Through the use of exclusive interview footage, audiences get an inside look at famed composer Stephen Sondheim’s personal life and artistic process. A starry ensemble of Broadway’s best will perform brand-new arrangements of over two dozen Sondheim tunes, ranging from the beloved to the obscure.
What Is the Story of Sondheim on Sondheim?
Strung together with songs both obscure and famous, Sondheim on Sondheim explores the life and creative process of its namesake composer, Stephen Sondheim, in the genius’ own words. Through the use of intimate interviews with its subject, the production shines new light on pieces of the artist’s autobiography, including his childhood, his relationship with mentor Oscar Hammerstein and stories of personal demons and professional triumphs. The show mostly focuses on his how he created the shows Broadway knows and loves today.
""Nothing quite tops other cast members sitting quietly on stage and listening to Barbara Cook sing 'Send in the Clowns.' Cook's exquisite rendition of Sondheim's best-known song demonstrates the essence of musical theater: an expert performer capturing the emotional truth found in a perfect blending of words and music.""
Associated Press
Michael Kuchwara
""Sondheim on Sondheim confirms enchantingly what we already know but can gladly bear such eloquent repeating of: that Sondheim is the best composer-lyricist we’ve got. To have it incarnated on Broadway by a cast headed by Barbara Cook, Vanessa Williams, Tom Wopat and five personable others leaves us, after two-and-a-half hours, only hungry for more.""
Bloomberg News
John Simon
"Engrossingly entertaining and thoroughly captivating. An enchanting, warm and provocative opportunity to hear not only Sondheim's songs but, literally, the master's voice."
Variety
Steven Suskin
"Revealing, fascinating, utterly charming."
Newsday
Linda Winer
"[A] funny, affectionate and revealing tribute."
USA Today
Elysa Gardner