All articles tagged with #stephen sondheim
The Library of Congress has acquired over 5,000 items from Stephen Sondheim, including manuscripts, sketches, and ephemera from his renowned musicals, providing valuable resources for researchers and inspiring future songwriters.
Jonathan Tunick, a prolific Broadway orchestrator and EGOT winner, is known for his work with composer Stephen Sondheim, having orchestrated nearly every Sondheim musical since 1970. Tunick's ability to transform compositions with his orchestrations has earned him praise from Sondheim and a Tony Award for his work on "Titanic." His contributions can be heard in various Sondheim musicals currently on New York stages, showcasing his talent in creating a signature sound that enhances the emotional depth of the music and lyrics.
David Hyde Pierce, who played Niles Crane in the original "Frasier" sitcom, explained in a recent interview that he didn't participate in the reboot because he was busy with other projects and wanted to explore different opportunities. Pierce is currently starring in the Max series "Julia" and has a role in a theater production featuring the last music written by Stephen Sondheim. He also felt that the new "Frasier" had moved on to a new world with new characters and didn't need his involvement.
Daniel Radcliffe, known for his role in the Harry Potter series, reveals his pre-show ritual for the Broadway musical "Merrily We Roll Along." The New Broadway Cast Recording of the show, featuring Radcliffe as Charley Kringas, Jonathan Groff as Franklin Shepard, and Lindsay Mendez as Mary Flynn, is set for release on January 12, 2024. The musical, directed by Maria Friedman, tells the story of the turbulent relationship between composer Franklin Shepard and his two lifelong friends. The recording includes iconic songs by Stephen Sondheim and is a revival of the original production.
MasterVoices, a nonprofit chorus known for mounting theatrical productions of rarely heard repertoire, showcased a concert staging of Stephen Sondheim's "The Frogs" at the Rose Theater. With a shoestring budget, the organization managed to attract top talent like Nathan Lane and put on a sold-out performance. However, the artistic director, Ted Sperling, expressed a desire for more funding to expand the number of performances, establish a permanent home, and support young professional singers. Despite the constraints, MasterVoices continues to impress with its range and ability to bring lesser-known works to the stage.
The cast of the musical "Here We Are" describes the show as crazy, compelling, and shocking during its opening night. The production, which is Stephen Sondheim's final musical, has been in development for a decade and is based on films by Luis Buñuel. The cast includes Steven Pasquale, Denis O'Hare, and Micaela Diamond, among others. The turquoise carpet at the event was a reference to the show, and the cast expressed relief and pride at completing the project. "Here We Are" will run until January 2024 at Off-Broadway's The Shed.
"Here We Are," the final musical by the late Stephen Sondheim, has assembled a dream cast and offers a delightful first act inspired by Luis Buñuel's surrealist films. However, the show, reportedly unfinished at the time of Sondheim's death, falls short in the second act with fragmented songs and a tedious denouement. Despite the talented cast and witty storytelling, "Here We Are" fails to fully satisfy as a complete musical, leaving audiences longing for more music and less philosophizing.
Reviews are in for "Here We Are," the final musical by Stephen Sondheim, which officially opened Off-Broadway on October 22. The two-act musical draws inspiration from Luis Buñuel-directed films and revolves around surreal dinner parties. Featuring a star-studded cast, the production has received mixed reviews from critics. Sondheim, who passed away in 2021, had sanctioned the staging of the musical before his death.
Daniel Radcliffe, Jonathan Groff, and Lindsay Mendez star in the musical "Merrily We Roll Along," which officially opens on October 10. Directed by Maria Friedman and featuring music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, the show follows the turbulent relationship between composer Franklin Shepard and his two lifelong friends. The cast celebrated their red-carpet Opening Night on October 8.
The Broadway revival of "Merrily We Roll Along" has extended its run by two months, with performances starting on September 19. Directed by Maria Friedman, the musical features Daniel Radcliffe, Jonathan Groff, and Lindsay Mendez in lead roles. The production received critical acclaim during its sold-out runs at New York Theatre Workshop, London's Menier Chocolate Factory, and the West End. "Merrily We Roll Along" tells the story of the turbulent relationship between composer Franklin Shepard and his two friends, Mary and Charley, and features celebrated songs by Stephen Sondheim.
Singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles talks about her experience playing the Baker's Wife in the Broadway revival of Into the Woods, which received six Tony nominations. She also reflects on her love for Waitress, the musical she wrote the songs for, and her anxiety and decision to take medication. Bareilles also discusses her role in the TV comedy Girls5Eva and the challenges of playing a popstar.
Annaleigh Ashford, a Tony-nominated actress, discusses her portrayal of Mrs. Lovett in the Broadway revival of "Sweeney Todd." Ashford describes the role as one of the best parts ever written in American musical theater and credits composer Stephen Sondheim for giving her clues to unlock the character's motivation. Ashford's portrayal of Mrs. Lovett has earned her critical acclaim and showcases her range as an actress, from giddy to wounded.
The new Broadway revival of Sweeney Todd has opened to critical acclaim, with a star-studded cast led by Josh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford. The production is the first Broadway revival to feature Jonathan Tunick's original orchestration since the 1979 original. The cast and creative team paid tribute to the late Stephen Sondheim, who wrote the music and lyrics for the show, and spoke about the show's relevance in today's world. On the red carpet, Playbill asked the cast what they would taste like as meat pies, drawing from the show's famous song "A Little Priest."
The Broadway revival of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, directed by Thomas Kail and starring Josh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford, is a prodigious theatrical event that aims for greatness and achieves it. The flawless 25-member cast, led by Groban and Ashford, makes the case that Sweeney just might be Sondheim’s greatest work. The set design, costumes, lighting, and sound design are impeccable, and the musical numbers rank among Sondheim’s greatest. The large cast is without a weak link, and the production is as particular as it is sweeping, and as captivating in sight as it is magnificent in sound.
Josh Groban takes on the role of Sweeney Todd in the Broadway revival of Stephen Sondheim's iconic musical, alongside co-star Annaleigh Ashford as Mrs. Lovett. Groban even took barber lessons to perfect his shaving skills for the role. The original 1979 production won eight Tonys and the new revival is directed by Thomas Kail, who also directed "Hamilton." The production went ahead despite Sondheim's passing, to honor him.