Stephen Sondheim was hailed as one of the most influential and innovative voices in history of American musical theater by friends and fans following the composer’s death Friday at the age of 91.
Sondheim was known for his musically challenging work, his creative storytelling, and his unique approach in crafting stage musicals.
Barbra Streisand quickly commented on social media about her appreciation of the composer behind Broadway’s landmarks. “Company,” “Sweeney Todd,” “Follies,” “A Little Night Music,” “Sunday in the Park With George,” “Merrily We Roll Along,” “Into the Wood” “Assassins.”
“Thank the Lord that Sondheim lived to be 91 years old so he had time to write such wonderful music and GREAT lyrics,”Streisand posted on Twitter.
We are thankful that Sondheim lived until 91 to have the opportunity to create such beautiful music and great lyrics. May he Rest In Peace🥲🎵 🎶🎵 pic.twitter.com/vshNSdkvpQ
— Barbra Streisand (@BarbraStreisand) November 26, 2021
Elaine Paige was a Broadway performer who collaborated with Sondheim. “Follies” “Sweeney Todd,”He was called a “dear man” “one of the most important musical theater giants of his generation.”
It was a shock to hear the music of one of the greatest musical theatre artists of our time. #StephenSondheim, has been taken to heaven. I was privileged to have appeared in two of his shows. @FolliesBroadway & Sweeney Todd, & also have a song co-written by him for my 50th Anniversary. RIP dear man pic.twitter.com/1u8RURvcix
— Elaine Paige (@elaine_paige) November 26, 2021
Josh Gad, the star of “The Book of Mormon,”He was in agreement with the Broadway stars.
“Thank you Mr. Sondheim for your Demon Barber, some Night Music, a Sunday in the Park, Company, fun at a Forum, a trip Into the Woods and telling us a West Side Story,”Gad wrote.
Theater has lost a unique voice perhaps not since April 23rd, 1616. We thank you, Mr. Sondheim, a Demon Barber and some Night Music. RIP. 🙏 https://t.co/jHX7ob9JWv
— Josh Gad (@joshgad) November 26, 2021
Lea Salonga was a Broadway veteran who participated in a tribute to Sondheim’s 90th birthday last year. She said: “We shall be singing your songs forever.”
Stephen Sondheim: Rest in Peace. Thank you for all your contributions to musical theater. Your songs will be sung forever. Oh, my heart hurts…
— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) November 26, 2021
Tony-winner Idina Mezel agreed with that sentiment. “We will spend our lives trying to make you proud.”
Goodbye dear sir. We will continue to strive to make your proud. #stephensondheim
— Idina Menzel (@idinamenzel) November 26, 2021
Fellow composer Benjamin Scheuer offered an example of Sondheim’s famous generosity to up-and-coming tunesmiths. He tweeted a photo from Sondheim of a short, typewritten letter complimenting Scheuer’s 2015 production “The Lion.”
“Never did I expect this letter, which arrived in my dressing room the next day,”Scheuer wrote.
One of the most memorable moments in my career was performing THE LION in the audience with Stephen Sondheim. This letter arrived in my dressing area the next day, something I didn’t expect. What extraordinary kindness & generosity. Stephen, we salute you. Thank you for the songs. pic.twitter.com/vX2fXCJlti
— Benjamin Scheuer (@BenjaminScheuer) November 26, 2021
There are more to come