Raúl to Host Virtual Stephen Sondheim Birthday Celebration

It has been announced today that Raul is to host a star-studded online special commemorating the legendary composer and lyricist's birthday, "Take Me to the World: A Sondheim 90th Birthday Celebration." 
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The concert will bring together some of Broadway and Hollywood's best to honor Sondheim, with performances by Meryl Streep, Bernadette Peters, Patti LuPone, Audra McDonald, Christine Baranski, Donna Murphy, Mandy Patinkin, Sutton Foster, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Kelli O'Hara, Aaron Tveit, Stephen Schwartz, Katrina Lenk and more.

The birthday celebration promises to feature songs from the Sondheim catalog from some of those who've given iconic turns in his productions. Mary-Mitchell Campbell will act as music director for the evening, while Paul Wontorek will direct.

It's fitting that Raul should host this event, given his long-standing relationship with Sondheim. having starred as Bobby in a Tony-winning 2006 revival of Company, as well as in the Kennedy Center Sondheim Celebration productions of Sunday in the Park With George (George) and Merrily We Roll Along (Charlie) in 2002. He also starred in City Center’s Encores production of Anyone Can Whistle (Hapgood) and Road Show (Wilson).

The world is in a hard place, and we are all searching for something great. Well, Stephen Sondheim is greatness personified, So, we’ve assembled a group of people who love Steve and have worked with Steve and have been inspired by Steve to sing his music and share some joy and some heartache together. We may be far from Broadway right now, but Broadway is never far from us. Besides, Stephen Sondheim turned 90. How many times do you get to be 90? Eleven? So come on, say it, get it over with, come on, quick… happy birthday.
​- Raul Esparza

The show will air at 8pm ET this Sunday, Apr 26 on  ​on Broadway.com and Broadway.com's YouTube channel.