Friedman & Quast Upstage Each Other on Birthday???

Maria Friedman started previewing her latest concert show, Maria Friedman – Rearranged, last night (19 March) at the Menier Chocolate Factory where the production opens for a limited engagement next week. Not only did that make it a big day for Friedman – but it was also her birthday, which naturally brought about an impromptu strike-up of “Happy Birthday” by the 11-piece band!

You can’t really do much better than opening a new show on your birthday, but old friend and co-star Philip Quast, who starred with Friedman in Sunday in the Park With George at the National in 1990, was also sitting in the audience! Sources close to the production said that during the finale to act one, where Friedman performs a number from Sweeney Todd and gets a member of the audience to take part, she amusingly picked Quast out from the masses. They promptly proceeded to compete in upstaging each other!

Many Happy Returns from all at Whatsonstage.com, Maria!