How Sondheim Can Change Your Life

How Sondheim Can Change Your Life

By Richard Schoch

Pages

304

Rating

3.90

Year

2025

MusicArtSelf-HelpBiographyTheatre

Description

Stephen Sondheim died on November 26, 2021, but for countless fans around the world, he is “still here,” to quote one of his lyrics. With acclaimed revivals of his landmark shows occurring around the world and introducing new generations to the man who transformed American musical theater, Sondheim’s legacy has only grown.

How Sondheim Can Change Your Life makes the case that Sondheim’s greatness—beyond the clever lyrics and adventurous music—rests in his ability to tell stories that relate to us all. From Louise’s desire for freedom as Gypsy Rose Lee to Sweeney Todd’s thirst for revenge, we as an audience relate easily to Sondheim’s characters. His works understand us as much as we understand them.

How Sondheim Can Change Your Life is rich with stories about productions and iconic performers, deep readings of his music and lyrics, and insights into his creative process. But more than that, it reveals how Sondheim’s works can enrich our own lives.

An exploration of the powerful and universal lessons from the music and lyrics of Stephen Sondheim, the genius behind such musical theater masterworks as Company, West Side Story, and Into the Woods.

Endorsements

“Incisive…heartwarming” — The New York Times Book Review

“With clarity and accessibility” — Ben Brantley, former theater critic, The New York Times

How Sondheim Can Change Your Life by Richard Schoch - Bookist