A Tribute to Stephen Sondheim

The legendary Stephen Sondheim sadly passed away on Friday, November 26, 2021, at the age of 91. One of the most influential composers of all time, Sondheim was truly a legend in the theatre world.

A protégé of Oscar Hammerstein, Sondheim too grew to be an innovator, as well as a mentor himself. What he lacked in commercial hits he made up for in influence on theatre as a whole. He influenced countless composers, including Adam Guettal, Jonathan Larson and Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Without Stephen Sondheim, the landscape of theatre would be a vastly different place – and likely a worse one. Collaborators, peers and admirers have gathered to pay their respects.

“He was a giant, he was a genius, he was a legend, he was wickedly funny, he was wildly supportive but bluntly honest, and he was one of the wisest, toughest, most profound mentor/teachers I’ve ever known,” Audra McDonald told the New York Times. “I will miss him terribly.”

“Farewell Steve, the musical theatre giant of our times, an inspiration not just to two but to three generations. Your contribution to theatre will never be equalled,” Andrew Lloyd Webber said in a tweet.

“The last of the great Musical Comedy composers has died,” Patti LuPone, who is currently starring on Broadway in Company, tweeted. “Steve, I will never be a able to properly thank you for the lessons learned. You are the Gold Standard.”

“The theater has lost one of its greatest geniuses and the world has lost one of its greatest and most original writers. Sadly, there is now a giant in the sky,” Cameron Mackintosh said.

“We have lost the Shakespeare of musical theatre. He was the most generous collaborator with the greatest spirit. The joy of working with him was that he knew theatre could and should evolve with time. He was always open to the new. We dedicate this production of Company to his artistry and joy,” said Company director Marianne Elliott.

Company on Broadway dedicated a tribute to Sondheim at Friday night’s performance, which they shared on their Facebook page.

In celebration of Sondheim’s life and work, here are a few of his greatest pieces.

Our lives may be darker without him here, but his impact will remain for years. We are lucky to have lived at the same time as him. Sondheim will never be forgotten. May his memory be a blessing.

Also by Veronica Flesher:

No More 10 Out of 12s: The Group Fighting to Change Theatre

Broadway Extends Mask Mandate into 2022

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