Stephen Sondheim, a titan of Broadway, has died. He scored his first huge hit on the stage with West Facet Story, which he produced when was solely 27 years outdated. He would, subsequently, go on to redefine Broadway into the artwork type as we all know it as we speak. Sondheim was 91 years outdated on the time of his dying.
Stephen Sondheim: His dying was ‘sudden’
The New York Post was one of many first shops to verify the dying of Stephen Sondheim. In line with the outlet, the legendary songwriter’s dying was introduced by his lawyer and longtime pal, F. Richard Pappas. Pappas claims that Sondheim’s dying was “sudden,” and that he was having fun with the Thanksgiving festivities the night time earlier than.
Thank the Lord that Sondheim lived to be 91 years outdated so he had the time to put in writing such fantastic music and GREAT lyrics! Might he Relaxation In Peace pic.twitter.com/vshNSdkvpQ
— Barbra Streisand (@BarbraStreisand) November 26, 2021
A reason for dying has not been launched as of press time.
Nonetheless, Stephen Sondheim had two musicals which are presently having fun with a Broadway revival. The primary musical is Firm, which is being performed on the Bernard B. Jacobs Theater. And the second musical is Assassins, which is being carried out on the Basic Stage Firm.
A life redefining the Broadway stage
The Guardian spoke to Cameron Waterproof coat, a producer finest recognized for his productions like Cats, Les Misérables, and The Phantom of the Opera. He spoke effusively about Sondheim, whom he stated “redefined” the Broadway stage.
“The theater has lost one of its greatest geniuses and the world has lost one of its greatest and most original writers,” he stated to the outlet. “Sadly, there is now a giant in the sky. But the brilliance of Stephen Sondheim will still be here as his legendary songs and shows will be performed forevermore. Goodbye old friend and thank you from all of us.”
Along with Firm and West Facet Story, Sondheim was recognized for his performs together with Into the Woods, Sweeney Todd, and Gypsy. He’s credited with bringing a really “adult” taste to the Broadway stage, which was beforehand thought-about “safe” household leisure.
The theater world mourns a legend
When phrase of his dying hit the Web, there was no scarcity of tributes from the theater and superstar worlds. “He wrote me a wonderful permission letter to use “Old Friends” in American Gods,” wrote Neil Gaiman. “I avoided meeting him (failed only once) and refused dinner because I didn’t have many heroes. Now I’ve got one less. Thank you Stephen Sondheim so much.”
“Rest In Peace, and thank you for your vast contributions to musical theater,” wrote Miss Saigon star Lea Salonga. “We shall be singing your songs forever. Oh, my heart hurts…” And Uzo Aduba, the Orange Is the New Black star who’s presently starring in a Broadway play, additionally paid tribute to the theater titan. “Stephen Sondheim was the best there ever was. I don’t know when we will ever have another of his caliber, of his breadth and scope. Just the greatest, a legend, a true titan. Rest In Peace.”
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