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
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Composer
Composer
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Lyricist
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Conceiver
Bookwriter
Lyricist
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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


MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG, CABARET & More Lead in Nominations for 2024 Drama League Awards


Read the full list of 2024 Drama League Nominations! Nominations include Cabaret, Merrily We Roll Along and more.

Jamie Muscato & More to Star in CAROUSEL at the Royal Festival Hall


Rodgers and Hammerstein’s CAROUSEL is coming to the Royal Festival Hall for a one-night-only concert this July. Learn how to purchase tickets.

Photos: Chip Zien Honored With Caricature at Sardi's


The stars came out at the iconic Sardi’s restaurant in Times Square on Thursday night to honor the legendary Chip Zien, star of the Barry Manilow & Bruce Sussman musical, “Harmony.” Check out photos here!

Review: MANDY PATINKIN IN CONCERT: BEING ALIVE at Ordway Center For The Performing Arts


What did our critic think of MANDY PATINKIN IN CONCERT: BEING ALIVE at Ordway Center For The Performing Arts?

Sierra Madre Playhouse Presents Jason Robert Brown's THE LAST FIVE YEARS And More In May


The historic Sierra Madre Playhouse continues its centennial celebration with four captivating programs in May 2024, including the launch of a five-week run of Jason Robert Brown's acclaimed musical The Last Five Years, a captivating and emotionally charged musical journey exploring the complex dynamics of a relationship through the lens of time (May 17 – June 16).

San Francisco Opera Medal Awarded To Director Michael Cavanagh


San Francisco Opera presented the Opera Medal, the Company's highest honor, to Michael Cavanagh shortly before his death last month. The acclaimed Canadian opera director, who passed away on March 13 from leptomeningeal cancer at the age of 62, was a guiding, creative force behind a number of important new productions for San Francisco Opera over the past decade.

Holliday, Lewis, Benko, Billings & More to Star in FOLLIES at Carnegie Hall


Follies, featuring an all-star cast of Tony Award winners and nominees, will be the tenth presentation in the Transport Group's Anne L. Bernstein Concert Series—for one night only—at Carnegie Hall. Learn how to purchase tickets.

Adam Guettel, Austin Pendleton and More Will Be Honored with Dramatists Guild Awards


The Dramatists Guild previously announced that playwright Christopher Durang will receive a Lifetime Achievement award at this year’s ceremony. He will be joined by two additional recipients, George C. Wolfe and Emily Mann.

Westport Country Playhouse Presents Ari Axelrod In A Celebration Of Jewish Broadway On May 8


Join Ari Axelrod at the Westport Country Playhouse on May 8 for a special celebration of Jewish Broadway. Experience a memorable night of music and culture.

COMPANY is Coming to BroadwaySF's Orpheum Theatre This Summer


The Broadway revival of Stephen Sondheim’s and George Furth’s COMPANY will perform a limited engagement at BroadwaySF’s Orpheum Theatre. Learn how to purchase tickets!

Jason Alexander to Star in Lonny Price-Helmed FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at La Mirada


Jason Alexander and more will be starring in Fiddler on the Roof at La Mirada Theatre. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.

Liz Callaway and Jason Graae Debut Duo Show at 54 Below This Summer


54 BELOW will welcome Tony nominee and Emmy winner Liz Callaway and Broadway favorite Jason Graae. Learn about when you can see the performances and learn how to purchase tickets.

Video/Photos: Take a Look at New Photos and Trailer for Netflix Film HIT MAN


Netflix has just released first look photos for the upcoming film Hit Man. The romantic comedy features Glen Powell as Gary Johnson, the titular hit man, who must navigate his job and the feelings he has for a possible client. See the photos below!

Cameron Mackintosh's New Production of OLIVER! Comes to the West End in December


Cameron Mackintosh has announced that his new co-production with Chichester Festival Theatre of Lionel Bart's iconic musical, Oliver!, which he has fully reconceived with director and choreographer Matthew Bourne, will open in London at the end of the year.

Sean Patrick Murtagh Brings BEAUTIFUL GIRLS: A TRIBUTE TO SONDHEIM'S DIVAS to Feinstein's at the Nikko


The Golden Tenor of Cabaret will return home to San Francisco to celebrate Pride, Sondheim, and Divas with his critically acclaimed show, Beautiful Girls: A Tribute to Sondheim’s Divas. 

Michael Rider Brings THIS 'OLD HOUSE to The Green Room 42 in May


Michael Rider will make his nightclub debut with the story of his odyssey from the family farm in Central Pennsylvania to the metropolis of New York City. This ‘Ol House: Stories of a City Bear, Country Queen is a collection of stories and songs detailing Rider's journey of discovery from an awkward, out-of-place, gay boy in the country to an out, openly fabulous queen in the city.

Lark Theater Presents SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM This May


Experience the Tony Award-winning musical revue, SIDE BY SIDE BY STEPHEN SONDHEIM, presented by The Lark Theater. Celebrate the wit and genius of one of musical theatre's most influential artists from May 2nd to May 25th.

WICKED Star Jonathan Bailey Circling JURASSIC WORLD


Jonathan Bailey, who will be playing the character of Fiyero in the two-part film adaptation of Wicked, may have found his next big project. According to reports, the actor is in talks to star in the next installment of the Jurassic World series. He would join Scarlett Johannson in the film, which will serve as a reboot of the franchise following the conclusion of the previous Jurassic World trilogy in 2022.

Phillipa Soo Joins Cast of Upcoming Ryan Murphy Medical Drama


According to reports, Phillipa Soo will be appearing alongside Joshua Jackson and Don Johnson in an upcoming drama from Ryan Murphy, co-creator of Glee. Other than the title- Dr. Odyssey- few details about the show have been announced, including the plot or Soo's role. Soo is best known for originating the role of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton in Broadway's critically acclaimed show Hamilton.

Words From The Wings: Andréa Burns of THE NOTEBOOK Talks Favorite Moments, Backstage Routines, and More!


As part of our Words From the Wings series, we're chatting with Andrea Burns, who is currently appearing in The Notebook. Andrea told us all about her backstage routines, favorite moments, and more!

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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