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BIO

Stephen Sondheim is widely acknowledged as the most innovative, most influential, and most important composer and lyricist in modern Broadway history. He is the winner of an Academy Award, numerous Tony Award, multiple Grammy Awards and a Pulitzer Prize. Some of his other accolades include a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Kennedy Center Honors (1993), the National Medal of Arts (1996), the American Academy of Arts and Letters' Gold Medal for Music (2006) and a special Tony Awards for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre (2008).

Stephen Sondheim wrote the music and lyrics for Road Show (2008), Passion (1994), Assassins (1991), Into the Woods (1987), Sunday in the Park with George (1984), Merrily We Roll Along (1981), Sweeney Todd (1979), Pacific Overtures (1976), The Frogs (1974), A Little Night Music (1973), Follies (1971; revised in London, 1987), Company (1970), Anyone Can Whistle (1964) and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (1962), as well as the lyrics for West Side Story (1957), Gypsy (1959), Do I Hear a Waltz? (1965) and additional lyrics for Candide (1973). Side by Side by Sondheim (1976), Marry Me a Little (1981), You're Gonna Love Tomorrow (1983) and Putting It Together (1993/99) are anthologies of his work, as is the new musical Sondheim on Sondheim. He composed the film scores of Stavisky (1974) and Reds (1981) and songs for Dick Tracy (Academy Award, 1990). He also wrote songs for the television production "Evening Primrose" (1966), co-authored, with Anthony Perkins, the film The Last of Sheila (1973) and, with George Furth, the play Getting Away with Murder (1996), and provided incidental music for the plays The Girls of Summer (1956), Invitation to a March (1961) and Twigs (1971). He won Tony Awards for Best Score for a Musical for Passion, Into the Woods, Sweeney Todd, A Little Night Music, Follies and Company. All of these shows won the New York Drama Critics Circle Award, as did Pacific Overtures and Sunday in the Park with George, the latter also receiving the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Saturday Night (1954), his first professional musical, finally had its New York premiere in 1999 at Second Stage Theatre.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Concert [Broadway], 1973
Performer
[New York]
Reading, 1954
Piano

Productions

 
[Broadway, 2025]
Composer
 
[Broadway, 2024]
Lyrics
 
[West End, 2023]
Music & Lyrics
 
[Regional (US), 2018]
Lyricist
 
[Off-Broadway, 2015]
Music and Lyrics
 
[Arlington, VA (Regional), 2014]
Music and Lyrics
 
[Off-Broadway, 2007]
Composer (Original Music)
 
[Off-Broadway, 2005]
Lyrics (additional)
 
[Off-Broadway, 2004]
Lyrics (additional)
 
[West End, 1999]
Lyrics (additional)
 
[Broadway, 1997]
Lyricist (Additional Lyrics)
 
[Off-Broadway, 1973]
Composer (Incidental Music)
 
[Broadway, 1960]
Composer (Incidental Music)
 
[Broadway, 1956]
Composer (Incidental Music)

Writing

Composer & Lyricist
Composer
Lyricist
Composer
Lyricist
Composer
Lyricist
Lyricist
Composer
Lyricist
Composer
Composer
Lyricist
Lyricist
Composer
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist
Composer
Lyricist
Composer/Lyricist
Lyricist
Composer
Lyricist
Lyricist
Composer
Lyricist
Composer
Composer
Lyricist
Lyricist
Composer
Composer/Lyricist
Lyricist
Composer
Lyricist
Composer
Lyricist
Composer
Lyricist
Composer
Lyricist
Lyricist
Composer
Composer
Lyricist
Composer
Lyricist
Conceiver
Bookwriter
Composer
Lyricist
Composer
Lyricist
Composer
Lyricist

Awards and Nominations


winner
Evening Standard Awards - 2015 - Lebedev Award

Stephen Sondheim


winner
Olivier Awards - 2011 - Best Musical Revival

Stephen Sondheim, Into The Woods


winner
Olivier Awards - 2011 - Best Musical Revival

Stephen SondheimInto The Woods

Olivier Awards - 2011 - Best Musical Revival

Stephen Sondheim, Passion


winner
Olivier Awards - 2011 - The Society’s Special Award

Stephen Sondheim

Olivier Awards - 2010 - Best Musical Revival

Stephen Sondheim, A Little Night Music


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2008 - Outstanding Lyrics

Stephen Sondheim, Road Show

Drama Desk Awards - 2008 - Outstanding Music

Stephen Sondheim, Road Show


winner
Tony Awards - 2008 - Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre

Stephen Sondheim


winner
Olivier Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Musical Production

Stephen Sondheim, Sunday In The Park With George

Olivier Awards - 2005 - Outstanding Musical Production

Stephen Sondheim, Sweeney Todd


winner
The Lortels - 2003 - Outstanding Lifetime Achievement

Stephen Sondheim


winner
Olivier Awards - 2001 - Best New Musical

Stephen Sondheim, Merrily We Roll Along


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2000 - Outstanding Lyric

Stephen Sondheim, Saturday Night


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2000 - Outstanding Music

Stephen Sondheim, Saturday Night

Olivier Awards - 2000 - Outstanding Musical Production

Stephen SondheimA Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum

Olivier Awards - 1999 - Outstanding Musical Production

Stephen SondheimInto The Woods

Olivier Awards - 1997 - The American Express Award for Best New Musical

Stephen Sondheim, Passion


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1994 - Outstanding Lyrics

Stephen Sondheim, Passion


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1994 - Outstanding Music

Stephen Sondheim, Passion


winner
Olivier Awards - 1994 - Best Musical Revival

Stephen SondheimSweeney Todd


winner
Tony Awards - 1994 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Stephen Sondheim, Passion


winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 1993 - The American Express Tribute

Stephen Sondheim

Olivier Awards - 1993 - The American Express Award for Best New Musical

Stephen Sondheim, Assassins


winner
Drama League Awards - 1991 - Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre

Stephen Sondheim


winner
Olivier Awards - 1991 - The American Express Award for Best New Musical

Stephen Sondheim, Sunday In The Park With George

Olivier Awards - 1991 - The American Express Award for Best New Musical

Stephen Sondheim, Into The Woods

Drama Desk Awards - 1990 - Outstanding Lyrics

Stephen Sondheim, Assassins


winner
Evening Standard Awards - 1989 - Lebedev Special Award

Stephen Sondheim


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1988 - Best Musical

Stephen Sondheim, Into the Woods


winner
Tony Awards - 1988 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Stephen Sondheim, Into the Woods

Drama Desk Awards - 1987 - Outstanding Lyrics

Stephen Sondheim, Into the Woods

Drama Desk Awards - 1987 - Outstanding Music

Stephen Sondheim, Into the Woods


winner
Olivier Awards - 1987 - Musical of the Year

Stephen Sondheim, Follies


winner
The Pulitzer Prize - 1985 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama

Stephen Sondheim, Sunday in the Park With George


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1984 - Outstanding Lyrics

Stephen Sondheim, Sunday in the Park with George

Drama Desk Awards - 1984 - Outstanding Music

Stephen Sondheim, Sunday in the Park with George


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1984 - Best Musical

Stephen Sondheim, Sunday in the Park with George

Tony Awards - 1984 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Stephen Sondheim, Sunday in the Park with George


winner
Drama League Awards - 1983 - Unique Contribution to the Theatre

Stephen Sondheim

Drama Desk Awards - 1982 - Outstanding Music

Stephen Sondheim, Merrily We Roll Along

Tony Awards - 1982 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Stephen Sondheim, Merrily We Roll Along


winner
Olivier Awards - 1980 - Musical of the Year

Stephen Sondheim, Sweeney Todd


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1979 - Outstanding Lyrics

Stephen Sondheim, Sweeney Todd


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1979 - Outstanding Music

Stephen Sondheim, Sweeney Todd


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1979 - Best Musical

Stephen Sondheim, Sweeney Todd


winner
Tony Awards - 1979 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Stephen Sondheim, Sweeney Todd

Drama Desk Awards - 1976 - Outstanding Music & Lyrics

Stephen Sondheim, Pacific Overtures


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1976 - Best Musical

Stephen Sondheim, Pacific Overtures

Olivier Awards - 1976 - Musical of the Year

Sondheim, Side By Side

Tony Awards - 1976 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Stephen Sondheim, Pacific Overtures


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1973 - Outstanding Music & Lyrics

Stephen Sondheim, A Little Night Music


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1973 - Best Musical

Stephen Sondheim, A Little Night Music


winner
Tony Awards - 1973 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Stephen Sondheim, A Little Night Music


winner
Tony Awards - 1972 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Stephen Sondheim, Follies


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1971 - Outstanding Lyrics

Stephen Sondheim, Follies


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1971 - Outstanding Music

Stephen Sondheim, Follies


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1971 - Best Musical

Stephen Sondheim, Follies


winner
Tony Awards - 1971 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Stephen Sondheim, Company


winner
Tony Awards - 1971 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Stephen Sondheim , Company


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1970 - Outstanding Lyrics

Stephen Sondheim, Company


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1970 - Outstanding Music

Stephen Sondheim, Company


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1970 - Best Musical

Stephen Sondheim, Company


winner
Tony Awards - 1963 - Best Musical

Stephen Sondheim, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum

Videos

News

NEW YORK FESTIVAL OF SONG to Launch 2026-2027 Season at Merkin Hall and Beyond
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 7, 2026

New York Festival of Song announced its upcoming season, featuring four mainstage concerts at Merkin Hall co-presented by Kaufman Music Center, plus standalone programs including A GOYISHE CHRISTMAS TO YOU! and a Juilliard collaboration.
PATTI LUPONE: A LIFE IN NOTES and More Set for Lyrics & Lyricists 26-27 Concerts
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 7, 2026

The 92nd Street Y has revealed a new lineup of American Songbook concerts, including the signature Lyrics & Lyricists series, as part of the 2026/27 Tisch Music Season. Patti LuPone: A Life in Notes opens the season.
Review: Josh Groban and Jennifer Hudson Joined Forces at the Maverik Center
by Tyler Hinton - Jul 7, 2026

Josh Groban and Jennifer Hudson closed their 16-city arena tour at the Maverik Center in West Valley on Friday, July 3, 2026. Two of the most powerful and recognizable voices in the world, they joined forces for an unforgettable night of transfixing music, including multiple songs from musicals.
INTO THE WOODS, THE 39 STEPS, and More Set For Maryland Ensemble Theatre 2026-27 Season
by Stephi Wild - Jul 7, 2026

Maryland Ensemble Theatre announced its 2026–27 season, featuring five MainStage productions, five FUNCompany productions, and the return of MET original musical PLANET CLAIRE.
OWNING MANHATTAN's Chloe Tucker Caine and Stephanie Jae Park Will Join SIX on Broadway
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 7, 2026

Netflix's 'Owning Manhattan' star Chloe Tucker Caine will make her Broadway debut as Anne Boleyn, while Hamilton alum Stephanie Jae Park joins SIX as Catherine Parr at the Lena Horne Theatre.
OCEAN STATE RENAISSANCE FAIRE to Return to Wakefield for Second Annual Weekend
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 6, 2026

Rhode Island's only Renaissance Faire returns to Saugatucket Park and The Contemporary Theater Company in Wakefield, featuring sword fighting, artisan vendors, live Dungeons & Dragons, and a new four noble houses storyline.
MAYBE HAPPY ENDING Tickets to Go on Sale at Tanger Center in Greensboro
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 6, 2026

The six-time Tony Award-winning Best Musical MAYBE HAPPY ENDING, starring original Broadway cast members Steven Huynh and Claire Kwon, is set to play Tanger Center in Greensboro for eight performances.
Listen: Madonna's CONFESSIONS II Album Now Available
by Josh Sharpe - Jul 6, 2026

Madonna's Confessions II is out now on Warner Records! The 16-track follow-up to Confessions on a Dance Floor features Sabrina Carpenter, Lola Leon & more.
OLD FRIENDS to Return to Sydney Before National Tour
by Stephi Wild - Jul 6, 2026

Mark Trevorrow, Rupert Noffs and ARIA Award-winning musical director Bev Kennedy reunite for OLD FRIENDS, with Sydney performances at Ginger's at The Oxford Hotel followed by a national tour across Australia.
Previews: 35MM: A MUSICAL EXHIBITION at Abbey Theatre Of Dublin
by Paul Batterson - Jul 5, 2026

Olivia Noel talks 35MM: A MUSICAL EXHIBITION at Abbey Theater of Dublin at the Abbey Theater (5600 Post Road in Dublin) at 7 p.m. July 10-11 and 1 p.m. July 11-12.
Matthew Morrison, LIBERACE & LIZA Tribute and More Set for 54 Below Next Week
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 2, 2026

54 Below will present a lineup including a Liberace & Liza tribute from the West End, Tony nominee Matthew Morrison, Lianne Marie Dobbs, William Michals, and more in its lineup for next week.
Review: A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC at Theatre On The Bay
by Judith Herbig - Jun 30, 2026

Beautifully staged with striking costumes, inventive direction and magnificent music, this production is a feast for both the eyes and ears. Superb performances throughout, especially Samantha Peo's moving 'Send in the Clowns' and Kate Normington's impeccable comic timing, make it an unforgettable evening of theatre.
Madonna's CONFESSIONS II Pop-up Coming to Los Angeles
by Josh Sharpe - Jun 30, 2026

In celebration of the release of Madonna's new album, Confessions II, the official Confessions II Los Angeles Pop-Up will be open July 3–5. The pop-up will feature exclusive merchandise, vinyl, and immersive photo opportunities inspired by the new album.   
SIMPLY BARBRA To Take The Stage At Green Room 42
by Marissa Faith Curley - Jun 28, 2026

Steven Brinberg (Simply Barbra), Award-winning singer and actor makes a return with his latest “SIMPLY BARBRA” show to the Supper Club at The Green Room 42.
Review: Michael Feinstein's STANDARD TIME Celebrates Mathis & Mancini at Carnegie Hall
by Andrew Poretz - Jun 28, 2026

Michael Feinstein celebrated Johnny Mathis and Henry Mancini at Carnegie Hall's Zankel Hall with sparkling arrangements, heartfelt ballads, and insider stories, joined by Tedd Firth and the Carnegie Hall Big Band for an evening of classic standards.
Tony Danza, Linda Eder and More to Perform at 54 Below in July
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 26, 2026

Tony Danza returns to 54 Below with his Sinatra tribute show this July, joined by Linda Eder and a packed lineup of Broadway and cabaret stars.
COMPANY, NEWSIES & More Set for Sandbox Theatre's Summer Rep in Mamaroneck
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 25, 2026

Sandbox Theatre's Summer Rep season in Mamaroneck, NY will present four productions featuring over 70 performers ages 15–22, including Company, Newsies, She Kills Monsters, and Jagged Little Pill.
Ariana Grande Sings Broadway: A Roundup of Musical Theater Covers
by Josh Sharpe - Jun 25, 2026

From Wicked to Rent, watch Ariana Grande sing Broadway through the years — as fans await her West End debut in Sunday in the Park with George.
Photos: Javier Muñoz, Pearl Sun and More in INTO THE WOODS at Cape Playhouse
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 25, 2026

The Cape Playhouse is presenting Into the Woods, featuring a book by James Lapine and music by Stephen Sondheim. The cast of Into the Woods is led by Javier Muñoz as Baker, and more. See production photos!
Review: A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC at Marriott Theatre, Lincolnshire IL
by Tina St. Angelo - Jun 25, 2026

Jeff award-winning director Nick Bowling and this cast have created a work that reminds us of why Sondheim’s music is special. The orchestra under the direction of Brad Haak fills the theater with the intricate melodies of this musical. Sally Dolembo’s costumes are gorgeous and showcase the turn of the century style.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Stephen Sondheim been in?

Stephen Sondheim has appeared on Broadway in 1 shows.

How many West End shows has Stephen Sondheim been in?

Stephen Sondheim has not appeared in the West End

What awards has Stephen Sondheim been nominated for?

Stephen Sondheim has been nominated for numerous awards throughout his career. Some of the notable nominations include the Lebedev Award (Evening Standard Awards) for Best Musical Revival for "Into The Woods" and "Passion," the Olivier Awards for Best Musical Revival for "Into The Woods," "Passion," and "A Little Night Music," the Drama Desk Awards for Outstanding Lyrics and Outstanding Music for "Road Show," and the Tony Awards for Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre. Other nominations include Outstanding Musical Production at the Olivier Awards for "Sunday In The Park With George," "Sweeney Todd," and "Merrily We Roll Along," Outstanding Lyric and Outstanding Music at the Drama Desk Awards for "Saturday Night" and "Passion," and Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for "Passion," among many others. Sondheim has also received recognition for his work in various categories such as Outstanding Lyrics, Outstanding Music, Musical of the Year, and Best Original Score. Some of the awards he has won include the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for "Sunday in the Park With George" and the American Express Tribute at the Helen Hayes Awards.

What awards has Stephen Sondheim won?

Stephen Sondheim has won numerous awards throughout his career, including the Lebedev Award (Evening Standard Awards), Best Musical Revival (Olivier Awards) for Into The Woods, The Society’s Special Award (Olivier Awards), Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for Road Show, Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre (Tony Awards), Outstanding Musical Production (Olivier Awards) for Sunday In The Park With George, Outstanding Lifetime Achievement (The Lortels), Best New Musical (Olivier Awards) for Merrily We Roll Along, Outstanding Lyric (Drama Desk Awards) for Saturday Night, Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Saturday Night, Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for Passion, Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Passion, Best Musical Revival (Olivier Awards) for Sweeney Todd, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Passion, The American Express Tribute (Helen Hayes Awards), Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre (Drama League Awards), The American Express Award for Best New Musical (Olivier Awards) for Sunday In The Park With George, Lebedev Special Award (Evening Standard Awards), Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Into the Woods, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Into the Woods, Musical of the Year (Olivier Awards) for Follies, The Pulitzer Prize for Drama (The Pulitzer Prize) for Sunday in the Park With George, Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for Sunday in the Park with George, Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Sunday in the Park with George, Unique Contribution to the Theatre (Drama League Awards), Musical of the Year (Olivier Awards) for Sweeney Todd, Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for Sweeney Todd, Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Sweeney Todd, Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Sweeney Todd, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Sweeney Todd, Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Pacific Overtures, Outstanding Music & Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for A Little Night Music, Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for A Little Night Music, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for A Little Night Music, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Follies, Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for Follies, Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Follies, Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Follies, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Company, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Company, Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for Company, Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Company, Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Company, and Best Musical (Tony Awards) for A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.

How many shows has Stephen Sondheim written?

Stephen Sondheim has written 42 shows including Girls of Summer (Composer), West Side Story (Lyricist), Gypsy (Lyricist), A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Composer), Anyone Can Whistle (Composer), Do I Hear a Waltz? (Lyricist), The Mad Show (Lyricist), Company (Composer), Follies (Composer), A Little Night Music (Composer), Sondheim: A Musical Tribute (Composer), The Frogs (Composer), By Bernstein (Lyricist), Pacific Overtures (Composer), Side by Side by Sondheim (Composer), The Madwoman of Central Park West (Composer), Marry Me a Little (Composer), Merrily We Roll Along (Composer), Sunday in the Park with George (Composer), Into the Woods (Composer), Barbara Cook: A Concert for the Theatre (Composer), Jerome Robbins' Broadway (Lyricist), Assassins (Composer), Putting It Together (Conceiver), Hey, Love (Composer), Passion (Composer), Getting Away With Murder (Playwright), Saturday Night (Composer), Patti LuPone: Matters of the Heart (Composer), Mostly Sondheim (Lyricist), Elaine Stritch At Liberty (Composer), Short Talks on the Universe (Composer), Celebrating Sondheim (Composer), Bounce (Composer), Barbara Cook's Broadway! (Composer), Children And Art (Composer), Evening Primrose (Composer/Lyricist), Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life (Lyricist), Mixed Company (Composer), Road Show (Lyricist), Sondheim on Sondheim (Composer), Here We Are (Composer & Lyricist).

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