Sondheim Saturday : Side by Side from Company

The Master himself

Every Saturday I'll feature the genius of musical heater Steven Sondheim. For our first edition here is "Side by Side" the opening song from the 2nd act from 1971 masterpiece "Company". It won the Tony for Best Musical and was revived several times including most recently an acclaimed production in 2006.

Adrian Lester as Bobby

This version of the song is from 1996 Donmar Theater production in London staged by Sam Mendes. It features the first Bobby of color, Adrian Lester. At the time it was both hailed and reviled as a "modern" interpretation. Not for casting a black man but for the other florishes that Mendes added. It doesn't look so revolutionary 17 years later but still works. Unfortunately I could not embed so head over to youtube to watch. It's very good.

What is your favorite production of Company? Tell all in the comments.

Worst Pies in London!

I'm on record saying that Helena Bonham Carter ruined the movie version of Sweeny Todd with her awful singing. I hate to keep harping on Helena who is almost always a delight in interviews and seems to have a good perspective on celebrity. But casting actors who can't sing in movie musicals is a pet peeve of mine. She's in the new Les Miserables hence this post.


To prove my point I give you evidence:

Angela Lansbury




Patti LuPone




Julia McKenzie (starts at 3:45)



and finally Helena



Who sang it best?

Who sang the best "Worst Pies in London"?

• Julia McKenzie
• Angela Lansbury
• Patti Lu Pone
• Helena Bonham Carter?

Created on Nov 24, 2012

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