Stephen Sondheim is one of the most celebrated and influential composers and lyricists in the history of Broadway. His work has been praised for its wit, intelligence, and emotional depth, and he has won numerous awards, including eight Tony Awards, a Pulitzer Prize, and an Academy Award.
The Stephen Sondheim Casebook is a comprehensive analysis of Sondheim's work, exploring his major musicals from Company to Passion. The book features essays by leading scholars and critics, who examine Sondheim's music, lyrics, and dramatic structure. The Casebook also includes a detailed chronology of Sondheim's life and career, as well as a bibliography of his works.
Sondheim's Early Life and Career
Stephen Joshua Sondheim was born in New York City on March 22, 1930. His father was a clothing manufacturer, and his mother was a painter. Sondheim showed an early interest in music, and he began taking piano lessons at the age of six. He also wrote his first musical at the age of 10.
Sondheim attended Williams College, where he studied music and drama. After graduating from college, he moved to New York City and began working as a composer and lyricist for Broadway musicals. His first Broadway credit was Saturday Night, which opened in 1954.
Sondheim's Breakthrough
Sondheim's breakthrough came in 1962 with the musical A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. The musical was a critical and commercial success, and it won five Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Sondheim's next musical, Company, was also a critical and commercial success, and it won six Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
Sondheim continued to write successful musicals throughout the 1970s and 1980s, including Follies, Sweeney Todd, and Into the Woods. He also wrote the music and lyrics for the film Dick Tracy, which won an Academy Award for Best Original Song.
Sondheim's Later Work
In the 1990s and 2000s, Sondheim continued to write new musicals, including Passion, Bounce, and Road Show. He also wrote the music and lyrics for the film The Frogs, which was released in 2002.
Sondheim died in New York City on November 26, 2021, at the age of 91. He is survived by his husband, Jeffrey Scott Rohrback.
Sondheim's Legacy
Stephen Sondheim is one of the most important figures in the history of Broadway musical theater. His work has been praised for its wit, intelligence, and emotional depth, and he has inspired generations of composers and lyricists. Sondheim's legacy will continue to be felt for many years to come.
The Stephen Sondheim Casebook
The Stephen Sondheim Casebook is a comprehensive analysis of Sondheim's work, exploring his major musicals from Company to Passion. The book features essays by leading scholars and critics, who examine Sondheim's music, lyrics, and dramatic structure. The Casebook also includes a detailed chronology of Sondheim's life and career, as well as a bibliography of his works.
The Stephen Sondheim Casebook is an essential resource for anyone interested in the work of one of the most important figures in the history of Broadway musical theater.
