BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary

Episode Title: Class Notes: Joanna Riding “Old Friends”
Host: Lauren Klashchneider
Guest: Joanna Riding
Release Date: April 22, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of BroadwayRadio, host Lauren Klashchneider sits down with acclaimed British actress Joanna Riding to discuss her latest role in Stephen Sondheim's tribute show, "Old Friends." The conversation delves into Joanna's journey from London's West End to her Broadway debut, her experiences working with legendary figures in the theater world, and her reflections on Sondheim's profound impact on musical theater.

Joining "Old Friends"

Lauren Klashchneider introduces the episode with enthusiasm, highlighting Joanna Riding's involvement in "Old Friends", a heartfelt homage to the late Stephen Sondheim, performed at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre.

[01:15] Joanna Riding: "I'd worked with Cameron before and I'd worked very briefly with Stephen Sondheim and I'm a huge fan, huge fan of his work. So to be invited to be part of that in London was just extraordinary."

Joanna emphasizes her admiration for Sondheim and her prior collaborations with Cameron Mackintosh, the show's visionary producer. Her involvement brings a personal connection to the tribute, especially since many of her fellow cast members are long-time friends and collaborators of Sondheim.

The Creative Process in London

When reflecting on the initial days of creating "Old Friends" in London, Joanna shares insights into the collaborative environment and the weight of honoring Sondheim's legacy.

[02:49] Joanna Riding: "There was a pressure to, as it always is, really to bring your A game, but especially with his material, knowing that you would be up there representing this body of his work."

The presence of stalwarts like Julia McKenzie—one of Sondheim's muses—and director Matthew Bourne enriched the creative process. Joanna recounts the emotional weight of continuing the project after Sondheim's passing and the dedication required to ensure the tribute did justice to his genius.

Making Her Broadway Debut

Transitioning from London's West End to Broadway marks a significant milestone in Joanna's illustrious career. She candidly discusses the unexpected opportunity and her feelings about performing on Broadway.

[04:54] Joanna Riding: "I'm still pinching myself. I thought that my opportunity to come to Broadway had long sailed... but Cameron was determined that... he saw some of those Brits coming with the show and so don't know quite how he chose his five, but five were chosen and I was one of the lucky few."

Joanna expresses immense gratitude for being selected to bring "Old Friends" to a Broadway audience, highlighting the honor it is to perform beloved Sondheim numbers on one of theater's most prestigious stages.

Spotlight on Iconic Songs

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the musical numbers Joanna performs, particularly her rendition of "I'm Not Getting Married" from Company. She delves into the challenges and preparations required to master this fast-paced Sondheim piece.

[06:17] Joanna Riding: "My main Solo is I'm Not Getting Married from Company... I was very aware that with my menopausal brain, the remembering of that song was going to be an issue. So I started learning it that day."

Joanna humorously acknowledges the difficulty of memorizing and performing a rapid patter song, aiming to preserve Sondheim's intricate wordplay while delivering it with impeccable speed and clarity.

[08:26] Lauren Klashchneider: "Bringing down the house is Joanna writing, achieving perfection with the motor mouth speed rap that is getting married today, which counts as a magic trick as much as musical accomplishment."

Joanna appreciates the critical acclaim from Variety, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the integrity of Sondheim's lyrics while showcasing her comedic timing and vocal prowess.

Sondheim's Legacy and Female Characters

The discussion naturally progresses to Stephen Sondheim's exceptional writing for female characters. Joanna shares her admiration for how Sondheim crafts complex, relatable roles for women, particularly those in mid-life stages often overlooked in the industry.

[09:12] Joanna Riding: "He writes so well for women... I think it could be partly related to his struggles being a gay man through the the 70s and through his life, that perhaps he understood better a woman's struggle in life."

Joanna speculates on the reasons behind Sondheim's nuanced portrayal of women, suggesting that his personal experiences and relationships may have deepened his empathy and understanding of female characters.

Collaborative Dynamics with Directors and Choreographers

Joanna provides an inside look at the collaborative efforts of Matthew Bourne, the musical staging director, and Stephen Muir, the choreographer. She highlights their warmth, creativity, and the seamless integration of their visions into the production.

[10:53] Joanna Riding: "Both of them are terrifically warm human beings, full of good humor and full of kindness... Cameron loves to get involved. He was delighted to be able to be more of a creative force on this one."

The harmonious working environment fostered by the directors allowed the cast to thrive, ensuring that "Old Friends" remained a heartfelt and respectful tribute to Sondheim's enduring legacy.

Joanna Riding's Musical Journey

In a heartfelt segment, Joanna reflects on her upbringing and how her early exposure to music shaped her career in the performing arts.

[12:26] Joanna Riding: "My parents loved music... My dad sang everywhere he went, usually Elvis, but he loved Doris Day... I went to acting school because that's where I felt I needed most work."

Joanna credits her musical foundation and passion for storytelling as pivotal in her development as an actress. Despite acknowledging a lack of formal musical theater or dance training, she believes her strong acting skills enhance her performances, allowing her to convey deeper emotional narratives.

Closing Remarks

Lauren wraps up the interview by commending Joanna for her outstanding contributions to "Old Friends" and expressing gratitude for her insightful discussion.

[13:58] Lauren Klashchneider: "Well, it sounds like it serves you well and your collaborators and of course the audience. So I thank you."

Joanna reciprocates the appreciation, sharing her joy in being part of such a meaningful production and anticipating the audience's reception of the show on Broadway.

Conclusion

This episode of BroadwayRadio offers a comprehensive look into Joanna Riding's pivotal role in "Old Friends," her Broadway debut, and her enduring respect for Stephen Sondheim's work. Through candid conversations and insightful reflections, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the dedication and artistry required to honor one of musical theater's greatest minds.

Notable Quotes:

• Joanna Riding [01:15]: "I'd worked with Cameron before and I'd worked very briefly with Stephen Sondheim and I'm a huge fan, huge fan of his work."

• Joanna Riding [06:17]: "I was very aware that with my menopausal brain, the remembering of that song was going to be an issue."

• Lauren Klashchneider [08:26]: "Bringing down the house is Joanna writing, achieving perfection with the motor mouth speed rap that is getting married today, which counts as a magic trick as much as musical accomplishment."

• Joanna Riding [09:12]: "He writes so well for women... Perhaps he understood better a woman's struggle in life."

• Joanna Riding [12:26]: "I went to acting school because that's where I felt I needed most work... singing was storytelling and I wanted to be the best storyteller I could be."

Listeners who missed the episode can expect a rich exploration of Joanna Riding's artistic journey, her experiences with "Old Friends," and her insights into the timeless works of Stephen Sondheim. Whether you're a theater enthusiast or an aspiring performer, this episode provides valuable perspectives on dedication, collaboration, and the lasting impact of great musical theater.