Stephen Sondheim, the songwriter who reshaped the American musical theater in the second half of the 20th century with his intelligent, intricately rhymed lyrics, his use of evocative melodies and his willingness to tackle unusual subjects, has died. He was 91.
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Sondheim's death was announced by Rick Miramontez, president of DKC/O&M. Sondheim's Texas-based attorney, Rick Pappas, told The New York Times the composer died Friday at his home in Roxbury, Connecticut.
Sondheim influenced several generations of theater songwriters, particularly with such landmark musicals as Company, Follies. and Sweeney Todd, which are considered among his best work. His most famous ballad, Send in the Clowns, has been recorded hundreds of times, including by Frank Sinatra and Judy Collins.
Six of Sondheim's musicals won Tony Awards for best score, and he also received a Pulitzer Prize (Sunday in the Park), an Academy Award (for the song Sooner or Later from the film Dick Tracy), five Olivier Awards, and the Presidential Medal of Honor. In 2008, he received a Tony Award for lifetime achievement.
Sondheim's music and lyrics gave his shows a dark, dramatic edge, whereas, before him, the dominant tone of musicals was frothy and comic. He was sometimes criticized as a composer of unhummable songs, a badge that didn't bother Sondheim.
Tributes quickly flooded social media as performers and writers alike saluted a giant of the theater.
"The theater has lost one of its greatest geniuses and the world has lost one of its greatest and most original writers. Sadly, there is now a giant in the sky," producer Cameron Mackintosh wrote in a tribute. Music supervisor, arranger and orchestrator Alex Lacamoire tweeted: "For those of us who love new musical theater: we live in a world that Sondheim built."
Thank the Lord that Sondheim lived to be 91 years old so he had the time to write such wonderful music and GREAT lyrics! May he Rest In Peace🥲🎵 🎶🎵 pic.twitter.com/vshNSdkvpQ
— Barbra Streisand (@BarbraStreisand) November 26, 2021
"Rest In Peace, Stephen Sondheim, and thank you for your vast contributions to musical theater. We shall be singing your songs forever. Oh, my heart hurts…" singer and actor Lea Salonga tweeted.
"There are no words I can find for this loss. He would know what to say. Rest well, dearest Steve," singer and actor Laura Benanti poted on Instagram.
"Thank the Lord that Sondheim lived to be 91 years old so he had the time to write such wonderful music and GREAT lyrics! May he Rest In Peace." — singer, iconic singer Barbra Streisand tweeted..
"He influenced all of us, whether we knew it or not. Rest In Peace. You were a gift to this world." — actor and singer Kristin Chenoweth, via Twitter.
He influenced all of us, whether we knew it or not. Rest In Peace. You were a gift to this world ♥️ #Sondheim pic.twitter.com/ajM0oU7zSQ
— Kristin Chenoweth (@KChenoweth) November 26, 2021
"Devastating news. Hard to fathom that he was in fact mortal like the rest of us. But bow lucky are we to have lived in the world at the same time as this great man. No one can replace him," singer and actor Judy Kuhn said.
"I am so so sad to lose my friend Steve Sondheim. He gave me so much to sing about. I loved him dearly and will miss him so much. Thank you for all the gifts you gave the world, Steve." — singer and actor Bernadette Peters, via Twitter.
"Every so often someone comes along that fundamentally shifts an entire art form. Stephen Sondheim was one of those. As millions mourn his passing I also want to express my gratitude for all he has given to me and so many more. Sending my love to his nearest and dearest," singer and actor Hugh Jackman said on Twitter.
"For those of us who love new musical theater: we live in a world that Sondheim built. My spirit is low, and I swear the city is quieter than usual tonight with the knowledge that he's gone. Feeling thankful for all he created and for the awe he will continue to inspire." — Music supervisor, arranger and orchestrator Alex Lacamoire, via Twitter.
Every so often someone comes along that fundamentally shifts an entire art form. Stephen Sondheim was one of those. As millions mourn his passing I also want to express my gratitude for all he has given to me and so many more. Sending my love to his nearest and dearest. pic.twitter.com/4KlnJJJipq
— Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman) November 26, 2021
"Thank you, thank you, thank you Stephen Sondheim. You paved the way for so many composers and theatre-makers. We will never forget your generosity, your inspiration, and what you gave to the American Theatre and the world," The American Theatre Wing tweeted.
Singer and actor Joshua Henry tweeted, "Sondheim, thank you. I have no words so I'll use one of your lyrics that has held me down for years. "Someone is on your side. No one is alone."
"Broadway has lost a musical genius," actor and author Marlee Matlin said.
Producer Tom Kirdahy noted, "There are giants in the sky. RIP Stephen Sondheim. Lucky us, that we inhabited the earth while you were alive and creating. My heart is heavy."
Singer Sierra Boggess said, "He articulated love, regret, loss, rage, temptation, desire, courage, discovery, heartache, aging, beauty…. with lyrics and music that will continue to change us."
ASCAP President Paul Williams said in a statement, "The magnitude of Stephen Sondheim's contribution to American musical theater is immeasurable and matched only by his immense generosity in influencing and mentoring new generations."
"Sondheim was singular. I was lucky to sing his music for "West Side Story." Though he's gone now, his music will live on through the ages. There is and was no one in the world like him," said actor and singer Russ Tamblyn.
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