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Meryl Streep: Sondheim at 90

My husband and I very much liked "The Ladies who Lunch."

A recap: This song is meant for one woman. But Audra et al. split up the duties. The first verse went to Christine Baranski--reasonably poised, with perfect hair and makeup. The second verse went to a more-beleaguered Meryl Streep--letting some of the rage show. The third verse went to Audra, who was like the ungoverned id--just full craziness, with wild hair and some drunken leering at the camera.

A smart move. Also, it was great to make Audra the punchline, since we tend not to focus on Audra's comedic chops. I always like surprise casting. (Another example would be the opposite trick: when a comedian gets to be dramatic. Ted Danson on "Damages." Kristen Wiig in "Skeleton Twins.")

I think Gemignani and Elizabeth Stanley were also stand-outs, and they're not getting the attention they deserve.

I could have done without Josh Groban and Lin-Manuel. (The less said.....)

And I'm desperate to know what happened with Kristin Chenoweth. She was supposed to be there, then she seemed to form conflicting plans. What were the plans? I can't tell you how many times I've Googled "Chenoweth's absence" in the past twenty-four hours....I'd pay some money to find an answer to my question.

One final part I enjoyed: Nathan Lane's naughtiness. People revere Sondheim--and that's good, because it means the performances are high-caliber--but the reverence can become tiresome. I really liked Nathan Lane rolling his eyes and saying, "Hmmmmm.....a star-studded tribute to Sondheim....This is *certainly* an original idea....."

'Till next time! Sondheim at 100......
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