The last word: Rewriting musical theatre history with Sondheim

What is it about?

Decades before he emerged as Broadway's 'eminence grise', Sondheim, who is 'nothing if not critical', offered penetrating but occasionally self-serving self-criticism of his own work, in particular the 'West Side Story' lyrics. Later, Sondheim's unwavering negative assessment of 'Do I Hear a Waltz' as well as the dispiriting collaborative experience of creating it, has succeeded, despite growing dissent, in seriously damaging the critical reputation of this worthy, if imperfect. The article argues that Sondheim's personal and artistic animosity has lead to a rewriting of Broadway reception history that bears closer examination and challenge.

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Why is it important?

The first serious challenge to Stephen Sondheim's rewriting of Broadway history.