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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

Tony Danza, Linda Eder and More to Perform at 54 Below in July
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 26, 2026

Next month, 54 Below will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond, including Tony Danza, Linda Eder, and many more. See the full July lineup!
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.
Video: Stephen Sondheim's A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC At Marriott Theatre- First Look
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 24, 2026

A Little Night Music, Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler's beloved Tony Award-winning musical, is now on stage through August 9. Directed by Nick Bowling, the production stars Andrew Samonsky, Alexandra Silber, Carmen Roman, Alan H. Green, Veronica Garza, and more. Check out video highlights of the show!
10 of Liza Minnelli’s Greatest Performances of All Time
by Michael Gioia - Jun 25, 2026

While it’s impossible to choose, BroadwayWorld looks at a handful of the most exciting and entertaining performances by Tony-winning icon Liza Minnelli.
Review: OPENING NIGHT AT THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL: THE BEST OF BROADWAY at Hollywood Bowl
by Evan Henerson - Jun 24, 2026

Every inch a musical theater geek's night to remember, the evening featured quips from host Billy Crystal, the rigor of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra conducted by Thomas Wilkins, a chorus of wonderful singer-dancers and an eye-popping featured performer lineup.
M. BUTTERFLY, THE SEAGULL and More Set for Talk Is Free Theatre 2026/27 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 24, 2026

Talk Is Free Theatre revealed the Barrie-based company will use its 25th season to “F*#% the System”–with full line-ups in Barrie, in Toronto, and multiple TIFT productions touring around the world.
Video: RUPAUL'S DRAG RACE Queens Lip-Sync to 'Ladies Who Lunch' By Elaine Stritch
by Michael Major - Jun 24, 2026

On the most recent episode of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars, the top 2 Queens lip synced to 'Ladies Who Lunch' from Company, sung by Elaine Stritch. Watch the video of Kennedy Davenport and Hershii LiqCour-Jeté lip-sync to the Sondheim favorite!
Jordan von Haslow Will Honor Nat 'King' Cole With AN UNFORGETTABLE FOURTH
by Stephi Wild - Jun 24, 2026

Jordan von Haslow will perform AN UNFORGETTABLE FOURTH: AN AMERICAN CELEBRATION OF NAT 'KING' COLE at The Green Room 42, with a portion of ticket sales benefiting the Chicago Academy for the Arts Alumni Association.
Cast Set For SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE at Chopin Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Jun 24, 2026

Kokandy Productions announced full casting for its Chicago revival of SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE, with Kevin Webb and Missy Wise Vanderzee leading the cast at the Chopin Downstairs Studio.
Review: INTO THE WOODS at The Merrick Theatre And Center For The Arts
by Michelle Nielsen - Jun 24, 2026

The perennial favorite Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine Brothers Grimm-inspired musical, INTO THE WOODS, was beautifully brought to life by Director Bruce Gotlieb and his incredible cast and crew!
Andrew Rannells, Santino Fontana and More Join BROADWAY AND VINE IN 2026
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 23, 2026

Broadway and Vine will launch its 2026 season with appearances by Broadway favorites including Andrew Rannells, Nikki M. James, Santino Fontana, and more.
Video: Lea Salonga Voices Animated Villain in New Trailer for DreamWorks' FORGOTTEN ISLAND
by Josh Sharpe - Jun 23, 2026

DreamWorks Animation has released a new trailer for Forgotten Island, the forthcoming animated film featuring a voice cast led by H.E.R. and Liza Soberano and featuring Tony Award-winner Lea Salonga. Watch it now.
Jak Malone Will Return to The Beechman With MISS YOU, MISS YOU, REALLY WANT TO KISS YOU
by Stephi Wild - Jun 23, 2026

Tony Award-winning actor Jak Malone will return to NYC's Laurie Beechman Theatre with a new solo cabaret, MISS YOU, MISS YOU, REALLY WANT TO KISS YOU, following a sold-out debut at the venue.
INTO THE WOODS to Open at The Contemporary Theater Company This Summer
by Stephi Wild - Jun 23, 2026

The Contemporary Theater Company in Wakefield, RI will present INTO THE WOODS, marking the company's first staging of the Sondheim musical after the production was postponed from 2020 due to the pandemic.
Video: Darren Criss, Lea Salonga, Renée Elise Goldsberry and More Open Hollywood Bowl Season With THE BEST OF BROADWAY
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 22, 2026

The Hollywood Bowl's 2026 season got underway with a Broadway-filled celebration featuring Darren Criss, Lea Salonga, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Brian Stokes Mitchell and Halle Bailey. The gala concert combined beloved musical theatre favorites with fundraising support for the LA Phil and YOLA. Check of video of their performances.
McCallum Theatre Appoints Eric Sims as Chief Programming and Operating Officer
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 22, 2026

Yvonne Bell, President and CEO of the McCallum Theatre, has appointed Eric Sims as Chief Programming and Operating Officer for the renowned performing arts center.
Industry Pro Newsletter: Leadership Shakeups Across the Country + Heidi Schreck Honored
by Alex Freeman - Jun 22, 2026

This week's newsletter is packed with leadership news, as theaters across the country — from San Francisco's Magic Theatre to Manhattan Theatre Club to the Cape Playhouse — announced new appointments and restructured their teams. We've also got honors for Heidi Schreck and Cate Blanchett, plus a reminder that the 17th Annual Jimmy Awards stream live from the Minskoff Theatre tonight!

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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