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Stephen Sondheim Headshot

Stephen Sondheim

Date of Death: November 26, 2021 (91)

Birth Place: New York, NY, USA

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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, 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
 
[Off-Broadway, 2005]
Lyrics
 
[Off-Broadway, 2004]
Lyrics
 
[West End, 1999]
Lyrics
 
[Broadway, 1997]
Lyricist
 
[Off-Broadway, 1973]
Composer
 
[Broadway, 1960]
Composer
 
[Broadway, 1956]
Composer

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


Video: Audra McDonald, George C. Wolfe, & More Talk GYPSY on CBS Sunday Morning

CBS Sunday Morning spoke with Audra McDonald and director George C. Wolfe about their production of Gypsy, currently running on Broadway at the Majestic Theatre, and the task of taking on a character like Mama Rose. Watch the video here!
Audra McDonald Says She Discussed Starring in A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC and GYPSY with Sondheim

While discussing how Gypsy came about with The New Yorker, Audra McDonald revealed that another iconic Sondheim role might be on the horizon in the future.
Interview: Lea Salonga Talks 'Sounding Joy' with the Boston Pops

Lea Salonga, who makes her home in New York, was in Los Angeles recently when she took time out for a telephone call to discuss her new holiday album, her debut with the Boston Pops, and more.
Oscar Hammerstein Museum Awarded $500,000 Pennsylvania State Capital Grant 

The nonprofit Oscar Hammerstein Museum and Theatre  Education Center has been awarded a second $500,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP).
Patrick Hoffman, NYPL's Curator and Director of the Theatre on Film and Tape Archive, To Retire

Patrick Hoffman, The New York Public Library’s Curator and Director of the Theatre on Film and Tape Archive in the Billy Rose Theatre Division, is retiring after a career of more than three decades at NYPL.
HAMILTON's Shan Ako & Christine Noel Perform 'II Most Wanted (Wicked Edition)'

Hamilton's Shan Ako & Christine Noel have lent their voices to Michael Korte's latest viral release, II Most Wanted (Wicked Edition). Listen to it here!
Betty Buckley Will Return to Joe's Pub in 2025

Betty Buckley is set to make a return to Joe's Pub next year. There will be six performances which will run this May. Learn more about how to get tickets to the concert run here!
Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Jane Krakowski, Martha Plimpton, Paulo Szot, and More Join Sondheim's HERE WE ARE

The National Theatre has announced further casting for their forthcoming UK premiere of Here We Are, the final musical by Stephen Sondheim with a book by Tony Award-nominee David Ives.
Australian Musical Theatre Festival 2025 Program Revealed

Artistic Director, Tyran Parke unveiled the Australian Musical Theatre Festival program that will be held in Launceston, Tasmania in May 2025. Learn more about the program here!
ART, MY NAME IS ASHER LEV, And More Announced for West Boca Theatre Company 2025 Season

The Adolph & Rose Levis JCC Sandler Center will present a new season of award-winning comedic and dramatic performances presented by West Boca Theatre Company.
WEST SIDE STORY To Be Presented By Houston Grand Opera to In January

On January 31, 2025, Houston Grand Opera (HGO) will open blockbuster musical West Side Story, created by composer Leonard Bernstein, lyricist Stephen Sondheim, choreographer Jerome Robbins, and playwright Arthur Laurents.
Marilyn Maye to Perform Eight-Show Engagement at Birdland Theater

BIRDLAND THEATER will present the return of living legend Marilyn Maye for a special eight-show holiday engagement. Learn more about the shows and see how to purchase tickets!
RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN'S CINDERELLA Extends at Theater Latté Da

Theater Latté Da has announced that its production of RODGERS + HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA is extending. Learn more about the show and find out how to get tickets here!
Review: WEST SIDE STORY al TEATRO SISTINA

WEST SIDE STORY al TEATRO SISTINA IL PIÙ CLASSICO DEI MUSICAL DEBUTTA AL SISTINA IN UN ALLESTIMENTO DI ALTISSIMA QUALITÀ
Zoe Saldaña Shares Favorite Musical Theatre Songs, Sings 'Being Alive' in New Interview

Turns out, Zoe Saldaña is a musical theatre nerd like the rest of us. In a recent interview, the Emilia Perez star shared some of her favorite Broadway tunes, including one that she enjoys singing herself. Watch the video!
Broadway Jukebox: The Best of Lea Salonga

Sing along to this playlist featuring just 50 of Lea Salonga's greatest hits. Enjoy songs from musicals like: Miss Saigon, Les Miserables, Once on This Island, Mulan, Aladdin, and many more!
Patti LuPone to Launch New Concert Tour Winter 2025

Three-time Tony winner Patti LuPone will return to the concert stage in early 2025 with a series of concerts which she’ll perform throughout the United States as well as in London and New York. Learn how to purchase tickets.
FOLLIES Comes to Northern Ireland Opera in 2025

Northern Ireland Opera’s next major production at the Grand Opera House will be Follies, running next year. Performances will begin in September 2025. Learn more here!
Latest Standings Announced For The 2024 BWW Cabaret Awards

Don't miss your chance to vote for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Cabaret Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Video: Joy Woods Talks GYPSY and Offers Advice for Young Performers on GOOD MORNING AMERICA

Gypsy star Joy Woods visited Good Morning America to discuss her role in the new production of the acclaimed musical. During the interview, she talked about the revival, working with her co-stars, and offered advice for young performers. Watch it now!

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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