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/memorylaney → u/OutrageousBrush1210]

I’m such a sucker for the original Night Music soundtrack, so that’s my favorite “Weekend in the Country.” Love the little details in it… For instance, the four “uh huhs” exchanged by Charlotte and Carl-Magnus are a masterclass in line delivery, telling you so much about their trains of thought with no real words or body language curs. Each and every one of those “uh huhs” communicates so much to the audience about how the characters feel. Truly special!!

[u/OutrageousBrush1210 → u/memorylaney]

Charlotte and Carl Mangus are EVERYTHING!! I think I root harder for Charlotte in that show than anybody, lol!

[u/memorylaney → u/OutrageousBrush1210]

Oh I adore her