How Sondheim Can Change Your Life

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 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 songs as ＂Rose’s Turn＂ from Gypsy, ＂Send in the Clowns＂ from A Little Night Music, and ＂Children Will Listen＂ from Into the Woods that speaks to us so intimately and profoundly?

How Sondheim Can Change Your Life makes the case that Sondheim’s greatness--beyond the clever lyrics and adventurous music--rests in his ability to tell stories that relate to us all. From Louise’s desire for freedom as Gypsy Rose Lee to Sweeney Todd’s thirst for revenge, we as an audience relate easily to Sondheim’s characters. His works understand us as much as we understand them.

Following the arc of Sondheim’s career, How Sondheim Can Change Your Life is rich with stories about productions and iconic performers, deep readings of his music and lyrics, and insights into his creative process. But more than that, it reveals how Sondheim’s works can enrich our own lives.

Richard Schoch (pronounced Shook, rhymes with ＂book＂) is professor of drama at Queen’s University Belfast in Northern Ireland. An American, he graduated summa cum laude from Georgetown University and received his PhD in drama and humanities from Stanford University. He is the author of seven books, including The Secrets of Happiness. He is the recipient of fellowships from the Whiting Foundation, The Folger Shakespeare Library, the Stanford Humanities Center, and is a regular reviewer for The Times Literary Supplement (London). Before launching his academic career, Schoch directed plays in New York City and Washington, DC, and worked for the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts.