Maria Friedman to lead new musical concerts at Menier Chocolate Factory

The concert series will celebrate the music of Marvin Hamlisch, Michel Legrand, and Stephen Sondheim

Maria Friedman will present a new concert series at the Menier Chocolate Factory this spring. The brand new show, titled Maria Friedman & Friends — Legacy will honour the music of Marvin Hamlisch, Michel Legrand and Stephen Sondheim. Maria Friedman & Friends — Legacy begins previews at the Menier Chocolate Factory on 3 March, ahead of an official opening on 8 March, and performances to 17 April. Maria Friedman & Friends — Legacy tickets are on sale now.

Friedman is a three-time Olivier Award-winner, best known for critically-acclaimed roles in Passion, Ragtime, and recently starring in Fiddler on the Roof. Friedman's 1995 concert series, Maria Friedman by Special Arrangement, won an Olivier Award for Best Entertainment. During her career, Friedman has worked closely with composers Marvin Hamlisch, Michel Legrand and Stephen Sondheim.

"This event was brought about by a desire to sing, to share and to join together in celebration of some of the greatest composers of our time," Friedman said in a statement. "These past two years have starved us of the connection and depth of emotion that brilliant music and song can evoke - and we want to bring that back in the beautifully intimate space at the Menier, and enable audiences to revel in the legacy of my much missed friends, these extraordinary artists - Hamlisch, Legrand and Sondheim. I can't wait to share it with you." 

Maria Friedman & Friends — Legacy will feature numerous songs by Hamlisch, Legrand, and Sondheim, including "A Piece of Sky" from Yentl, "Send in the Clowns" from A Little Night Music, and "Nothing" from A Chorus Line. Find out more about Stephen Sondheim musicals.

Friedman is joined by singers Matthew White, Ian McLarnon, Alfie Friedman and Desmonda Cathabel, and a choir from the Royal Academy of Music. Theo Jamieson is musical director and pianist, and will be accompanied by Paul Moylan on double bass, and Joe Evans on percussion.

Maria Friedman & Friends — Legacy is at the Menier Chocolate Factory

Maria Friedman & Friends — Legacy tickets are on sale now.

^{Photo credit: Maria Friedman (Photo by Claire Newton-Williams)}