Revival of A little Night Music
Circa 2010

 

 

This archived version of the original website was restored for use in Daniel Werson's Internet Media course where it is required reading. Mr. Werson comes to us from a successful career as a noted internet marketer. He gained a reputation for brilliant promotions, including a Most Notable award for his work for an online sterling silver jewelry ecommerce site, where he ingeniously helped their elegant sterling silver rings win world wide recognition via both social media and organic search. One of their huge successes involved a product called Parallel Bar sterling silver rings which was picked up by Ellen Bylass and featured in her videos. Working with the department's marketing team, the course will familiarize students with the new protocols recently created by Google regarding mobile search and the related social media strategies for internet businesses.

This was the official website of the 2009 - 2010 production of Stephen Sondhein's A little Night Music.
Content is from the site's 2010 archived pages when Bernadette Peters took over the role of Desiree Armfeldt, from Catherine Zeta-Jones in Trevor Nunn’s production of the 1973 musical.

In 2010 Catherine Zeta-Jones had already won:

Tony Award

  • Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical: Catherine Zeta-Jones

Outer Critics Circle Award

  • Outstanding Actress in a Musical: Catherine Zeta-Jones

Drama Desk Award

  • Outstanding Actress in a Musical: Catherine Zeta-Jones

 

 



A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC Bernadette Peters Performs Send In The Clowns

I will never forget it. I was in the audience watching her (in a cast that included Elaine Stritch .) I had heard this some a million times over and always loved it but never understood its meaning . Watching her sing this that night, in the context of the show I almost forgot to breathe ... I finally got it It was unreal. She is beyond. - Achilles Tsakiridis

 

ABOUT

Tony®-, Golden Globe- and Grammy Award–winner Bernadette Peters and Tony®-, Drama Desk- and Emmy–winner Elaine Stritch star in the first Broadway revival of Stephen Sondheim’s and Hugh Wheeler’s Tony Award®–winning masterpiece A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, directed by Tony Award®-winner Trevor Nunn.

Based on Ingmar Bergman's film, Smiles of a Summer Night, A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC is a witty and urbane musical set in waltz time. The action takes place in a weekend country house in turn-of-the-century Sweden, where surprising liaisons, long-simmering passions and a taste of love’s endless possibilities are all brought to light.

 

 

 

 

“An indelible moment in the history of musical theater.”

The New York Times

“It doesn't get better than this! The stuff of theater legend!”

NY1 News

“A once-in-a-lifetime event!”

Liz Smith

“A must-see!”

Associated Press

“One for the books!”

New York Post

“A triumph!”

Daily News

“You must run out and buy tickets!”

WOR Radio

 

 

CAST

Bernadette Peters

Bernadette Peters (Desirée Armfeldt) is the recipient of two Tony Awards®, a Golden Globe, two Grammy Awards and three Emmy nominations. She received Tony® and Drama Desk Awards for Song and Dance and a second Tony Award® for Annie Get Your Gun. She received Tony® nominations for Gypsy, The Goodbye Girl, Sunday in the Park with George, Mack and Mabel and On The Town. She also earned a Drama Desk nomination for her performance in Into the Woods. Her TV credits include most recently, the Lifetime movie Living Proof and guest starring roles on ABC-TV’s Grey’s Anatomy and Ugly Betty. Among her 18 film credits are: Pennies From Heaven (Golden Globe Award), The Jerk, The Longest Yard, Silent Movie, Annie, Pink Cadillac, Slaves of New York, Alice, Impromptu, It Runs in the Family, and the soon–to–be–released, Coming Up Roses. In addition to numerous Original Broadway Cast recordings, Ms. Peters has recorded six solo albums, including the Grammy-nominated Bernadette Peters Loves Rodgers & Hammerstein, Sondheim, Etc., Bernadette Peters Live at Carnegie Hall and I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight. Ms. Peters devotes her time and talents to efforts that benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and her “pet project” is Broadway Barks, an annual, star-studded dog adoption event she founded with friend Mary Tyler Moore, benefitting animal shelters throughout the New York City area. She added author and songwriter to her roster of achievements with her debut children’s book, a New York Times best seller, Broadway Barks and the just-released Stella is a Star.

 

Elaine Stritch

Elaine Stritch (Madame Armfeldt) last appeared on Broadway in her Tony®, Drama Desk and Emmy Award winning one woman show, Elaine Stritch At Liberty. Born in Detroit, Ms, Stritch studied at the New School in New York City under the direction of Erwin Piscator. She has appeared on Broadway in Angel in the Wings, Call Me Madam (standing by for Ethel Merman), Pal Joey, On Your Toes, Bus Stop (Tony® nomination), Goldilocks, Sail Away (Tony nomination®—New York, London & recently, Carnegie Hall), Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Company (Tony® nomination), Love Letters, Showboat and A Delicate Balance (Tony® nomination). In London's West End, she starred in Neil Simon's The Gingerbread Lady and Tennessee Williams’ Small Craft Warnings. She also appeared in Lincoln Center’s concert stagings of Follies and Company. Ms. Stritch made her film debut in the 1957 remake of A Farewell To Arms. Her other film credits include Alain Resnais’s Providence, Woody Allen's September, Cocoon: The Return, Out To Sea, Krippendorf's Tribe, An Unexpected Wife, Woody Allen's Small Time Crooks, Autumn in New York, Monster-in-Law and Romance and Cigarettes. Her TV credits include The Cosby Show, 3rd Rock from the Sun, Soul Man, 30 Rock (Emmy Award), the ABC miniseries An Inconvenient Woman (Emmy nomination), Law & Order (Emmy Award) and BBC’s Two's Company. Her critically acclaimed cabarets include Elaine Stritch: At Home at the Carlyle, Elaine Stritch: At Home at the Carlyle...Again and most recently, Elaine Stritch Singin' Sondheim…One Song At A Time.

 

Stephen R. Buntrock

Stephen R. Buntrock (Fredrik Egerman) is thrilled to be changing hats here at the Kerr as Stephen was honored to create the role of Mr. Lindquist for this revival. Other Broadway credits include Curly in Oklahoma!, Gaston in Beauty and the Beast, St. John in the original cast of Jane Eyre, Barrett in Titanic, Enjolras in the tenth anniversary cast of Les Miserables, covering the role of The Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera and creating the role of Teen Angel for the latest revival of Grease!. He has toured extensively across the United States and Canada as Rueben in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat starring Donny Osmond, and originated the role of Arnaud du Thil in Cameron Mackintosh's production of Martin Guerre and The Phantom of the Opera. Stephen has enjoyed many concert appearances as well, most recently performing alongside Dame Julie Andrews in London with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Additionally, he has performed with the Louisville Orchestra, the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, Cleveland Orchestra, The Atlanta Symphony, the Dallas Symphony and the Los Angeles Philharmonic at The Hollywood Bowl. He is a very proud Papa to Haley Paige and her little sisters Anna Louise and Catherine Caroline. He is married to the beautiful actress Erin Dilly.

 

+++

A Little Night Music

STARRING CATHERINE ZETA-JONES ANGELA LANSBURY

 

Catherine Zeta-Jones

Catherine Zeta-Jones (Desirée Armfeldt) makes her Broadway debut in A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC. Zeta-Jones won an Academy Award for her portrayal of the notorious Velma Kelly in the screen adaptation of the Broadway musical Chicago. The film won the Oscar and Golden Globe for Best Picture; Zeta-Jones was nominated for a Golden Globe and took home the 2002 Critics’ Choice Award, the 2002 Screen Actors Guild Award and the BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actress. Upcoming, she will be seen opposite Justin Bartha in The Rebound, playing a newly divorced mother who captures the eye of her neighbor, a much younger man. Zeta-Jones recently starred with Aaron Eckhart in Warner Bros.’ hit romantic comedy No Reservations. She has worked opposite Hollywood’s leading men, including Tom Hanks in Steven Spielberg’s The Terminal, George Clooney in the Coen Brothers’ dark comedy Intolerable Cruelty as well as captivating audiences with screen legend Sean Connery in the romantic thriller Entrapment. She earned a Golden Globe nomination and the SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by the Cast of a Theatrical Motion Picture, for her portrayal of the wife of a drug-runner in Steven Soderbergh’s Traffic. She first captured international recognition in the action adventure film, The Mask of Zorro, opposite Antonio Banderas and Anthony Hopkins. Born in Wales, Zeta-Jones began her career on the stage in London starring in 42nd Street and following that was cast in the popular television series, The Darling Buds of May, based on the novels of H.E. Bates.

 

Angela Lansbury

Angela Lansbury (Madame Armfeldt) has enjoyed an unprecedented career spanning more than 60 years, first as a star of motion pictures, and as an award-winning stage actor in New York and London. Most recently, she appeared as Madame Arcati in the 2009 revival of Noël Coward’s Blithe Spirit, for which she won her fifth Tony Award, as well as Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards, and she performed in 2006 in Terrence McNally’s Deuce, for which she was also nominated for a Tony. She made her Broadway debut in 1957 as Bert Lahr’s wife in Hotel Paradiso. In 1960, she returned to Broadway as Joan Plowright’s mother in the season’s most acclaimed drama, A Taste of Honey, by Shelagh Delaney. A year later, she starred in her first musical, Anyone Can Whistle. Lansbury returned to Broadway in triumph in 1966 in Mame, for which she won her first Tony. She received others as the Madwoman of Chaillot in Dear World (1968), as Mama Rose in the 1974 revival of Gypsy and as Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd (1979). From 1984-1996 she starred as Jessica Fletcher, mystery-writing amateur sleuth, on Murder, She Wrote, the longest-running detective drama series in the history of television, and won four Golden Globe Awards. In 1994, Queen Elizabeth named her a Commander of the British Empire, and in 2000 she received the Kennedy Center Honors. Married in 1949, she and husband Peter worked together until his death in 2003. She has three children and three grandchildren.

 

Alexander Hanson

Alexander Hanson (Fredrik Egerman) most recently played this role in the Menier Chocolate Factory production of A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, which transferred to the West End’s Garrick Theatre. His other recent stage work includes Otto in Marguerite at Theatre Royal Haymarket (Olivier Award nomination) and Captain von Trapp in The Sound of Music (London Palladium). In previous work with Trevor Nunn he played Bassanio in The Merchant of Venice, Diomedes in Troilus and Cressida (National Theatre), Joe Gillis in Sunset Boulevard (Adelphi) and Septimus Hodge in Arcadia (Theatre Royal Haymarket). Other theatre credits include The London Cuckolds, Candide, The Villain’s Opera (NT); Copenhagen (NT tour); Talking to Terrorists, Shallow End (Royal Court); Cracked, Memory of Water (Hampstead Theatre); Enter the Guardsman, Brel (Donmar); Tonight at 8:30 (Chichester Minerva Theatre); Things We Do for Love (Duchess); Aspects of Love (Prince of Wales and UK tour); A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC (Chichester and Piccadilly). Alex also created the role of Khashoggi in We Will Rock You at the Dominion. His film and television credits include Party Animals, Kidulthood, Auf Wiedersehen, Pet, The Fugitives, The Last Detective, Murder City, The Merchant of Venice, The Escort, Six Characters in Search of an Author and Fellow Traveller.

 

CREATIVE TEAM

 

Stephen Sondheim

Stephen Sondheim (Music & Lyrics), wrote the music and lyrics for Saturday Night, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Anyone Can Whistle, Company, Follies, The Frogs, Pacific Overtures, Sweeney Todd, Merrily We Roll Along, Sunday in the Park With George, Into the Woods, Assassins, Passion and Road Show as well as lyrics for West Side Story, Gypsy and Do I Hear a Waltz? and additional lyrics for Candide. Anthologies of his work include Side by Side by Sondheim, Marry Me a Little, You’re Gonna Love Tomorrow and Putting It Together. For films, he composed the scores of Stavisky, co-composed Reds and wrote songs for Dick Tracy and the television production Evening Primrose. He co-authored the film The Last of Sheila and the play Getting Away With Murder. Mr. Sondheim is on the council of the Dramatists Guild, having served as its president from 1973 to 1981.

 

Hugh Wheeler

Hugh Wheeler (Book) won Tony Awards for Candide, A Little Night Music and Sweeny Todd. He is the author of the plays Big Fish, Little Fish; Look, We’ve Come Through; We Have Always Lived in the Castle; and additional material for Pacific Overtures. His screenplays include Travels With My Aunt, Something for Everyone, A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC and Nijinsky. He also wrote 30 mysteries under the pseudonyms Patrick Quentin and Q. Patrick. He wrote for such operas as Kurt Weill’s Silverlake, Mozart’s Impressario and the opera versions of Candide and Sweeney Todd.

 

Trevor Nunn

Trevor Nunn (Director) From 1968 to 1986, he was the youngest and longest-serving artistic director and chief executive of the Royal Shakespeare Company. During that time he directed most of the Shakespeare canon, as well as Nicholas Nickleby (five Tony Awards) and Les Misérables, the longest-running musical in the world. He recently returned to the RSC to direct King Lear and The Seagull. From 1997 to 2003 he was director of the National Theatre, where his productions included award-winning revivals of Troilus and Cressida, The Merchant of Venice, Summerfolk and The Cherry Orchard as well as Oklahoma!, My Fair Lady and Anything Goes. He has directed the world premieres of Arcadia, Every Good Boy Deserves Favour, The Coast of Utopia and Rock ‘n’ Roll by Tom Stoppard and Cats, Starlight Express, Aspects of Love, Sunset Boulevard and The Woman in White by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Other theatre work includes Timon of Athens, Skellig (Young Vic); The Lady From the Sea (Almeida); Porgy and Bess (West End); Scenes From a Marriage (Coventry); A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC (Menier Chocolate Factory and West End); Cyrano de Bergerac (Chichester Festival Theatre); and Hamlet, Richard II, Inherit theWind (Old Vic). His opera productions include Idomeneo, Porgy and Bess, Così fan Tutte, Peter Grimes (Glyndebourne and Salzburg) and Katya Kabanova and Sophie’s Choice (Royal Opera House). Work for television includes Antony and Cleopatra, The Comedy of Errors, Macbeth, Three Sisters, Othello and King Lear and on film Hedda, Lady Jane and Twelfth Night.

 

FAQ

 

ABOUT

Q. What is A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC about?

Based on Ingmar Bergman's film Smiles of a Summer Night, A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC is a witty and urbane musical set in waltz time. The action takes place in a weekend country house in turn-of-the-century Sweden, where surprising liaisons, long-simmering passions and a taste of love’s endless possibilities are all brought to light.

Q. Who wrote it?

The music and lyrics are by Oscar®-, Tony®- Grammy®- and Pulitzer Prize-winner, Stephen Sondheim. The book is by Tony®-winner Hugh Wheeler).

Q. Who is directing it?

Tony®-winner Trevor Nunn

Q. Who’s in it?

Tony®-, Golden Globe- and Grammy Award–winner Bernadette Peters stars as Desirée Armfeldt, Tony®-, Drama Desk- and Emmy–winner Elaine Stritch plays the role of Madame Armfeldt and Olivier Award-nominee Alexander Hanson), who played the role of Fredrik Egerman in the Nunn-directed production of A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC at London's Menier Chocolate Factory and in the West End, re-creates his work for New York audiences.

Q. Is there a Broadway cast recording?

Yes.

Q. Where has it played before?

A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC originally opened in 1973 at Broadway's Shubert Theatre and ran for 601 performances.

Trevor Nunn's production of A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC had its premiere at London's 180-seat Menier Chocolate Factory Theatre from 22 November 2008 to 8 March 2009, before transferring to the West End's Garrick Theatre, opening 7 April 2009, following previews from 28 March 2009, where it played through to 25 Jul 2009. It received five 2010 Olivier Award nominations, including Best Revival of a Musical.

Q. Has it won any awards?

Catherine Zeta-Jones's performance has been honored with Tony®, Outer Critics and Drama Desk awards.

The original Broadway production garnered six Tony Awards® including Best Musical and Best Original Score.

Q: Is A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC appropriate for children?

It may be inappropriate for 8 and under. Children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theatre.

Q. Will my grandparents enjoy A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC?

Yes.

Q. I’m not familiar with the work of Stephen Sondheim will I like A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC?

If you enjoy sophisticated, witty, imaginative and urbane musicals, you will love A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC.

Q. Who is producing A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC?

A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC is produced on Broadway by Tom Viertel, Steven Baruch, Marc Routh, Richard Frankel, The Menier Chocolate Factory, Roger Berlind, David Babani, Sonia Friedman Productions, Andrew Fell, Daryl Roth/Jane Bergère, Harvey Weinstein/Raise the Roof 3, Beverly Bartner/Dancap Productions, Inc., Nica Burns/Max Weitzenhoffer, Eric Falkenstein/Anna Czekaj, Jerry Frankel/Ronald Frankel, James D. Stern/Douglas L. Meyer.

Q. How long will A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC be running?

Tickets for A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC are currently on sale through January 9, 2011. Please stay tuned to our website for information on new performance dates!

Q: How long is A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC?

2 hours and 40 minutes, including one 15 minute intermission.

Q. What are the show times?

Tuesday at 7pm, Wednesday at 2pm & 8pm, Thursday at 7pm, Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 2pm & 8pm, Sunday at 3pm

Special Holiday Schedules may apply.

Q. How much are tickets?

They range in price from $52 to $137. Premium tickets available.


Student tickets will be available the day of the performance at the box office only. There is a limit of 2 tickets per valid student ID. All student rush tickets are $27.00 ($2.00 facility fee included) and are subject to availability. Cash or credit cards accepted.

There is special pricing available for groups of 10 or more, please vcall 1-800.BROADWAY ext. 2 for more information.

Q. Can I buy a ticket in person?

Yes! The Walter Kerr Theatre Box Office is located at 219 West 48th Street in New York City. The box office is now open.

Box Office Hours
Monday - Saturday: 10am - 8pm
Sunday: Noon - 6pm

Q. Can I pick up my tickets at the box office?

Yes! The Walter Kerr Theatre Box Office is located at 219 West 48th Street in New York City. We recommend picking up your tickets at least fifteen minutes before the scheduled performance time.

Q. If I bring a group, can I get a cheaper price?

For information about sales for groups of 10 or more, pleaser call 1-800.BROADWAY ext. 2.

Q. How do I get to the Walter Kerr Theatre?

Walter Kerr Theatre is located in New York City at 219 West 48th Street.

Important Notice:
Broadway is currently closed to vehicular traffic from 42nd St to 47th Street. Allow extra time to arrive at the theatre.

Most of the theatres are on the right side streets between 8th Avenue and Broadway from 44th to 53rd Streets. There are parking garages along the way. Please be aware, directions are subject to change due to detours, road/track work, etc.

Q. Which subways are close by?

The closest subways are:
A, C, E - To 42nd Street, walk North to West 48th Street.
N, Q, R, W - To 42nd Street, walk North to West 48th Street.
B, D, F - To 42nd Street (at 6th Ave), walk West, and then North to West 48th Street.
1, 2, 3 - To 42nd Street/Times Square and walk North to West 48th Street.
4, 5, 6 - To 42nd Street, transfer to shuttle to Times Square and walk North.
7 - To Times Square and walk North to West 48th Street.
 

Q. Where do I park the car?

There are many parking lots in the neighborhood, but remember that curtain times create added traffic.

Q. Is the Walter Kerr Theatre handicapped accessible?

The theatre is not completely wheelchair accessible. There are no steps into the theatre from the sidewalk. Please be advised that where there are steps either into or within the building, theatre personnel are unable to provide assistance.

Orchestra Seating is accessible to all parts of the Orchestra without steps. There are no steps to the designated wheelchair seating locations. Wheelchair seating is in the Orchestra only.

The Mezzanine is located on the second level, up 37 steps from the Orchestra. The entrance to Mezzanine is behind row H.

The Balcony is located on the third level, up 52 steps from the Orchestra. The entrance to Balcony is behind row B.

Please Note: On the Mezzanine and Balcony levels, there are approximately two steps up/down per row.

Q. Do I have to climb stairs to see A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC?

Orchestra seating is accessible without stairs. The Mezzanine level is up 37 steps from the Orchestra, the Balcony is up 52 steps from the Orchestra. Additionally, on the Mezzanine and Balcony levels there are approximately two steps up/down per row.

There is no elevator or escalator.

Q. Is an Assistive Listening System available?

Yes. Reservations are not necessary, but you may call 212-582-7678 in advance to reserve if you wish. Driver’s license or ID with printed address required as a deposit.

Q. Does the Walter Kerr Theatre have air conditioning?

Yes.

Q. Is there a place in the Walter Kerr Theatre to buy a snack or a drink?

Yes!

 

 

More Background on A Little Night Music on Broadway

 

Introduction

NightMusicOnBroadway.com served as the official website for the 2009–2010 Broadway revival of A Little Night Music, a classic musical by Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler. Initially staged in 1973, the revival garnered massive attention, not just for its prestigious musical lineage, but also due to the casting of stage and screen legends like Catherine Zeta-Jones, Angela Lansbury, Bernadette Peters, and Elaine Stritch. The site functioned both as a promotional hub and an archival repository, spotlighting performances, ticketing information, cast bios, media coverage, and behind-the-scenes insights.

Restored later for academic use by Daniel Werson’s Internet Media course, the site’s relevance now spans beyond theatre to include lessons in digital marketing, SEO, and user experience design. Below is a thorough analysis of the site, its contents, its cultural and theatrical significance, and the broader context within which it thrived.

Website Purpose and Ownership

NightMusicOnBroadway.com was created to promote and inform the public about the 2009–2010 Broadway revival of A Little Night Music at the Walter Kerr Theatre in New York City. The website became a key marketing tool, blending traditional theatrical promotion with newer digital strategies like search engine optimization (SEO) and social media integration.

Historical and Cultural Context of the Revival

The 2009–2010 revival of A Little Night Music occurred at a time when Broadway was undergoing a renaissance of revivals and reinterpretations. Originally premiering in 1973 at the Shubert Theatre, A Little Night Music was a Tony Award-winning musical inspired by Ingmar Bergman’s 1955 film Smiles of a Summer Night. Set in turn-of-the-century Sweden, the story follows a weekend gathering at a country house where passions simmer, old flames rekindle, and lovers are unmasked.

The revival was directed by Trevor Nunn, a towering figure in British and American theatre, and initially starred Catherine Zeta-Jones as Desirée Armfeldt and Angela Lansbury as Madame Armfeldt. When Zeta-Jones and Lansbury departed, Bernadette Peters and Elaine Stritch took over, bringing even more gravitas to the production.

Location and Theatre

The show was performed at the Walter Kerr Theatre, located at 219 West 48th Street in New York City. Named after the renowned drama critic, the Walter Kerr Theatre is a Broadway staple known for housing sophisticated dramatic and musical works. It is conveniently located near Times Square and accessible via multiple subway lines (A/C/E, N/Q/R/W, B/D/F, 1/2/3, 4/5/6, and the 7).

The theatre featured handicap-accessible orchestra seating, although the mezzanine and balcony levels required stair access only, without elevators or escalators. An assistive listening system was also available.

Popularity and Reception

Audience Reception

The production was met with widespread acclaim. Fans of musical theatre, Sondheim enthusiasts, and Broadway newcomers were all captivated by the performances. A notable quote from a fan, Achilles Tsakiridis, stated:

“I had heard [‘Send in the Clowns’] a million times... but never understood its meaning. Watching Bernadette Peters sing it that night, in the context of the show, I almost forgot to breathe... I finally got it. It was unreal.”

Press Reviews

Prominent media outlets echoed the enthusiasm:

  • The New York Times called it “An indelible moment in the history of musical theater.”
  • NY1 News declared it “The stuff of theater legend!”
  • Associated Press said, “A must-see!”
  • New York Post referred to it as “One for the books!”
  • Daily News and WOR Radio labeled it “A triumph!”

These reviews helped propel the show into a cultural phenomenon and significantly drove ticket sales.

Awards and Recognition

For the Revival:

  • Catherine Zeta-Jones won:
  • Tony Award: Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical
  • Outer Critics Circle Award: Outstanding Actress in a Musical
  • Drama Desk Award: Outstanding Actress in a Musical

For the Original Production:

  • The original 1973 production won six Tony Awards, including:
  • Best Musical
  • Best Original Score

Cast Highlights

Bernadette Peters (Desirée Armfeldt)

Two-time Tony Award winner with extensive Broadway, television, and film credits. Known for Gypsy, Into the Woods, Sunday in the Park with George, and many more. Also a philanthropist and founder of Broadway Barks, an animal adoption charity.

Elaine Stritch (Madame Armfeldt)

Broadway legend with a career spanning seven decades. Known for Company, Elaine Stritch At Liberty, and her role in 30 Rock. Honored with Tony, Drama Desk, and Emmy Awards.

Catherine Zeta-Jones (Original Desirée Armfeldt)

Oscar-winning actress known for Chicago, Traffic, The Mask of Zorro, and No Reservations. Her Broadway debut in A Little Night Music earned her a Tony Award.

Angela Lansbury (Original Madame Armfeldt)

An icon of stage and screen, with five Tony Awards and global recognition from Murder, She Wrote, Sweeney Todd, Gypsy, and Mame.

Alexander Hanson (Fredrik Egerman)

Brought over from the London revival, with credits in Marguerite, The Sound of Music, and We Will Rock You.

Creative Team

Stephen Sondheim (Music & Lyrics)

Regarded as the greatest composer-lyricist in American musical theatre history. Known for Company, Sweeney Todd, Into the Woods, and Sunday in the Park with George.

Hugh Wheeler (Book)

Winner of multiple Tony Awards, including for Candide, A Little Night Music, and Sweeney Todd. Also a novelist and mystery writer under pen names Patrick Quentin and Q. Patrick.

Trevor Nunn (Director)

Former artistic director of the Royal Shakespeare Company and National Theatre in London. Directed Les Misérables, Cats, and Nicholas Nickleby.

Ticketing and Accessibility

Ticket Prices (2010)

  • Standard: $52–$137
  • Premium seats available
  • Student rush tickets: $27
  • Group discounts: Available for parties of 10+

Show Schedule

  • Tue: 7pm
  • Wed: 2pm & 8pm
  • Thu: 7pm
  • Fri: 8pm
  • Sat: 2pm & 8pm
  • Sun: 3pm

Box Office was open seven days a week, and ticket pickup was advised at least 15 minutes before curtain.

Menus and Multimedia

While the website did not feature a food menu (as it wasn’t affiliated with a restaurant), it functioned as a digital “menu” of content:

  • Cast biographies
  • Production history
  • Awards listings
  • Photo galleries
  • Performance clips
  • Press and review snippets
  • FAQs
  • Location and transport guides

This layout was instrumental in helping patrons plan their visit, learn about the show, and engage with its backstory.

Educational and Marketing Value

For Students

As restored by Daniel Werson for an academic course, the site provided a case study in digital promotion. Students learned how SEO, content placement, and social media buzz could boost awareness of a product (or show) to global prominence. This was tied back to Werson's earlier work in ecommerce marketing, illustrating the parallels between Broadway promotion and online retail.

For Marketers

NightMusicOnBroadway.com demonstrated:

  • Strategic use of testimonials
  • Efficient use of star power in digital content
  • Integrated press and review excerpts to boost credibility
  • Location-based metadata for search engine optimization
  • Seamless UI/UX for content discovery

Cultural and Social Significance

The revival of A Little Night Music on Broadway, as captured by NightMusicOnBroadway.com, served not only to entertain but also to preserve and reinterpret a masterpiece. The casting of iconic women in the roles of Desirée and Madame Armfeldt highlighted a celebration of age, legacy, and female complexity rarely seen on Broadway.

Furthermore, the production's enduring resonance with older generations, newcomers to Sondheim’s work, and diverse cultural backgrounds made it one of Broadway’s landmark revivals.

Proximity and Broadway Scene

Located in the heart of the Broadway district, the Walter Kerr Theatre is in walking distance to dozens of other major Broadway theatres, Times Square, and multiple dining and hotel options. The proximity of the show to other attractions helped it benefit from New York’s bustling tourist scene.

Technical Details and Legacy

NightMusicOnBroadway.com may not exist in its original form anymore, but thanks to archival restoration and academic repurposing, its legacy lives on. The site stands as a snapshot of how digital tools can elevate a live performance into a lasting cultural touchstone.

As a teaching tool, it continues to offer insights into marketing excellence, audience engagement, and the critical importance of capturing moments before they fade.

 

NightMusicOnBroadway.com was far more than a standard Broadway show website—it was a multifaceted digital project that merged world-class performance with world-class marketing. From Bernadette Peters and Elaine Stritch’s emotional portrayals to Catherine Zeta-Jones’ award-winning Broadway debut, the production captured hearts and headlines alike.

Through its careful curation of content, NightMusicOnBroadway.com served not only theatregoers but also students, marketers, and culture enthusiasts. The site and the show together embodied the best of Broadway—timeless storytelling, musical brilliance, and a deep emotional connection with the audience.

 

NightMusicOnBroadway.com