Meryl Streep, Christine Baranski and Audra McDonald booze in their bathrobes to celebrate Stephen Sondheim and it’s nothing less than iconic

Apr 27 2020
Written by Patrick Kelleher

Meryl Streep Christine Baranski Audra McDonald Stephen Sondheim

Meryl Streep, Christine Baranski and Audra McDonald performing “The Ladies Who Lunch” in celebration of Stephen Sondheim (YouTube)

Meryl Streep, Christine Baranski and Audra McDonald singing while boozing in their homes is, without doubt, the best thing to come out of coronavirus lockdown so far.

The three Broadway stars united digitally to celebrate gay musical theatre icon Stephen Sondheim’s 90th birthday.

Streep, Baranski and McDonald appeared in white bathrobes from their homes to deliver a stunning rendition of “The Ladies Who Lunch” from legendary musical Company.

Take Me to the World: A Sondheim 90th Birthday Celebration featured performances from Broadway icons such as Neil Patrick Harris and Patti LuPone, but “The Ladies Who Lunch” stole the show.

Meryl Streep, Christine Baranski and Audra McDonald singing and boozing in their bathrobes is a serious mood.

The incredible performance began with Baranski staring through what can only be described as an absolutely enormous wine glass.

“I’d like to propose a toast,” Baranski says as she fills her glass, before launching into the classic Sondheim number.

Each of the stars take on a section of the iconic song while cycling through alcohol at a rapid speed, and close out the track by wishing Sondheim a happy birthday.

The performance is an absolute tonic for the times we live in, and has united Twitter in its love for Streep, Baranski and McDonald.

oh god the power in this is so overwhelming im tearing up ?

audra mcdonald, christine baranski, maryl streep singing sondheim pic.twitter.com/gqxibA6Oqc

— Jenny Yang (@jennyyangtv) April 27, 2020

I. CANT. BREATHE!!!!! #Sondheim90Concert https://t.co/TlI3Q1Aych— Alice Fearn (@alice_fearn) April 27, 2020

I’ve never needed anything like I’ve needed this https://t.co/pBowHSCHPS— Phillip Alexander (@Pablo942000) April 27, 2020

The way Christine Baranski, Meryl Streep and Audra McDonald singlehandedly sum up the mood for 2020 in one song.#Sondheim90Concert pic.twitter.com/QISkjZfinN— Rike ✨ 24/7 thinking of Olivia Colman (@THEFAVOURITE_) April 27, 2020

The perfection aka Christine Baranski , Meryl Streep and Audra McDonald ladies and gentlemen #Sondheim90Concert pic.twitter.com/Tr9fAqOqaa

— Olivia Colman’s Blonde Hair (@streep_lover) April 27, 2020

when we begin to print history textbooks including COVID-19 please leave a spot for a screenshot of meryl streep, christine baranski and audra mcdonald singing ladies who lunch over a fucking ZOOM video call— sheeva (@sheevasmells) April 27, 2020

The rest of 2020 should be weekly content with Meryl Streep, Christine Baranski and Audra McDonald… they can get us through this difficult time pic.twitter.com/cTw2bRBAYa— Roland Scahill (@rolandscahill) April 27, 2020

We're living in a world where a single zoom call between Meryl Streep, Christine Baranski and Audra McDonald is easily the top contender for Best Revival of a Musical at the 2020 Tony Awards— JOY ? (@oharasemmy) April 27, 2020

GAY RIGHTS https://t.co/n7G72788Fn— comrade britney spears ? (@alexmziegler) April 27, 2020

“The Ladies Who Lunch” is one of the best known songs from Sondheim’s 1970 musical Company. The song was first performed by legendary Broadway actress Elaine Stritch, and went on to become one of her most famous performances.

The star-studded celebration of Stephen Sondheim helped raise funds for a good cause.

Sondheim actually turned 90 last month, but the world was a little preoccupied at the time with going into coronavirus lockdown and attempts to flatten the curve.

Since then, livestreams have become increasingly popular as a way to help keep people entertained through social distancing. They have also helped to raise much-needed funds for vital causes.

Last night’s Sondheim celebration helped raise funds for Artists Striving to End Poverty (ASTEP), an organisation that connects artists with underserved youth.