Review of Maria Friedman – Live at Zédel London

Maria Friedman is rightfully known as one of musical theatre’s ‘greats’. The four-time Olivier Award winner has many attributes and accolades under her belt and a career built on filling large West End and Broadway venues with her talent and star charisma. She is now the first ‘resident’ performer at the Zedel in Piccadilly – with this show taking the stage for three weeks. For what hopes to be an annual thing, Maria and her equally applaudable pianist, Jason Carr takes us through a thoughtful and fun selection in a tribute to two of the greatest composers and musical extraordinaires, Stephen Sondheim and Leonard Bernstein.

Friedman’s charm and personality is timeless as she shows to be a very grounded star. The cosy cabaret venue, which fits roughly 80, feels like a key venue of the West End, thanks to her. Her stories and talk with the audience are engaging and just as fulfilling as the beautiful songs she performs before and after. She is able to give you what you want and deliver even more. She manages to deliver all the classic songs from ‘Losing My Mind’ to ‘Broadway Baby’ beautifully.

The more upbeat numbers are packed with individuality and gusto whilst the more sombre melodies are treated with a detailed delicacy and skill that brings tears to the audience. Highlights include Sondheim’s I’m Not Getting Married and Send In The Clowns, Bernstein’s Lonely Town and the duos work, West Side Story, which Friedman closes with. She performs Somewhere as the theatre star she is and follows with an encore of Gee, Officer Krupkee (with wigs and hats galore) as the fun-loving person and performer she always will be.

For all musical theatre fans, don’t miss a chance to see this amazing woman in this beautiful and intimate venue. Not to be missed!

Review by 

Elliott Jordan

Following her sell out Live At Zédel debut, Maria explores the work of Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim in her critically acclaimed show, comparing and contrasting songs from their separate catalogues, as well as their joint masterpiece ‘West Side Story’. Songs include ‘New York, New York’, ‘I Can Cook Too’, ‘Losing My Mind’ and ‘Send In The Clowns’. Book fast for the four-time Olivier Award Winner as she returns to the West End’s most intimate venue for a three week run.

Maria will be joined by MD, Tony nominee Jason Carr
THE CRAZY COQS – BRASSERIE ZEDEL, LONDON