Esteemed singer and actress Lea Salonga is once again heading to the Broadway stage this 2025.
Together with fellow musical theatre veteran Bernadette Peters, Salonga will be headlining Stephen Sondheim’s “Old Friends” in its highly anticipated Broadway debut –– with previews beginning on March 25, 2025, for its Manhattan Theatre Club production at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre.
Following a triumphant 16-week stint at London’s esteemed Gielgud Theatre, helmed by renowned producer Cameron Mackintosh, the musical revue, curated from Sondheim’s timeless repertoire, is making its North American debut at the Center Theatre Group in Los Angeles. Under the expert guidance of Matthew Bourne and Julia McKenzie, responsible for the musical staging and choreography, the show is poised to enamor audiences once previews kick off in Manhattan next year. As for its Los Angeles stint, specific performance dates at the Center Theatre Group have yet to be unveiled.
The genesis of “Old Friends” stems from Sondheim himself, conceptualized during the throes of lockdown, as revealed by Mackintosh. Although Sondheim’s passing in November 2021 cast a shadow, Mackintosh, alongside McKenzie, persevered to honor the legendary composer’s legacy with this poignant “farewell show.” Mackintosh reflected on the overwhelming success of the London run, describing it as a “sensational success” with sold-out shows and televised broadcasts, which spurred them to fulfill Sondheim’s vision for the production.
Aside from the West End run of “Old Friends”, Salonga had recently performed on Broadway last 2023 for a five-week run for Here Lies Love, wherein she played the role of Aurora Aquino. Salonga has also announced that she will be performing her third U.K. concert tour, Stage, Screen & Everything In Between, this Summer 2024, which will include a performance at the Theatre Royal, in Drury Lane, London.