burntcopper | Sondheim 75th birthday gala

Aka bouncy bouncy squee, argh my hands hurt from clapping so much and my throat is sore from whooping. Oh, and am also perfecting the smug look of 'I've seen Eartha Kitt perform and you haven't'.

Got there, settled in, got frankly blown away by the performances of pretty much everyone (oh, and Tors and Liz, I think I may actually have to thank you for making me watch part of Into the Woods because there were three songs from that.) Unfortunately was in Balcony seats, but could see all of the stage, plus had binoculars. More than some people in the boxes could, especially when Claire Sweeney was singing, since for much of her number she was sitting on the stairs to one side. (

snowballjane, you are so right - boxes really aren't worth it.)

Special mentions (you could tell the best since they got the biggest cheers) : Brian Clooney starting it with 'Comedy Tonight' in full-on Frankie Howerd mode, complete with toga and sandal that came off half-way through the song.

Eartha Kitt. she is just... fabulous. Great stage presence, looked fantastic, sang amazingly and has seriously impressive legs for her age. Consensus amongst audience is that she must be approaching 150 years old by now...

The couple doing 'Priest' from Sweeney Todd were fantastic. Great piece of drama, very funny, and great singing. Nothing like cannibalism for good lyrics. :g:

Millicent Martin doing 'I never do anything twice' with possibly the biggest feather boa I've ever seen - At one point they had to stop the music because the audience was laughing so hard, which is always a sign of success.

Bonnie Langford did two numbers, and my god, they were amazing (especially if you only know her from Dr Who) - singing and dancing extravaganza, in very small glittery outfits, with added lounging on pianos and getting carried around by lads, up to and including splits and splits up one of the boys. Utterly brilliant.

John Barrowman doing 'Being Alive' - yes, gorgeous, yes tight trousers and open-necked tight black shirt, yes I was drooling and so were many others in my row. Started off with the part where you have the company injecting, segueing into full song. He was second from last and got applause and cheering to rival Eartha Kitt. Amazing voice, conviction and he has far too much fun there, with added taking a while to get off the stage. :g:

Anyway, great night, and yes I did lurk at the stage door getting autographs. John was lovely, and was pleased with the reception he got, as well as looking forward to Torchwood and Cinderella, which he hasn't seen anything for yet.