...for saying that I think what you describe is often a problem and limitation with a LOT of British musical theatre performances -- especially of American work. I'm in a tiny minority here, I believe, but I did not care for *most* of the British performers in Old Friends -- they just weren't delivering on that knowing, Manhattan'esque sense of humor and irony that is infused in so much of Sondheim's work -- even when the show is set far, far away from present-day Manhattan (see: Into the Woods.) Maybe it's the "music hall" in their blood.
I also can't argue with you about many of the supporting performances in this Broadway production. It's so odd to me that Friedman got such beautifully nuanced performances from her three leads and then such ham-fisted overacting from many of the supporting actors. Yes, you're right, the fault there has to lie with Friedman, if she's to get credit for the great central performances, too. |