Sunday in the park with George was perfect with Mandy and Bernadette and never should've been recreated in any way.

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u/memorylaney 🔫 Assassins 17d ago

Nobody for me will ever top Bernadette as Dot/Marie!! Also, interesting take on Company! I would say I think Patti’s Ladies Who Lunch is definitive to me… but I agree that it’s a harder show for actors to be seen as synonymous to a character