Class Notes: Joanna Riding “Old Friends”

Summary

BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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."

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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.

Transcript

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[Lauren Klashchneider]

Hi, I'm Lauren Klashchneider with Class Notes for Broadway Radio. I'm here with Joanna Riding, performing in Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. Well, hello.

[Joanna Riding]

Hi. How are you?

[Lauren Klashchneider]

Thrilled that you're on this side of the pond, yes. Devised by Cameron Mackintosh, the show celebrates the life and work of the great Stephen Sondheim with an irresistible cast headlined by Tony Award and Olivier Award winners. And you were involved in the show as it was being created in London. So what was that process like?

[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. And it's called Old Friends and there were lots of old friends of mine in the show which made it extra special. And it was just a beautiful piece of work, a beautiful tribute to the great man himself. Cameron had been working on it with him over the years and then of course, sadly, we lost Stephen and Cameron chose to continue with the project in tribute to him. But it was on at the beautiful Gielgud Theatre in London's West End. And then to get to bring it over here is just the icing on the cake. And it's my Broadway debut, which is extra special.

[Lauren Klashchneider]

Sure is. Take us back to those first few days in London with the group of you and the material. What did it feel like to be in that room and how did you bring your work to the work?

[Joanna Riding]

Gosh. Well, first of all, yes, it was an extraordinary day and a lot of people in that room who were very well known for being terrific interpreters of Stephen's work. There was, I guess, 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. But Cameron was very much a part of it. We also had Julia McKenzie in the room as well as our director, Matthew Bourne. And you may know that Julia has for decades been one of Stephen's muses. It's not just Bernadette Peters. Julia was there before Bernadette even, and is renowned as one of his best interpreters. And so to have her wisdom in the room was also extraordinary. And Matthew hadn't worked with him, but of course brings his exceptional eye from all of his work, his new adventures, etc, so it was, it was a terrific team that was very clear creative team and, and it was a, it was very moving having, you know, relatively recently lost Stephen Sondheim. It was also very moving to be in this room and to be part of this exceptional tribute to him.

[Lauren Klashchneider]

And you're a British five time nominee and two time winner of the highly coveted Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical. That must be some sort of record. And we're very lucky to have you in the States. How did it come about for you to be in the New York production and make your Broadway debut?

[Joanna Riding]

I'm still pinching myself. I thought that my opportunity to come to Broadway had long sailed and, but, but Cameron was determined that as it was very much a British production and I know that there are critics of the Brits bringing over, you know, Broadway shows for a Broadway audience, but it was, it was very connected to Cameron's close relationship with Stephen and so he felt he, you know, he, he had the right to do it, I guess is the wrong word. But you know, he wanted to pay tribute to that long relationship and as part of his vision 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 and I'm just so grateful because it's so special to be here, to be performing these songs on a Broadway stage for a Broadway audience. I can't tell you how thrilling that is.

[Lauren Klashchneider]

And of course all the songs in the show are terrific. You're featured in some of my favorites. How did the groupings come about and talk about the songs that you're performing?

[Joanna Riding]

Well, my main Solo is I'm Not Getting Married from Company, sung by the character Amy. Now, I am at least three times too old to play that role and when I was told that that's what they'd like me to sing, I just laughed. I thought they were having a joke. I thought, no, no, come on, what do you really want me? But that was what Cameron wanted me to sing. And I think over the years I've gained a reputation in Britain for being able to pull off a certain amount of comedy and that's what he wanted me to bring to that number. But 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. That day I got the phone call, I started to learn that song and I remember investigating all sorts of memory techniques so that I, you know, I could pull it off night after night after night. And, yeah, so far I've managed it. But it's one of those songs that if you fall off the train, oh, my goodness. I don't think there's any getting back on it. It's a. It's a fiendish pattersong. For those that know it, you'll know exactly what I mean. For those that don't, it's. It goes at 100 miles an hour. It's a song sung by a panicked bride is getting cold feet about her marriage, about her, well, her wedding day. And it's hilarious. And I've seen it done faster than I take it. But then you don't get all of Sondheim's delicious words. So the secret, I think, to that song is going as fast as is humanly possible while getting every single word out because you don't want to miss those witticisms that are, you know, only Sondheim's. He's just the most extraordinary lyricist, isn't he? And they're too good to miss. Yes. So that's my aim. Get it out quick. But heard.

[Lauren Klashchneider]

Well, may I read what Variety has to say about you doing that?

[Joanna Riding]

Oh, I don't know what Variety has to say about that. This may come as a surprise. Please do.

[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 Riding]

Oh, wow.

[Lauren Klashchneider]

I'm happy to share that love letter with you from Variety.

[Joanna Riding]

Oh, thank you very much. I'm happy to get. That's wonderful. Thank you.

[Lauren Klashchneider]

Variety has also said that it's Sondheim's Love for womenkind, that provides the biggest turbo boost when it comes time to make everyone rise. What's your take on Sondheim's female characters and songs?

[Joanna Riding]

This is something that I've discussed at length with colleagues. I don't know why he writes so well for women and women of a particular age, you know, the sort of age that one is often overlooked in this industry. He writes so well for us. And, you know, I'm happy to report that I am going to stick in this industry for as long as I can because there are still so many Sondheim Roman I can play. So it. It is extraordinary, isn't it? And I don't really have the answer as to why I. 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. That can't be the whole answer. Maybe it was his strained but ultimately adoring relationship with his mother. I really don't know. But it is a fact, you're right, it is a fact that he writes for women so well.

[Lauren Klashchneider]

And you spoke a little bit about Matthew Bourne as the musical staging director for the show, Stephen Muir as the choreographer. The two of them had worked together in the past. I'm curious about their collaboration in the rehearsal room and if you had ever worked with either of them or both of them together.

[Joanna Riding]

I hadn't worked with Matthew, so it came as a lovely surprise. I'd worked with Stephen several times. The fact that they are both terrifically warm human beings, full of good humor and full of kindness made a very open, relaxed and creative rehearsal room, which is always the best way to be bringing out the best in people. Cameron loves to get involved. He. He's not ever just a producer, of course. He. He was delighted to be able to be more of a creative force on this one. And he had a. A great deal to do with the order of the songs. I think he and Stephen had worked together on what songs to include. It was the order of it that wasn't completed. And I think Cameron's done a wonderful job of. Of creating that flow and then with Matthew and Stephen creating their magic on top of that. But it was happy to say, both in London and here in New York and la, a really happy rehearsal room. Yeah, it's. It's. It's been a lovely job to work on.

[Lauren Klashchneider]

How nice. Last question. And it's about you growing up. I understand that you grew up on a farm and that your father was a successful cheese maker. How did your growing up years influence your career?

[Joanna Riding]

It was actually quite musical background. I my parents loved music even though they weren't professionals in any way or weren't skilled musicians in any way. The radio was always playing. It was a record on playing. My dad sang everywhere he went, usually Elvis, but he loved Doris Day and I one of my earliest memories is is trying to copy her and learn how to sing with her lovely role to please my dad. And then I went to a which belonged to a parish church that was also terrifically musical. Following on from that I went to a very musical school but I ended up having done music all my life and singing all my life. I ended up going to acting school because that's where I felt I needed most work. And I always knew even as a child that singing was storytelling and I wanted to be the best storyteller I could be, not just the best singer I could be. And I'm really glad that I did it that way around. It means that perhaps, you know, I'm lacking in some musical theater training and some dance training, but I feel that I've more to bring as an actor because of the route that I took.

[Lauren Klashchneider]

Well, it sounds like it serves you well and your collaborators and of course the audience. So I thank you.

[Joanna Riding]

Thank you.

[Lauren Klashchneider]

I'm Lauren Klashchneider with Joanna Riding performing in Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. Thank you.

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