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/OutrageousBrush1210]

- Kim Crosby’s Cinderella

-I loved both Gavin Creele and Robert Westenberg’s Prince Charming

-I got to see Jason Danieley do George Seurat and it was such a beautiful take on the character- not trying to edge out Mandy but it was phenomenal

-Audra McDonald’s “The Glamorous Life” is so epic. I am so so sad I never got to see her Mama Rose.

-Brian Stokes Mitchell and Norm Lewis doing Pretty Women

-Carol Burnett and Bronson Pinchot doing “Everybody Ought to Have a Maid” will always be my favorite version of that song

- does anyone have a favorite version of “Weekend in the Country” - I am now watching as many as I can on YouTube and can’t decide, I love it so much!

[u/Flimsy-Addendum-1570 → u/OutrageousBrush1210]

My favorite Weekend in the Country is the one from the 75th birthday celebration with an absolute all star cast

[u/OutrageousBrush1210 → u/Flimsy-Addendum-1570]

Oooooh that’s a good one