Originally Posted By DAR Well I completely addicted to Sweeney Todd. Five viewings, rented the George Hearn/Angela Lansbury televised stage version. Just bought the soundtrack. I looked up Sondheim to see if he did anything else I might recogonize and saw West Side Story. I count West Side Story as one of my few favorite musicals. I know he's done a lot, but what work of his should I seek out next. I think he's brillant and would probably like just about anything he's done.
Originally Posted By utahjosh I'll have to say "Into the Woods" should be your next Sondheim discovery. Then, maybe "Company" which was recently broadcast on PBS.
Originally Posted By jasmine7 Absolutely Into the Woods, and I'd also recommend Sunday in the Park with George, once you get a couple more Sondheim works under your belt. He also wrote the lyrics for Gypsy, which is another great show.
Originally Posted By Jim in Merced CA 'Into the Woods' -- is available on DVD. It's a fun show. 'Company' is a terrific show -- I wish I could have seen the 1970 version. The newer revival that was on 'Great Performances' last month will be available soon on DVD. It was not one of my favorite versions of the show. 'A Little Night Music' from 1978, is available on DVD [albiet a fairly shoddy print]. The movie stars Liz Taylor, Len Cariou, Lesley-Ann Down and more. Great music. 'Sunday in the Park with George' was a 1985 musical about french artist George Seraut -- starred Mandy Patinkin and Bernadette Peters. A video taping of the show with the original stars is available on DVD. Act one is fantastic. Act two falters a bit, but this is worth seeing. 'Passion' is also available on DVD.
Originally Posted By SoThisIsLove "Sunday in the Park with George"...forgot about that one. Also recommend it and agree with Merced Jim's assessment.
Originally Posted By SoThisIsLove The plot is fabulous and the words can be quite profound at times. It's wonderfully fun to sing to, as well. "Children Will Listen"...one of the finest songs ever written. Enjoy your journey Into the Woods, DAR.
Originally Posted By TheRedhead This topic makes me giddy. We do use the word "genius" a lot today. But Sondheim certainly is, and he is far and away the greatest living composer of musical theatre. There is a Patti Lupone concert version of Sweeney that is on DVD too (Doogie Howser's in it). It's very good. It's interesting to compare Patti's performance in that vs. her performance in the revival (which is a CD you might want to own as well). After that? DEFINITELY watch "Into the Woods" next. Check out "Sunday," my favoritest of favorite musicals. Not for everyone. People complain about it's braininess. But it has the greatest act 1 finale ever. I liked the PBS "Company" and it's definitely worth looking at. Don't forget that Sondheim wrote the lyrics to "Gypsy." Some good stuff out there. There's a "Passion" DVD out there too. Not the best of his shows, but Donna Murphy is crazy brilliant. Not a heck of a lot else to rent DVD-wise. Besides Sweeney, they made two other film versions of his musicals - "Forum" and "Little Night Music" and both are pretty terrible. I would suggest watching the filmed-staged shows above, then buy some CDs - listen and follow along with the booklet. I would suggest the original broadway cast albums of these (maybe in this order): "A Little Night Music" "Assassins" "Pacific Overtures" The lyrics in these shows are nuts. Then try "Merrily We Roll Along", but make sure it's the 1994 revival, not the original. The Nathan Lane "Forum" is fun. And if you're still OK, try "Anyone Can Whistle." I am JEALOUS of you. Enjoy!
Originally Posted By kennect I am still somewhat flipped out that the song "Pretty Women" came from Sweeney....
Originally Posted By lesmisfan into the woods is amazing! probably my second favorite next to sweeney todd. love the song, "there are giants in the sky."
Originally Posted By lesmisfan that song is terrific! kinda like a little rap. and no matter who portrays the witch, Bernadette Peters will always be the witch in my eyes. She is coming to the Cerritos center out here in socal in august. i want to go so bad, i just dont know if ill have the money. You just can't buy one ticket. you have to buy a subscription.
Originally Posted By alexbook DAR: I'm not a big Sondheim fan, but let me recommend "Assassins." Actually, I'm not sure it's necessary to see it--just get the CD. It's a "must listen" for political junkies.
Originally Posted By DlandJB I love "Assasins." After Sunday in the Park with George it is my favorite Sondheim musical. I also love Into the Woods. I saw Passion on Broadway and it was mezmerizing. Sondheim isn't for everyone, but if you get into it, it can be a wonderful ride.
Originally Posted By TheRedhead "I love "Assasins." After Sunday in the Park with George it is my favorite Sondheim musical." My feelings exactly. And yeah, "Assassins" works well just listening to it. The songs are stand-alone units, pretty much. God what a great show.
Originally Posted By DlandJB I have a friend who staged it in 1993 -- the the first time Sondheim allowed it to be staged after its first incarnation off Broadway. I'd never seen anything like it. This friend's theater company (Signature Theatre in the DC area) has since become very well known for its Sondheim musicals. I still prefer the original soundtrack to the 2004 broadway soundtrack, but both are very good.
