A journey through a selection of highlights from Sondheim's body of work.
1955-1970: Early Work
West Side Story
1956
West Side Story is a musical classic by Leonard Bernstein, widely regarded as one of the greatest musicals of all time. Sondheim, at just 27 years old, wrote the lyrics.
The show is a New York musical adaptation of Romeo & Julia, where two youth gangs are pitted against each other, making the love between the main characters impossible.
In “Something’s Coming” one of Sondheim’s innovations in musical theater already becomes apparent: the lyrics reflect the character’s own way of speaking.
Will it be? Yes it will.
Maybe just by
holding still.
It’ll be there.
Gypsy, a musical fable
1959
Gypsy stands as a pinnacle of the classic musical era from the 1940s to the 1960s, featuring lyrics by Sondheim.
At the heart of the story is Rose, the ultimate stage mother, determined to fulfill her dreams through her children.
When Rose’s daughter June leaves her, she shifts her ambitions to her other daughter, Louise, in the iconic “Everything’s Coming Up Roses”— a song that went on to coin a famous English expression.
You either have it –
Or you’ve had it.
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
1962
A Funny Thing is a musical farce set in ancient Rome and marked Sondheim’s Broadway debut as both composer and lyricist. The show was a success, winning six Tony Awards and inspiring a film adaptation.
The story centers on the cunning slave Pseudolus, who tries to win his freedom by helping his master pursue the lovely slave Philia.
“Comedy Tonight” is the show’s opening number.
Nothing with gods.
Nothing with fate.
Weighty affairs will just have to wait!
1970-1981: Collaboration with Hal Prince
Company
1970
The beloved and groundbreaking musical Company is considered a landmark in musical theater history.
The show revolves around a bachelor’s romantic relationships, his friends, and his search for emotional connection.
With Company , Stephen Sondheim introduced meaningful musical theater that explores adult themes, raises ethical questions, and offers intellectual challenge.
Marry me a little.
Love me just enough.
Follies
1971
The cult classic Follies is an unconventional, nostalgic exploration of youthful dreams and the realities of aging. When it premiered in 1971, Follies received mixed reviews, but the show went on to win seven Tony Awards, produce a series of Broadway classics, and has seen numerous revivals.
Set against the backdrop of a reunion of former showgirls in a crumbling Broadway theater, Follies explores themes of dreams and illusions, success and disappointment, nostalgia and reality.
“I’m still here” is one of the show’s most famous songs, performed here by 85-year-old Sondheim veteran Elaine Stritch.
The Ben I’ll never be,
who remembers him?
A Little Night Music
1973
A Little Night Music is a lighthearted, operetta-like comedy featuring nuanced characters.. Sondheim created a musical backdrop of waltzes. Upon its premiere in 1973, A Little Night Music was met with enthusiasm from both critics and audiences.
The musical centers on the romantic entanglements of several wealthy couples during a weekend in the Swedish countryside around 1900.
The show also features Sondheim’s most famous song: “Send in the Clowns“.
Quick, send in
the clowns.
Don’t bother,
they’re here.
Pacific Overtures
1976
Pacific Overtures is a unique, ambitious, and immersive journey into 19th-century Japan. The musical received ten Tony nominations.
Based on historical events beginning in 1853, the story follows the end of Japan’s isolation under pressure from Western forces.
“Someone in a Tree” is a song Sondheim considers a favorite. In it, eyewitnesses recount, decades later, a historic meeting between the Americans and the Japanese.
The realities
remain remote,
in the middle
of the sea.
Sweeney Todd: the Demon Barber of Fleet Street
1979
The horror comedy Sweeney Todd is not only one of Sondheim’s greatest popular successes but also features some of the most acclaimed music of his career. The show is considered one of the best musicals of the twentieth century.
The story follows a barber who, driven by revenge, murders his clients and has them baked into pies.
In “Pretty Women”, Sweeney's main target, Judge Turpin, sits unsuspectingly in his barber chair.
To seek revenge may lead to hell,
but everyone does it and seldom as well.
Merrily We Roll Along
1981
Merrily We Roll Along started out as a flop, then became a cult classic, and in 2023 finally achieved major success on Broadway.
Merrily We Roll Along centers on successful filmmaker Frank and his old friends Charley and Mary, who once tried to make it in the arts together. The show unfolds in reverse order—from 1981 back to 1957—revealing how youthful enthusiasm, ambition, and friendship gradually gave way to sadness, estrangement, and disappointment.
“Opening Doors”, towards the end of the show, reflects back on how it all began.
I don’t know who
we are anymore.
And I’m starting
not to care.
1984-2008: Collaboration with James Lapine
and John Weidman
Sunday in the Park with George
1984
Sunday in the Park with George is an introspective, emotionally profound work about inspiration, creativity, art, and the legacy of a life. This moving, artistic masterpiece received 10 Tony nominations and won the Pulitzer Prize..
At the center of the story are Georges Seurat and his pointillist painting Un dimanche après-midi à l’Île de la Grande Jatte. The story spans two acts and crosses over a century, linking the struggles and sacrifices of the artist with those of his great-grandson.
“Sunday in the Park with George” and “Move On” are the first and last songs of the musical, performed here back-to-back.
Anything you do,
let it come from you,
then it will be new.
Give us more to see.
Into the Woods
1987
Into the Woods is one of Sondheim’s most popular musicals. The familiar, one-dimensional fairy tale characters we know are reimagined here as complex individuals who must confront life’s difficult truths.
The story follows a baker and his wife as they attempt to lift a curse placed on them by a witch. Along the way, they cross paths with Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, Jack, and Rapunzel. At first, everyone’s wishes come true—but soon, they must face the consequences.
In “Last Midnight” the Witch confronts the small group of survivors, challenging them to acknowledge their own part in everything that has happened.
And to get
what you wish,
only just for a moment –
these are dangerous woods!
Assassins
1990
The provocative show Assassins is a musical journey through time, focusing on nine historical figures who attempted or succeeded in assassinating American presidents. This intense, funny, and tragic show sheds light on the limits and darker sides of the “American Dream.”
The musical is often performed in smaller productions and has only had one Broadway run, in 2004, which won five Tony Awards.
“The Ballad of Booth” explores the motivations of John Wilkes Booth, the man who assassinated Lincoln.
There’s another national anthem, folks,
for those
who never win.
Passion
1994
Passion brings beautiful music, psychological depth, and explores the nature of love in a way that inevitably evokes a strong reaction from the audience. Passion was warmly received by critics and won four Tony Awards, but it often remains misunderstood by a wider audience.
The story follows Captain Giorgio in 1836 Italy. Giorgio is in a passionate relationship with Clara, but at a remote military post, he encounters the sickly, unattractive Fosca, who relentlessly tries to win his affection.
In “Loving You” Fosca responds to Giorgio’s request for her to let him go.
Loving you
is not a choice.
It’s who I am.
