Sondheim: His Life, His Shows, His Legacy

by Stephen M. Silverman

Lively, sophisticated, and filled with first-person tributes and glorious images, His Life, His Shows, His Legacy  lifts the curtain on a Broadway legend. "Aside from Sondheim's own exceptional books...this may be the best coffee-table volume devoted to his work."( Shelf Awareness ) Brimming with insights from a veritable Who's Who of Broadway Babies and complemented by more than two hundred color and black-and-white images,  His Life, His Shows, His Legacy offers a witty, multidimensional look at the musical genius behind Company, Follies, A Little Night Music , Into the Woods , Sunday in the Park with George , Sweeney Todd , and the landmark West Side Story and Gypsy . Exploring the unique bond between Sondheim and his audiences, author Stephen M. Silverman further examines the challenging Sondheim works that continue to develop devoted new Anyone Can Whistle, Pacific Overtures, Merrily We Roll Along, Assassins, and Passion.

The result is a lavish, highly engrossing documentation of the dynamic force who reshaped twentieth-century American musical history.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Theatre, Music, History, Adult, Biography Memoir

304 pages, Hardcover

Published September 19, 2023

Reviews

[Faith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a biography, but rather a chronicle of the torturous development of each of Sondheim’s works. Projects took years to develop, collaborators and casts came and when, and then suddenly there was a masterpiece. I love his plays, but there was so much detail about some of them (like West Side Story) that the book felt rushed. I listened to the audiobook and did not download the pdf, so I missed the full effect of this book.

[Mark Matheson · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book looks at his shows, their revivals, investors, adaptations, and financial success much more than the man himself. For a book called “Sondheim,” that’s hard to forgive.

[Daniella · Rating 4 out of 5]

[This year, I'm going to try to actually write at least mini reviews when I track books I read here to motivate myself on my reading challenge]

For any massive Sondheim fan, you might already know a lot of these stories. It's the only reason why I docked a star; in the works that Sondheim has discussed himself in the Hat books, I would have wanted more "off-the-beaten path" topics discussed. But what is presented, is presented in an entertaining and enlightening way in its storytelling - from the stories chosen for each individual work and the "sections within a section" that go in depth on particular people or concepts. Silverman spells out Sondheim's intentions and philosophies so accurately and eloquently. I enjoyed going back to the true beginnings of each work, including when Sondheim originally thought of different directions for them. And the things I didn't know are detailed and powerful, making me wonder why I didn't know it before. It is a tome, it is simultaneously familiar and new, and it just made me a smile a lot, reminding me of why I love Sondheim's works.

[Rusty · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must for Sondheim fans! If you know your Mr. S, there are very few stories that will be "new" to you...but the few you haven't heard are good ones. And the photos, many never before seen (at least not by me) are stunning!

[Mrs. Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The definitive Sondheim book, maybe? I got this as a gift last year and browsed it but I made the time to finish it and it was such a treat. I will revisit it often.

[Tom Holehan · Rating 4 out of 5]

For fans of the late Broadway genius, this book will be a must. It takes the form of a coffee table book jam-packed with great photos, display posters, anecdotes and the history of everything promised in the title: life, shows and legacy. Since I've read a few biographies of Sondheim, I didn't find too much new information here, but Silverman has still done an excellent job in making this the go-to resource for all things Sondheim.

[Leane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful and informative, this Biography combines striking photographs, overviews of each play’s process and history, lots of quotations, and featured extra information based on solid research which is reflected in the extensive Bibliography including films, documentaries, videos, recordings, broadcasts, podcasts, websites and social media platforms. Silverman also includes Source Notes for each chapter, a full Index, and Photo credits. The author writes clearly with the purpose of illuminating Sondheim’s legacy with panache, humor, and honesty. For fans of Sondheim’s Finishing the Hat, Lapine’s Putting It Together, and Micheal Riedel.

[Dave Gregorio · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was not really too familiar with Stephen Sondheim beyond West Side Story, Send In the Clowns and Into the Woods but I had heard that he was considered one of the best Broadway composers ever. This book was an excellent primer. I really got a feel for what it is like to try and compose music for a show, constantly juggling your own ideas with those of the book writer, director, actors and producers/investors. And the anecdotes were all really entertaining and well told. If you’re interested in musical theater you can count my rating as four stars, but not everyone is into it so I gave it three.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a breezy, enjoyable look through Stephen Sondheim's life. While there's not a lot of new information in here for long-time fans of his work, Silverman does a nice job incorporating some less-familiar photos and artwork. He also prioritizes explaining the relationships between Sondheim and his collaborators, which is particularly useful in the earlier chapters, when those collaborations
are less storied (as, for example, with Forum book writers Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart). A good addition to any Sondheim fan's library.

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful, well researched chronicle and tribute to the legendary Broadway composer, Stephen Sondheim. Includes revealing insights into the creation of such great shows as Into the Woods, Sweeney Todd, Company, Follies, Passion, Merrily We Roll Along and many more. Well worth a read, especially for the Sondheim and musical theatre aficionado.

[Jessie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was trying. And I know he's brilliant and amazing. But this book was meh and I just didn't want to pick it up. I guess because it's a table book? Anyway, learned a few things about him. But I only got up to West Side Story. Womp.

[Jonah Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh how I desperately wish the Disney+ exclusive animated Sweeney Todd series by Dana Terrace hadn’t been just an April Fools joke

It seems author Stephen M. Silverman agrees with me so much that he actually wrote as if it were true! Silly Stephen, don’t you know a joke when you see one?

[Chy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful book looking at Stephen’s life and musicals and his lasting legacy.

I do wish that the print had been bigger though which is my only complaint!

[Rena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good stories without a lot of detail; works for those looking at an entry biography.

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a ton of "new" information for big fans, but a gorgeous coffee table book that I know I'll come back to again and again.

[Robyn Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

B- Audible

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent reminder of what a genius Sondheim was! 4.5 stars

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book and insight into Sondheim’s shows and creative processes.

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

😭😭😭😭

[kizzy candland · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was so good!! it’s so interesting learning about your idols and how they have their doubts and failures but their successes that all snowball into their career.

[Gordon Blitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating that Oklahoma was based on a novel where Judd probably was a gay character. Thoroughly detailed filled with juicy tidbits.

[Karen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Mostly gossip and quotes from people surrounding Sondheim, a few good quotes from the man himself. Many typos, mediocre text, but get it for the pictures.