‘A titan of the American musical’: Tributes pour in after renowned composer Stephen Sondheim dies
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Stephen Sondheim, the legendary theatre composer has died aged 91.
Regarded as one of the foremost artists of the 20th Century, Sondheim wrote the lyrics for West Side Story and composed Into the Woods among many others including Sweeny Todd and Company.
Sondheim’s friend and lawyer F Richard Pappas announced his death, which he described as “sudden”.
According to Pappas, Sondheim had spent the previous day having a Thanksgiving dinner with friends in Roxbury, Connecticut.
The world of theatre and film, meanwhile, have been paying tribute.
Musical theatre actor Lea Solanga wrote: “Rest In Peace, Stephen Sondheim, and thank you for your vast contributions to musical theatre. We shall be singing your songs forever. Oh, my heart hurts…”
While Josh Gad added: “Perhaps not since April 23rd of 1616 has theatre lost such a revolutionary voice. Thank you Mr. Sondheim for your Demon Barber, some Night Music, a Sunday in the Park, Company, fun at a Forum, a trip Into the Woods and telling us a West Side Story. RIP. “
You can see more reactions to the news below.
Rest In Peace, Stephen Sondheim, and thank you for your vast contributions to musical theater. We shall be singing your songs forever. Oh, my heart hurts…
— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) November 26, 2021
Perhaps not since April 23rd of 1616 has theater lost such a revolutionary voice. Thank you Mr. Sondheim for your Demon Barber, some Night Music, a Sunday in the Park, Company, fun at a Forum, a trip Into the Woods and telling us a West Side Story. RIP. 🙏 https://t.co/jHX7ob9JWv
— Josh Gad (@joshgad) November 26, 2021
Master. Legend. Icon. I was so privileged to join in 2 standing ovations last week at the opening of Company on Broadway.
Gratitude for the endless inspiration he provided to generations. He changed the world. #rip #stephensondheim 😔 pic.twitter.com/kmpKfooNYg— Wilson Cruz (@wcruz73) November 26, 2021
Devastating news. Hard to fathom that he was in fact mortal like the rest of us. But bow lucky are we to have lived in the world at the same time as this great man. No one can replace him. RIP. https://t.co/3fBLVn7SO3
— Judy Kuhn (@JudyKuhn1) November 26, 2021
My heart is suddenly breaking. One of the most influential humans in our lifetime, whether you knew of him or not 💔 Stephen Sondheim, Titan of the American Musical, Is Dead at 91 https://t.co/WAcdmY6Qae
— The Rosé (@omgheyrose) November 26, 2021
“I guess this is goodbye, old pal”
Today we lost undoubtedly the most influential voice of musical theatre. A true giant and a huge loss for the world. Goodnight, Stephen Sondheim. pic.twitter.com/1FZ73ksGm5— Jamie Lambert (@JamieCollabro) November 26, 2021
More to follow...