Maria Friedman Re-Arranged

Maria Friedman Re-Arranged
Trafalgar Studios – Studio 1
Direction – David Babani
Musical Director – Gareth Valentine
Thursday 5th December

Reviewed by Rachel Sheridan for The British Theatre Guide

Having transferred from a successful run at the Chocolate factory, my dear friend Maria Friedman is performing at the Trafalgar studios for a limited run. So I say friend, strictly speaking that’s not quite true; ok, so I don’t know her personally but after seeing her one woman show, Maria Friedman Re-Arranged, one really does feel like they are life long friends with Ms Friedman.

Looking like she is having the time of her life, Friedman is relishing the opportunity of playing not just one role but a whole range of characters as she performs a wide selection of songs from a variety of musicals allowing her to, as she says herself “dip in and out of as many pools of emotion as she can”.

However that is an understatement; to say that Friedman dives in and out of those pools would be a far more accurate description. Every song has an emotional connection; be it sentimental, funny or saucy. Her eyes as well as the lyrics tell a story that you cannot help but be swept up in as she gracefully turns those tears of sadness into tears of happiness.

There is a contemporary feel to the show as songs such as “Dido’s Lament” are weaved in along side of classics such as “As If We Never Side Goodbye”. The most memorable and poignant moment being “Sunday In The Park with Dot”; a beautiful arrangement by Jason Carr of songs from Sondheim’s Sunday In The Park With George. Her connection with the music bought not only a tear to her eye but also to most of the audience.

However don’t be deceived by this elegant lady, and her charming exterior, deep down she is a true geezer with a dirty mind and a laugh to match. Her interaction with the audience is dry and sarcastic and there is probably a little more audience participation than you might expect from a show of this nature.

Friedman invests everything into her performance and what a performance she gives. You might imagine someone with such talent and experience to at least be a little bit diva-ish and yet she is humble and gracious and despite her huge voice gives a very intimate performance as she interacts with the audience as if they are old friends. You get the impression Friedman would be just as happy giving this performance in her front room; there just wouldn’t be room for everybody.

Maria Friedman Celebrates The Great British Songbook

Maria Friedman Celebrates The Great British Songbook
Arrangements by Jason Carr
Shaw Theatre
5th February – 7th February

Reviewed by Rachel Sheridan for the British Theatre Guide

It’s only been a few weeks since Maria Friedman finished her Olivier award nominated show Maria Friedman: Re-Arranged at the Trafalgar Studios and yet somehow she’s found the time and energy to rehearse for another one woman show – Maria Friedman Celebrates The Great British Songbook.

A limited three day run at the Shaw Theatre, with a sequel to follow in June with Kerry Ellis of Wicked and We Will Rock You fame who will also take to the stage and remind us what makes British music so unique.

Friedman has had a varied and illustrious career, but what sets her apart from many of her contemporaries is her ability to share a song. She says she loves words and this comes as no surprise. When Friedman sings, it really is as if you are hearing the words of each song for the first time as she takes the audience along on an incredible emotional journey. One moment you are watching with tears in your eyes and the next you are laughing at some geezer like comment she makes.

Sadly there is no way of working her superb medley from Sunday in the Park with George into this line up as Sondheim belongs to the other side of the pond. However, as Friedman shows, we’re not short of a few great composers and lyricists ourselves. With beautiful arrangements by Jason Carr, Friedman’s song choices are an eclectic mix with songs from the Beatles to Lloyd Webber to a nostalgic war medley and even a little something she wrote herself. “As If We Never Said Goodbye”, sung to perfection could be Friedman’s signature song – surely it is just a matter of time before we see her tread the boards as Norma Desmond. “Norwegian Wood” and “Eleanor Rigby” by Lennon and McCartney are beautifully sentimental and as she sings “It’s Bound To Be Right On The Night”, the audience are treated to stories of her own early failures; obviously now hilarious in retrospect. Who ever knew that Maria Friedman was once the cleaner to her future co-star Michael Crawford. And of course it wouldn’t be British, if there wasn’t just a little bit of audience participation!

In an age where people rise to fame at the drop of a hat (or as the case may be; drop of a reality TV show), Friedman really is a testament to where a great deal of talent and a lot of hard work can get you. It is her open and honest manner that captivates her audience. She is warm and utterly charming and with a powerful belt that goes on and on, it is little wonder that people keep returning to see Ms Friedman.

Of course I’ll be in trouble if I don’t mention Friedman’s family and friends – David and Lynn in particular. Clearly very important to her, they also put on a fantastic side show, if you’re lucky enough to catch them in the bar after!