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God, That’s Good!
Stephen Sondheim, creator of the redefined Broadway musical, turns 80
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Upon the first hearing, it is hard for many to believe “Comedy Tonight” and “A Little Priest” were both written by the same man. Putting the difference in sound aside, this man went from rhyming “gaudy” with “everybawdy” to “priest” with “deceased.” Stephen Sondheim has had a career in musical theatre spanning over 50 years, going on to include complications in music unknown to musical theatre. Pulling from his classical training as well as his work with Oscar Hammerstein, Sondheim brings a completely original need for music in a show. With Sondheim, the Broadway musical was no longer considered to be simply frivolous; it became a means of expressing themes and issues in a compelling way. On March 22, this eight-time Tony Award-winner turned 80.
Besides receiving a Broadway theatre to be named after him as a gift, many Sondheim birthday celebrations will take place. Specifically, on Monday April 26, the New York City Center will present its “Sondheim Birthday Celebration.” Directed by Tony Award-winner John Doyle, performers include Tom Aldredge, Len Cariou, Michael Cerveris, Claybourne Elder, Raúl Esparza, Sutton Foster, Alexander Gemignani, Joanna Gleason, Alexander Hanson, Mark Jacoby, Nathan Lane, Angela Lansbury, Debra Monk, Donna Murphy, Michele Pawk, Bernadette Peters, Jim Walton, B.D. Wong, Catherine Zeta Jones, and Chip Zien.
In truth, Stephen Sondheim is not just a composer and lyricist, but a human being. Throughout his life, he has grown up in the theatre before the eyes of the audience to realize what is truly important in a show. As evident through his life work, he is a living Broadway legend; one that continues to grow today to bring originality to the Broadway stage. There is no doubt this event will prove Sondheim knows about “Being Alive.” For more information about this specific celebration and how to get tickets to this one-time event, visit www.nycitycenter.org.