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Beth Leavel Reflects on Performing in Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends

In a candid conversation with Gold Derby, Beth Leavel opened up about her late introduction to the works of Stephen Sondheim, attributing her initial detachment to her family’s disinterest in musicals. Although she had experienced iconic productions like West Side Story and Gypsy, it wasn’t until she encountered Sweeney Todd that she began to appreciate the depth of Sondheim’s legacy. “The first album I bought was Sweeney Todd, and I played that thing to death,” Leavel recalls, noting that the song “Not While I’m Around” provided her with a sense of solace and helped her connect with Sondheim’s artistry.

Now, as a Tony Award-winning performer, Leavel takes the stage in the revue Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends, which allows her to showcase numerous pieces from Sondheim’s expansive catalog. While she has portrayed Mama Rose in regional productions of Gypsy and participated in the star-studded concert of Follies at Carnegie Hall, this production marks her Broadway debut in Sondheim’s work. “It’s a privilege to be a small part of singing his magic eight times a week,” she stated during her interview.

Among her standout performances in Old Friends is the iconic number “The Ladies Who Lunch.” While the character Joanne performs it in the full musical, Leavel explains that her rendition is liberated from the narrative constraints of the role, allowing her to explore the song’s essence on her own terms. “I just had the freedom to see what resonates and serves the purpose of the song,” she described, emphasizing her commitment to authenticity rather than imitation. Notably, she aims to carve out her unique interpretation, recognizing the legendary performances by artists like Elaine Stritch and Patti LuPone without feeling the need to replicate them.

Although Leavel found reassurance in crafting her take on the song, she also expressed a desire to honor Sondheim’s legacy. Reflecting on her initial apprehension, she mused, “I hope he would have liked this… I hope he’d be like, ‘Yes, excellent, I never heard that take before.’” Her performance skillfully incorporates touches of humor and audience engagement, showcasing a refreshing and organic approach to Sondheim’s music.

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In addition to her memorable solo number, Leavel shines in comedic segments of the revue. She collaborates with Bernadette Peters and Joanna Riding in “You Gotta Get a Gimmick,” sharing her excitement at stepping outside her usual character role. “I’ve always played Rose, so to be able to have body parts light up is kind of thrilling,” she joked. In another hilarious setpiece from Company, she and Gavin Lee portray a troubled couple in “The Little Things You Do Together.” Although Leavel describes this piece as particularly challenging to memorize, she relishes the playful dynamic they create as the performance escalates into chaotic humor.

Old Friends also carries significant emotional weight, particularly when the cast performs “Not a Day Goes By” accompanied by a montage of Sondheim’s photos. Leavel recalls the touching atmosphere during the rehearsal when she noticed Bernadette Peters softly crying. As the ensemble has settled into the performance, they balance both celebratory moments and poignant remembrances of Sondheim.

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While the production features over 40 songs from Sondheim’s celebrated works, Leavel wishes some beloved pieces, like “Barcelona” from Company, were included. She also expressed interest in revisiting iconic roles like Mama Rose and aspiring to portray Desiree in A Little Night Music and Pseudolus in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, the latter of which has not seen a Broadway revival in nearly three decades.

Leavel captured the Tony Award for her breakout role in The Drowsy Chaperone, where she dazzled audiences with the song “As We Stumble Along.” Reflecting on the production nearly two decades later, she fondly remembers the experience, noting, “We knew Drowsy Chaperone was really special.” She also hinted at a potential sequel, saying, “Rumor has it, somewhere down the line, there’s a Drowsy Chaperone 2… Wouldn’t that be awesome?”

Recently, Leavel earned a Drama League nomination for Distinguished Performance for her role in Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends.

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