A Little Night Musical | A-

If there was ever a moment to witness performances by true Broadway royalty, now would be the time. Starring in A Little Night Music through Jan. 9, Bernadette Peters and Elaine Stritch bring theatrical mastery to the stage.

Stephen Sondheim's work follows Fredrik, a middle-aged lawyer, who is in constant search for sex and love. Married to a young trophy wife who will not sleep with him, Fredrik's eyes are led to an old fling, the actress Desirée Armfeldt. Though both are romantically attached, she invites Fredrik to a country chateau for the weekend where their love for one another blossoms.

Bernadette Peters (Into the Woods) may have an atypical Broadway voice, but it does not hinder the musically-brilliant show. Her performance as Desirée brings vitality to Sondheim's aging beauty. Earlier during the run of A Little Night Music, the role was filled by Catherine Zeta-Jones. However, it is clear that Peters gives a far more sincere and polished interpretation than Zeta-Jones, whose televised performance at the Tony Awards was reminiscent of a heavily drugged mental patient. Peters' gritty voice and honest unraveling of emotions rejuvenate "Send in the Clowns," a song which has experienced numerous renditions by other well-known performers over the years.

Elaine Stritch (Company) portrays Madame Armfeldt much differently from predecessor Angela Lansbury or any others for that matter. Stritch, best known for her comedic timing, adds a raw and cynical humor to the role. Her performance of "Liaisons" may not have been vocally perfect, but it didn't need to be. She found the arcs of the song, and made it a hit among audience members. At 84 years old, Stritch has still got it.

While the talents of other performers are easily overshadowed by the celebrity status of Peters and Stritch, they shouldn't be. Their vocal abilities illuminate Sondheim's intricate and lovely score. Stephen Buntrock (Fredrik) sings with charm and ease, as Leigh Ann Larkin (Petra) enchants in her role as the maid who attempts to seduce Frederik's teenage son. Bradley Dean and Erin Davie (The Count and Countess Malcolm) blend their beautiful voices with seamless comedic timing.

Simply put, A Little Night Music is a dazzling piece of classic musical theater. Those who love Sondheim will leave feeling completely satiated. It isn't often that such theatrical talent is present onstage, and it is pleasurable to watch Peters and Stritch contribute to the magic that unfolds at the Walter Kerr Theatre.