Sondheim was the most famous composer of musical theater and was often referred to as a legend creator.
Stephen Sondheim, a composer and lyricist, died Friday . Tributes began pouring in to the well-known artist after his death was announced late that night.
Lin-Manuel Miranda was a collaborator with Sondheim in his most recent film adaptation to the Jonathan Larson musical, “Tick, Tick…” Boom!” posted on social media saying that Sondheim was “real”. also shared an email that Sondheim sent to him last week.
Last week, I wrote to him to tell him that his ears must be burning from all the Sondheim kindnesses shared by the generations of writers he mentored. He wrote the following in response. We love you. You are my favorite. THANK YOU. -LMM pic.twitter.com/6aeHW4CWFH
Lin-Manuel Miranda, @Lin_Manuel November 27, 2021
Miranda wrote in part, “Steve was real and he was there & he laughed SO loud during shows & we loved & loved him.”
Sondheim was in New York City last week to see live theatre shows. He also saw the performance of “Company,” his 1970 musical. The show returned to Broadway earlier in the month.
Sondheim also wrote “West Side Story”, “Sunday In The Park With George,” and “Into the Woods.”
Rachel Zegler will portray Maria in the movie adaptation of “West Side Story.” posted on Twitter that she was “shocked” by the news about Sondheim’s passing.
Sweeney Todd was my first musical. Five years old, dancing to “a little priest” and not knowing what it was all about. My heart is broken. What a life.
— rachel zegler (she/her/hers) (@rachelzegler) November 26, 2021
Zegler stated in a second Tweet that she intended to “spend the evening making music” in Sondheim’s honor.
posted a tribute on social media to the creator of the musical “Company.” Sondheim was originally scheduled to open the show on Broadway last year. Patti LuPone also tweeted a touching message.
LuPone wrote. “Steve, I will never be capable of properly thanking you for your lessons learned. You are the Gold Standard.
The last great composer of Musical Comedy has passed away. Steve, I will never be capable of properly thanking you for your lessons learned. You are the Gold Standard.
— Patti LuPone (@PattiLuPone) November 27, 2021
Bernadette Peters collaborated with Sondheim in multiple musicals such as “Gypsy” or “Sunday in the Park with George.” thanked the composer because she had “so many things to sing about” along with the “gifts” he gave the world.
Steve Sondheim is gone. He was a friend and a great singer. I will be sorely missed him.
Bernadette Peters, @OfficialBPeters November 26, 2021
Hugh Jackman will return to Broadway as “The Music Man” on January 20, 2022. Sondheim thanked him for his work.
Jackman said, “Every so often someone comes alongside that fundamentally changes an entire art form.” Stephen Sondheim was one such person. While millions mourn his loss, I want to express my deep gratitude for everything he gave me and so many others. My love and best wishes to his family.
Sometimes, a person comes along who fundamentally changes an entire art form. Stephen Sondheim was one such person. While millions mourn his loss, I want to express my deep gratitude for everything he has done for me and so many others. I send my love to his closest and dearest. pic.twitter.com/4KlnJJJipq
Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman November 26, 2021
Other stars include Idina menzel , Tony Award winner , actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson, and actor Bradley Whitford, the actor for “West Wing”, who played Sondheim’s role in Miranda’s “Tick, Tick… Boom!” adaptations, and shared tributes to the creator.
Goodbye dear sir. We will live our lives to make you proud. #stephensondheim
— Idina Menzel (@idinamenzel) November 26, 2021
“Goodbye dear sir. Menzel wrote, “We will spend our lives trying making you proud.”
Ferguson stated that he was never “more tongue tied” or “star struck” than when he first met Sondheim backstage.
After a performance of Merrily, We Roll Along, I had the pleasure of meeting him backstage for 30 seconds. Never have I been more star struck or tongue tied. His writing is what made me want to be a musical theatre actor. His genius is unmatched. RIP Stephen Sondheim.
— Jesse Tyler Ferguson (he/him/his) (@jessetyler) November 26, 2021
Ferguson wrote, “His writing was the singular reason why I wanted to act in musical theater.” Ferguson wrote, “No one will ever be able to match his genius.”
Whitford sent Whitford a simple message of “Rest in Peace” and a letter about the composer’s influence.
Rest In Peace Stephen Sondheim. pic.twitter.com/qzWUQEcYfM
Bradley Whitford (@BradleyWhitford November 27, 2021
Whitford wrote, “Audacity cannot be described in a tame word because he is so fearless to push the limits”
Sondheim was the recipient of eight Tony Awards during his life, more than any other theater composer. He and James Lapine won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for their 1985 play “Sunday In the Park with George.”
Sondheim’s cause-of-death is not known. According to a statement received by NBC News his attorney, F. Richard Pappas , Sondheim died suddenly
“The day before, Mr. Sondheim celebrated Thanksgiving with a meal with friends in Roxbury,” Pappas stated in a written statement. “He spent Wednesday all day seeing the matinees and evening performances of Dana and Is It a Room — what he loved most to do.”
