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Art Isn't Easy: The Theater of Stephen Sondheim

by Joanne Gordon

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A study of Sondheim’s challenge to musical-theater convention

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AlbakiReads Editorial

A study of Sondheim’s challenge to musical-theater convention

Joanne Gordon traces Stephen Sondheim’s career from his lyric-writing work on West Side Story and Gypsy through Into the Woods and Assassins. The book centers on how Sondheim’s musicals engage difficult contemporary concerns while reshaping the possibilities of Broadway form. Gordon considers works including A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd, and Sunday in the Park with George, emphasizing the close integration of music and lyrics with each show’s overall dramatic design. Framed as an examination of both subject matter and theatrical construction, it places Sondheim’s body of work in conversation with established musical-theater traditions.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Readers studying Stephen Sondheim’s musicals and career
  • Theater enthusiasts interested in Broadway form and dramatic construction
  • Students of musical theater history and criticism

Themes

Stephen SondheimBroadway musicalsMusic and lyricsTheatrical formContemporary social concerns

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

The musical theatre of Stephen Sondheim probes deeply into the most disturbing issues of contemporary life. By challenging his audience with intricate music, biting wit, and profound themes, he flouts the traditional wisdom of the musical theatre. Tracing Sondheim's career from his initial success as lyricist for "West Side Story" and "Gypsy" to his most recent work--"Into the Woods" and "Assassins"--Joanne Gordon emphasizes not only the disturbing content of Sondheim's work, but his innovative use of form. In shows such as "A Little Night Music," "Sweeney Todd," and "Sunday in the Park with George," Sondheim's music and lyrics are inextricably woven into the fabric of the entire work.
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