Saturday, February 27, 2010
Stephen Sondheim reflects on his life in theater
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES: "It is an ordinary weekday in New York, and Stephen Sondheim, the man who reshaped the Broadway theater in the second half of the 20th century with such shows as 'Company,' 'Follies,' 'Sweeney Todd,' 'Sunday in the Park with George' and 'Into the Woods,' was not taking a stroll in the park."
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3 comments:
This article has a very melancholy note to it, and it is sad to see how Stephen Sondheim feels that his career is in it's dieing hours. As a man who contributed so much to the world of theater, and really added a level of sophistication to the musical theater, the idea that his work has ceased to be relevant is unsettling. It is wonderful that he has enjoyed so much success and such a long career, but there is also a certain amount of tragedy in seeing your work become part of history rather the current times. Henry Moore, the now household name, was once considered a revolutionary in sculpture, but now the artwork jokingly says that all public art commissions are really a call for "a Henry Moore on a base". Success can mean losing a sense of uniqueness, and makes fame somewhat bitter sweet.
I'm not sure how the rest of the world feels, but I think it's ridiculous to insinuate that Sondheim is now a part of history rather than the present times. True, his style of musical has in a way passed...it is not in touch with the rock musicals and modern shows coming out...nor are they rather large in spectacle, but they are so unique. You can always tell a Sondheim musical when you listen. And I agree with the article in that he really is a Shakespeare of sorts. I mean, Into The Woods has SO many relevant themes, and it's such a gorgeous show! Whether you like the music or not, you can't deny Sondheim musicals are unique in story in that they are so thought-provoking. Not in a brechtian way...they need to be. They're just really powerful in my opinion. Sondheim will never die, he will live forever :)
I enjoyed this article. Sondheim's musicals have truly touched history and I still think he has more to contribute. I agree with Sharisse, his work is distinctive and you can pick it out when listening. I didn't think it was a sad article. He won the lifetime achievement award but I think he is trying to say that he still has time to do more. It is amazing that he is going to be 80. I did not get to see the revival of company but the soundtrack is amazing. This is the second time I have heard about Sondheim on Sondheim and it sounds amazing. Hopefully I will be able to see it before it goes off.
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