Stephen Sondheim died in Roxbury Connecticut on Friday, at the age of 91. Sondheim was a legendary lyricist, composer and actor. He was also known for his work in musical theatre such as West Side Story, Into the WoodsAnd Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. After his death, it became evident how profoundly he had impacted the lives of so many in Hollywood and Broadway. Many took the time to pay tribute and remember his life and work.
Stephen Sondheim’s career really got going in the late 50s when his first musical to hit Broadway, West Side StoryWhen he was just 27, he opened the theatre. Sondheim wrote a number of musicals over the years that are still being revived and adapted today, and for many decades to come. Lin-Manuel Miranda took to TwitterTo remember the composer or lyricist.
Future historians will be able to see that Stephen Sondheim was a real person. Yes, he wrote Tony & Maria AND Sweeney Todd AND Bobby AND George & Dot AND Fosca AND countless more. Some may theorize Shakespeare’s works were by committee but Steve was real & he was here & he laughed SO loud at shows & we loved himNovember 27, 2021
Lin-Manuel Miranda met Stephen Sondheim when he approached Miranda for help adapting. West Side StoryFor a Broadway revival in 2009, the play was translated into Spanish. Additionally, Sondheim was portrayed by Bradley Whitford in Miranda’s recently released directorial debut, Tick, Tick… Boom! Sondheim’s actual voice can be heard at the end of the movie during a voicemail to RentJonathan Larson was a mentor and supporter of the composer before his great success.
Barbra Strreisand, who recorded eight songs by him in 1985 The Broadway AlbumShe also shared her love of the late composer. In her words:
We are thankful that Sondheim lived until he was 91 so he could write wonderful music and great lyrics. May he Rest In Peace🥲🎵 🎶🎵 pic.twitter.com/vshNSdkvpQNovember 26, 2021
Hollywood star Jake Gyllenhaal shared a picture on Instagram of Sondheim during the time he worked with him in order to revive his musical. A Sunday in The Park with GeorgeBack in 2017. He claimed he was back in 2017. “grateful”To have worked with them “master and maestro of American musical theater”It was:
Anna Kendrick, who was the star in the movie adaptations of his musical In The WoodsIn 2014, she shared her thoughts on his passing as Cinderella. While she admitted that it was hard to sing his songs, she says it was an amazing experience. “among the greatest privileges”Her career.
Just a few nights back, I was discussing with someone how much fun (and difficult) it is singing Stephen Sondheim. One of the greatest privileges of mine was performing his work. A devastating loss.November 26, 2021
Alan Menken, a prolific composer who is also well-known for his work in Disney movies, like The Little Mermaid, Aladdin And Beauty and the BeastAlso, he paid tribute to his colleague. These were his words:
We now live in a world that doesn’t have Stephen Sondheim. It creates such a gap. Yet, he will always remain with us through his amazing and unsurpassed music and lyrics. A legacy that will last a lifetime.November 27, 2021
Strangely enough, news of Sondheim’s death comes right as Steven Spielberg’s West Side StoryThe movie will be released in theaters next month. Ariana deBose, who plays Anita in this movie, was part of the HamiltonThis is the original cast’s statement:
I feel lost. This feels like the end of an age. He set the American musical standard. Rest easy, sir. #StephenSondheimNovember 26, 2021
Rachel Zegler, who will also be introduced at the upcoming West Side StoryMaria shared her personal experience and thoughts with Stephen Sondheim in this touching tweet
stephen sondheim once told me that he listened to everything people sent him: their motifs, their experimental ballads, their possible eleven o’clock numbers. that was the kind of artist he was— a master at his craft yet still learning from those he inspired. ❤️November 27, 2021
It’s safe to say every generation has been touched by Stephen Sondheim throughout his long-running career and as we remember his memory, he’ll live on through his incredible work. Listen to his lyrics on the big-screen. West Side StoryDecember 10: In theaters