Review: MARIA FRIEDMAN & FRIENDS - LEGACY, Menier Chocolate Factory
Photo credit: Nobby Clark
In this cabaret concert at Menier Chocolate Factory, multi Olivier award winner Maria Friedman pays tribute to Marvin Hamlisch, Michel Legrand and Stephen Sondheim; all three of whom have been heavily influential in Friedman’s career.
Opening with ‘Being Alive’ from Sondheim’s Company, we gasp as Friedman’s emotional performance, with the ensemble, sets the high standard for the evening.
Gathering friends old and new, the evening continues to present some of Hamlisch, Legrand and Sondheim’s greatest works and we hear anecdotes of working with them. With so many hits to choose from, the set list may change throughout the run. We are treated to (amongst others), ‘I Hope I Get It’ from Hamlisch’s A Chorus Line, with dance moves from the choir, ‘The Way We Were’ (Hamlisch), ‘The Windmills of Your Mind’ (Legrand), ‘Sunday in the Park with George’ (Sondheim), ‘Papa, Can You Hear Me?’ (Legrand), and ‘Broadway Baby’ (Sondheim).
The old friends are Ian McLarnon and Matthew White, who are both former collaborators of Friedman in Sondheim musicals, and who bring a wealth of experience to their performances. The three also banter nicely in this intimate setting.
But this is not a gushing luvvie fest. Clearly inspired by the musical giants’ championing of her, Friedman uses the evening to give a platform to new talent. Desmonda Cathabel, a Royal Academy of Music student, caught her eye and we can see why as she sings ‘The Miller’s Son’ from Sondheim’s A Little Night Music with such conviction. Alfie Friedman (Maria’s son), who we are told saved Friedman’s stint at Crazy Coq’s to a standing ovation, is there on merit. He takes on the challenge of Sondheim’s lyrics with perfect timing and is a natural performer.
Along for the sing song are the Royal Academy of Music choir and guests that will change each night. It was a privilege to hear stories from Hamlisch’s widow, Terre, at this performance.
On this evening, we were also joined by musical theatre student, Aoife Dunne. Aoife, a teaching assistant from Ireland (who was not given the day off work), arrived just before she was due to perform. Not thrown by this, she showcased her brilliant vocal and comical acting skills in a rendition of ‘I Know Things Now’ from Sondhiem’s Into the Woods. “You will get there”, Maria said to her. We are sure she will!
Musical supervision is provided by Theo Jamieson on piano, accompanied by Paul Moylan on double bass (with some funny vocals) and Joe Evans on drums. The arrangements of the ballads and jazzy numbers alike are a joy to hear in the hands of these accomplished musicians.
This is a must if you love musical theatre as you will see one of the greats in action. Maria Friedman’s acting through song is when called for; funny, warm, passionate and sorrowful. No wonder she is revered as an interpreter of the works of these titans. You will laugh as she delivers ‘Nothing’ from Hamlisch’s A Chorus Line and cry at ‘Losing My Mind’ from Sondheim’s Follies. But the real joy is in passing on the mantle to the youngsters. “No doubt we’ll be hearing from them again” Maria says. We also hope she “merrily rolls along”.
***** Five Stars
Reviewed by: Victoria Willetts
Maria Friedman & Friends - Legacy plays at the Menier Chocolate Factory until 17 April, with tickets available here.