Stephen Sondheim Headshot

Stephen Sondheim

Date of Death: November 26, 2021 (91)

Birth Place: New York, NY, USA

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Stephen Sondheim 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.

Stephen Sondheim Photos

Stephen Sondheim STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Concert [Broadway], 1973
Performer

[New York]
Reading, 1954
Piano

Stephen Sondheim Productions

 
[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
Lyricist
Composer
Lyricist
Composer
Composer
Lyricist
Lyricist
Composer
Lyricist
Composer
Composer
Lyricist
Lyricist
Composer
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist
Lyricist
Composer
Composer/Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Composer
Lyricist
Composer
Lyricist
Composer
Composer
Lyricist
Composer
Lyricist
Composer/Lyricist
Composer
Lyricist
Lyricist
Composer
Lyricist
Lyricist
Composer
Composer
Lyricist
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Lyricist
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Composer
Lyricist
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Conceiver
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Composer
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Lyricist

Stephen Sondheim 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

Stephen Sondheim Videos

Stephen Sondheim News


Rachel Bay Jones and Danny Burstein to Star in Indie Film RISE AND SHINE

According to new reports, Tony Winners Rachel Bay Jones and Danny Burstein will star alongside newcomer Ana Sharp in an independent film from Laura Somers called Rise and Shine. Based on a true story, the film follows Janice Steele and her daughter Terri who makes the transition from homeschool to public school. Janice, who was born with cerebral palsy and a developmental delay, inspires those around her in this new environment with her positivity.
Video: Do You Know the Answer to This Theater-themed Final Jeopardy?

Last night's final Jeopardy! was 'The Theater.' Recently, Jeopardy has featured a 'World Theatre' category, a 'Songs In Musicals' category, Idina Menzel category, a Tony-Winning Musicals category, a 'Broadway is Back' category, a Broadway Musicals category, a Shakespeare's Women category, and a Stephen Sondheim category. Watch the video and test your knowledge!
Video: MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG Cast Performs 'Old Friends' on THE LATE SHOW

Jonathan Groff, Lindsay Mendez, and Daniel Radcliffe performed 'Old Friends' from Merrily We Roll Along on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert last night. Check out the video here!
Feature: The VIPS Behind The Curtain at the Ziegfeld Ballroom!

The 2024 Drama League Awards were held on May 17th at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City, marking a spectacular celebration of theatrical excellence!
New York Pride Month Cabaret Starring Blacc Cherry to Play The Green Room 42

The Green Room 42 will present Blacc Cherry in 'Cherry's on Top!' on June 26th at 9:30pm.
MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG Trio to Perform on THE LATE SHOW WITH STEPHEN COLBERT Tonight

Tune in tonight to see Jonathan Groff, Lindsay Mendez, and Daniel Radcliffe perform from Merrily We Roll Along on The Late Show! On Monday, May 20, the Tony-nominated performers will be singing from the musical on Stephen Colbert's late-night show. The program airs at 11:35/10:35c on CBS and Paramount+.
Photos: Tony Award-Winner Betty Buckley Performs at Joe's Pub

Tony Award-winning, stage and screen icon Betty Buckley played six live concerts at Joe's Pub in New York City on May 16-18, 2024. See photos!
Video: Randy Rainbow Parodies '9 to 5' With New Political Parody 'FORTY-FIVE!'

Randy Rainbow is back with his latest political parody, taking a jab at former President Donald Trump with his new video titled 'FORTY-FIVE!' Check out the video here!
Broadway Buying Guide: May 20, 2024- Broadway Classics Top the Week

Looking for the best deals on Broadway shows? Welcome to our new weekly guide to the most popular shows listed on BroadwayWorld. Check out which shows are selling this week, May 20, 2024.
Review: PATTI LUPONE: A LIFE IN NOTES at Kennedy Center

The triple -threat talent of the charismatic performer Patti LuPone was on full display at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall on Friday evening---and, oh! What a night it was! A capacity crowd of what was obviously a devoted (and almost fanatical fan base) tuned out to see a glorious two hours of songs ---which were sung with sheer show -biz brio by the resonant mezzo-soprano of Ms. LuPone.
Review: Tony Award Winner Matt Doyle Makes Segerstrom Center Cabaret Debut

Matt Doyle—the 2022 Tony Award winner for his gender-bent role of Jaime in the Broadway revival of COMPANY—made his Segerstrom Center for the Arts Cabaret Series debut over a three-night engagement that began on May 2, 2024 with an incredible set that showcased his amazing vocal talents and his charming, witty ability for personal storytelling.
Video: Backstreet Boy AJ McLean Celebrates 'Favorite' Betsy Wolfe at & JULIET

Backstreet Boy AJ McLean celebrates his 'personal favorite' Betsy Wolfe during his appearance at & Juliet. See Wolfe's response in the video here!
Photos/Video: & JULIET Welcomes Backstreet Boy AJ McLean for A Sing-Along

Last night, & JULIET welcomed Backstreet Boys’ AJ McLean to the Broadway stage, where he hosted a special Sing-Along performance of the hit musical. See photos and video from the his visit below!
Charles W. Eisemann Center For Performing Arts Announces EISEMANN CENTER PRESENTS Lineup For 2024-2025 Season

Discover the exciting lineup for the 2024-2025 season at the CHARLES W. EISEMANN CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS. Single tickets are now available for a diverse range of performances and events.
ONCE UPON A MATTRESS Starring Sutton Foster to be Presented at Ahmanson Theatre

Center Theatre Group will present Sutton Foster in “Once Upon a Mattress,” which will come to the Ahmanson Theatre direct from a Broadway run in December. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Original Cast Recording of Sondheim's HERE WE ARE Available Now on CD & Digital Platforms

Concord Theatricals Recordings has released the original cast recording of Here We Are, David Ives and Stephen Sondheim’s new musical, on CD and digital platforms worldwide.
Bernadette Peters Will Perform in Concert at Barrington Stage Company This Summer

Bernadette Peters will perform in concert at Barrington Stage Company, as part of its 30th Anniversary Celebration this summer. The performance is set for Tuesday, August 27 at 8:00 p.m. on the Boyd-Quinson Stage.
Sutton Foster Will Lead ONCE UPON A MATTRESS on Broadway Beginning This Summer

 ONCE UPON A MATTRESS will open on Broadway this summer at The Hudson Theatre, starring Tony Award winner Sutton Foster! Foster will lead the Broadway cast, reprising her acclaimed performance as Winnifred the Woebegone.
Review: Jane Monheit & Band Bring Smokin' Hot Music to Smoke Jazz & Supper Club

You have until Sunday May 19th to make your way to catch jazz delight Jane Monheit sing with her small but very mighty band at Smoke Jazz & Supper Club. Monheit's singing is heavenly.
Unpack the Tony Awards History of the 2024 Nominated Revivals

The results of this season's Tony races are still up in the air, but many of this season's nominated revivals have been through awards season before. How did they fare? The past may not always be the best indicator of the future, but accolades of years past provide interesting insight nonetheless. Check out a complete list of who was nominated, in what categories, and most importantly... if they won!

Stephen Sondheim 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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