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How Sondheim Can Change Your Life
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46/99
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About This Book
Discover the powerful and universal lessons from the music and lyrics of Stephen Sondheim, the genius behind such musical theater masterworks as Company, West Side Story, and Into the Woods. Stephen Sondheim died on November 26, 2021, but for countless fans around the world, he is "still here" to quote one of his lyrics. With acclaimed revivals of several of his landmark shows occurring around the world and introducing new generations to the man who transformed American musical theater, Sondheim's legacy has only grown. What is it about such classic showtunes as "Rose's Turn" from Gypsy, "Send in the Clowns" from A Little Night Music, and "Children Will Listen" from Into the Woods, and more that speak to us so effortlessly? With in-depth and accessible insight, How Sondheim Can Change Your Life makes the case that the greatness of Sondheim's brilliance—beyond the clever lyrics and adventurous music—rests in his ability to tell universal stories that relate to us all. From Louise's desire for freedom as Gypsy Rose Lee to Sweeney Todd's thirst for revenge, and beyond, we as an audience can easily relate to Sondheim's characters. His works understand us as much as we understand them. Following the arc of Sondheim's remarkable career, How Sondheim Can Change Your Life is rich with stories about various productions and iconic performers, deep readings of his music and lyrics, and insights into his creative process. But more than that, it reveals the ways that Sondheim's works can enrich the lives of all of us on the other side of the footlights.
Reviews
"While some of Schoch's interpretations can feel like a stretch, he illuminates with appealing and unbridled enthusiasm how Sondheim plumbed the depths of human experience."
"Even if you were not a Sondheim fan on page 1, there's a good chance by mid-book you'll be ordering tickets for the next Sondheim show in town."
"A lively, thoughtful self-help book—sui generis, like the artist who inspired it."
"Attend the text of Richard Schoch, for he knows his stuff and makes his points with enviable panache."
"There are lots of helpful things you can take from Sondheim, but they don't map onto 'life lessons' in quite the way the book suggests — but it doesn't matter."
"A generous reading of the works of a master composer and lyricist who reinvented the American musical."
"Schoch's unique approach will resonate with Sondheim's legions of fans and those whose interest in Sondheim will now be deepened."
"When it comes to musing on Sondheim, from the intellectual to the introspective, Schoch seems to know it all."
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