Incredible story of how he got in there so quickly! Wonder if it could happen like that for others today.
@zandileaka4710 ай бұрын
This is an awesome series! Wow! Congratulations! Please do more!
@leeellis19762 жыл бұрын
Pᵣₒmₒˢᵐ
@applause721x2 жыл бұрын
So, a thing you do with oats 🤣
@thesondheimproject2 жыл бұрын
We'll never hear it the same way again hahaha
@chuckwike50532 жыл бұрын
Archaeology
@applause721x2 жыл бұрын
Very interesting insights!
@thesondheimproject2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching! : )
@leslieackerman41892 жыл бұрын
I miss them two…
@zoeyan7082 жыл бұрын
Wow. I've learnt so much more from these short 7 minutes than from a lecture. The points he made about pop songs being more difficult to work within musical theatre and grooves appealed to the body, not the head are so accurate! But I've never thought about them this way! Thank you guys so much for doing these interviews and sharing them with us!
@thesondheimproject2 жыл бұрын
Thanks, Zoe! This is actually one of our favorite episodes. Highly recommend looking up Michael's blog too! It's pretty brilliant.
@benaustin63612 жыл бұрын
My most vivid Sondheim moment is actually a Michael Starobin moment, so I leave it here so people know how GRACIOUS and AMAZING Mr. Starobin is. Starobin introduced me to the strength of Sondheim's vision and my own love for the darkness of his imagination. His amazing musical "Assassins" was making its debut in 1993. Starobin orchestrated it for a small three-piece group, for off-Broadway, and was playing piano. The musical is extremely dark -- all of its characters have either killed or attempted to kill a US President. The musical's actual topic is dispossessed people, guns, and mania. The 1993 run didn't make it to Broadway, as I recall, because the Pope was shot and the topic deemed too sensitive. Later, the Broadway opening would be re-attempted for fall 2001, then cancelled again, after 9/11. But the "limited run" in 1993 (about one month) was entirely sold out -- it was Sondheim, it was magnificent, and everyone knew it wasn't going to make it to Broadway. Reviews were great, but seats were super-tight. I asked Michael if I could get a ticket, he said there were ZERO seats available, but I was welcome to sit on his piano bench (!) if I wore a dark suit and turned pages for him. Which is how I ended up gaining a tremendous love for Sondheim, early on in my life (and also SERIOUS respect for and gratitude to Michael Starobin, who won the Tony for his work, later on, when Assassins had a formal opening)! Thank you, Stephen Sondheim. Thank you, Michael.
@thesondheimproject2 жыл бұрын
This is an amazing story, Ben! Thanks for sharing! Michael is the absolutely sweetest man-just a truly good human and artist.
@benaustin63612 жыл бұрын
@@thesondheimproject Starobin is truly an amazing artist on his own. As but one example, I found myself thinking of this story and this moment, since Steven Sondheim's death. So I went back and listened to the 1990 recording of Assassins. And then listened again. There are small attentions to detail in the orchestrations that made me smile. One example is during "I Am Unworthy of Your Love" -- John Hinckley begins and you hear these lovely chimes behind him -- those are a Yamaha DX7 or other FM synthesizer that made its debut in the early 1980s, near when John Hinckley shot Ronald Reagan. When Squeaky Frome takes the second verse, her backgrounds sound more 1970s, almost a "Carpenters" sound -- with soft sax, muted horns, strings, electric piano. It's like Wagner, where everyone has a Leitmotif which fits their historical circumstance. His attention to detail is astounding, yet still very musical.
@doxma333 жыл бұрын
Who are these lovely interviewers?
@thesondheimproject3 жыл бұрын
Madeline Botteri and Joel DeCandio : )
@doxma333 жыл бұрын
@@thesondheimproject Thank you. So engaged and charming.
@leslieackerman41893 жыл бұрын
Always so interesting! Following Sondheim closely since I was growing up in South America, these interviews are so wonderful being between confirmation and illumination. Starobin is right on target and makes superb points (and Maddie her delicate self asking the great questions.) The post-production is marvelously achieved!
@leslieackerman41893 жыл бұрын
What a treat listening to stories on three iconic Sondheim collaborators. Thanks interviewers/producers! Maddy: ❤️
@leslieackerman41893 жыл бұрын
Gemignani is an icon for us Sondheim fans. To have his stories on record is a contribution to the history of Broadway. Great job. 🙏🏽
@leslieackerman41893 жыл бұрын
"Sunday in the Park". Of course you could end it on the 1st act, but I agree with MS: the 2nd Act is so wonderful, why stop?
@leslieackerman41893 жыл бұрын
Starobin is a class act on what he does, and he articulates it here beautifully. 'Children and Art' being held! (wow, what a story) Another thing: I like about these interviews are the interviewers themselves. They do it softly, with respect and admiration and with enormous interest and thirst for learning (typical journalists would definitely not do it that way, sorry!)
@leslieackerman41893 жыл бұрын
LOL. Joe ashamed of the many "like"... Welcome to the world! My daughter is a great speaker, but cannot have a conversations without dozens of "likes" (I challenged her once!). Funny note. But do not pain over it.
@thesondheimproject3 жыл бұрын
😂🙈
@leslieackerman41893 жыл бұрын
Fascinating. Reveals many interesting aspects of production not found anywhere else.
@leslieackerman41893 жыл бұрын
He expresses a lot of what those of us who discovered Sondheim when young being teachers who serendipitously discovered ‘Send in the Clowns’ for the first time living in South America. “Liaisons” is a jewel in ECM’s catalogue. (But the Rachel Maddow mention was unfortunate. Sorry)
@leslieackerman41893 жыл бұрын
The ECM release is a huge artistic success. And the beauty of these interviews is that they touch on themes and people that others seem to ignore. And with unbelievable grace and knowledge.👏
@thesondheimproject3 жыл бұрын
Leslie, thank you so much! We really appreciate this comment-it was really important to us to try and explore things that hadn't already been touched on in previous interviews. Thank you! :)
@leslieackerman41893 жыл бұрын
@@thesondheimproject OK: I love everything Sondheim, obvious. I have everything that carries his name. BUT your work is outstanding. I get so much inside information, complementary facts, plus your tongue-in-cheek "notes" are hilarious. Done with class, sensitivity and never preachy!
@thesondheimproject3 жыл бұрын
@@leslieackerman4189 Thank you, Leslie! You've made our day!
@leslieackerman41893 жыл бұрын
This is so special. Just listening to Starobin makes one emotional considering the love and admiration I have had since listening and watching “Sunday....” for the first time. A breakthrough, a revelation, something one cannot share easily with most others because they just can’t get it. (Add Maddie and one is all fuzzy.)
@leslieackerman41893 жыл бұрын
Starobin being interviewed is really a novelty!👍🏼
@leslieackerman41893 жыл бұрын
Who is Rachel? Did we miss something?
@thesondheimproject3 жыл бұрын
Ah, Rachel Colbert served as producer for The Liaisons Project
@leslieackerman41893 жыл бұрын
Starobin is a recognized master. Never saw an Interview with him before. Who are the interviewers? (Her sweetness melts my heart)
@thesondheimproject3 жыл бұрын
Hi Leslie! The interviewers are Madeline Botteri & Joel DeCandio-they also produce the series-they're in the description and end credits. Michael was an amazing interviewee-he had so much to say. If you're interested, check out his blog on his website. It's pretty brilliant!
@leslieackerman41893 жыл бұрын
Geminiagni‘s name has been attached to Sondheim’s for decades. This is great. But the interviewers deserve to be named! ... Her smile warms the heart ❤️(sigh)
@thesondheimproject3 жыл бұрын
Hi Leslie! The interviewers are Madeline Botteri & Joel DeCandio-they also produce the series-they're in the description and end credits. Yes, Maddie is a wonderful human! : )
@leslieackerman41893 жыл бұрын
@@thesondheimproject thank you! I have to confess that I thought the credits would “credit them” but their presence deserves more, i.e. intro credits. It’s an opinion, maybe they are too humble, but they deserve the front end. Regarding Maddie... it will remain a dream to find someone like that who loves Sondheim (sighs). Move on! Keep up the good work. Very enjoyable (and different)
@thesondheimproject3 жыл бұрын
@@leslieackerman4189 Thank you! : )
@leslieackerman41893 жыл бұрын
@@thesondheimproject if I may, it just occurred to me. Maybe it’s available somewhere, but if not, it would be nice to have a blurb à-la-Playbill for the interviewers. Just a thought. I’m happily subscribed now and already a fan. As an anecdote: I grew up in Lima, Peru. ca.1975-6 I heard Send in the Clowns on the radio sung by Judy Collins. My life changed. Since then, I am probably the only Peruvian who follows Sondheim’s entire oeuvre.
@thesondheimproject3 жыл бұрын
@@leslieackerman4189 Oh we like that idea! We'll come up with something!
@leslieackerman41893 жыл бұрын
For us Sondheim fans for decades, this fills in a gap. Always illuminating. But why not name the interviewers? Her demeanor warms my heart😍
@thesondheimproject3 жыл бұрын
Hi Leslie! The interviewers are Madeline Botteri & Joel DeCandio-they also produce the series-they're in the description and end credits. Glad you're enjoying the series!
@barrykoron53153 жыл бұрын
There was also an orchestration for (I think) 13 pieces used by the San Jose Civic Light Opera in 1994, which included "Something Just Broke".
@thesondheimproject3 жыл бұрын
Ah, going to look into that now! Thanks!
@barrykoron53153 жыл бұрын
@@thesondheimproject I velieve it's what MTI makes available to producing organizations who have the money for a Broadway-sized band. There may be some differences.
@cesterjr3 жыл бұрын
This is beautiful.
@thesondheimproject3 жыл бұрын
:) Glad you enjoyed it, Craig!
@Butlinsgvn63 жыл бұрын
These videos are fantastic. Thank you for speaking to these artists and having such thoughtful, colourful discussions. I hope you can talk to the man himself
@thesondheimproject3 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much-glad you've been enjoying them! We've been on hiatus for a bit, but we're about to be back with some more! :)
@nancina494 жыл бұрын
Love this! Made my heart beat faster. Thank you, Mr. S, and to you two for the insider interviews.
@thesondheimproject4 жыл бұрын
Aw, good, we're glad! :) Thank YOU for watching!
@AceHardy4 жыл бұрын
🎉🎂🎈
@EricMontreal224 жыл бұрын
<3
@Music-fv5yg4 жыл бұрын
♥The Sondheim Project
@Victor19304 жыл бұрын
Just heard Michael's Suite from Assassins as part of the New Year's Eve concert Celebrating Sondheim by the New York Phil. It needs to be recorded and made available! It was wonderful!
@thesondheimproject4 жыл бұрын
It's so fantastic! Maybe if we're lucky! You've probably already heard it, and the Assassins Suite isn't part of it, but there is an album called Symphonic Sondheim with Don Sebesky conducting the LSO, and a few of the suites are on there.
@nancina494 жыл бұрын
The best one yet. So instructive for me as a listener. And such symbiosis between you interviewers and Anthony de M. Bravo! “Give us more to see.”
@nancina494 жыл бұрын
What an amazing interview. Loved his story about having the music in his head. And so amazing to hear of these new creations inspired and guided by Sondheim’s work. Bravo you guys!
@nancina494 жыл бұрын
Such a gift to hear about his collaborations. Bravo.
@nancina494 жыл бұрын
Wow. Thank you for the travelogue journey through these reimagined pieces. Such valuable content.
@thesondheimproject4 жыл бұрын
Always! : )
@EricMontreal224 жыл бұрын
Wonderful!
@thesondheimproject4 жыл бұрын
Thanks, Eric! :)
@nancina494 жыл бұрын
Wow, I felt like I was at the birth when he relates (or relives!) this. So inspirational. Another exciting interview.
@EricMontreal224 жыл бұрын
Fascinating interview.
@nancina494 жыл бұрын
Just fabulous. So interesting to hear these interviews. Love your enthusiasm as well as the tasty tidbits from those you interview. Makes me feel like a real "insider."
@thesondheimproject4 жыл бұрын
Thank you!! : D
@willcwhite5 жыл бұрын
A satisfying conclusion to a great series. Great questions. Keep up the good work!
@thesondheimproject5 жыл бұрын
Thank you, sir! :) So happy you've been enjoying it!
@nancina495 жыл бұрын
Thanks for this insider’s look at creating a musical. Makes me realize it’s truly a miracle.
@thesondheimproject5 жыл бұрын
It's wild all the work that goes into it! <3
@nancina495 жыл бұрын
Fabulous.
@thesondheimproject5 жыл бұрын
:D
@EricMontreal225 жыл бұрын
This has been a terrific interview that has answered so many questions I had. Thanks!
@thesondheimproject5 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching, Eric! Super happy you're enjoying it!
@medialabyyc77075 жыл бұрын
“He let’s you be you.” That’s a wonderful way to sum Sondheim up. He can make any performer shine by working with their talents instead of forcing a square peg in a round hole. This series is wonderful.
@thesondheimproject5 жыл бұрын
Agreed! His writing is so strong, it can hold anything you bring to it. That's why we have so many incredible and diverse interpretations of his work! And so pleased you love the series-that means a lot to us coming from you!
@nancina495 жыл бұрын
“The Gershwin of the 21st Century.” Amazing statement. Delightful insights.
@thesondheimproject5 жыл бұрын
Yes! We absolutely agree! :)
@medialabyyc77075 жыл бұрын
Paul Gemignani was a name I saw so much as I was creating my musical theatre library. It's good to put a face to a name. And I agree with him on how the greatness of live theatre is for it to be, well, live. (Even though I did want him to name names.) I'm going to love this series. I just enjoy hearing these stories from people who've had long careers.
@thesondheimproject5 жыл бұрын
Agreed! There's some really amazing content coming up in the episodes. Can't wait for you to hear it!
@michaelwilliamybarra24094 жыл бұрын
@@thesondheimproject It's also nice to hear that his son, Alexander Gemignani, is starting to fallow in his father's footsteps from Musically directing and re-orchestrating the score for the Fiasco Theatre's production of Merrily We Roll Along. He's a great actor still, and not just in Assassins and Road Show. I honestly consider him the theatre equivalent to Paul Giamatti.
@thesondheimproject4 жыл бұрын
Oh, absolutely! Broadway is incredibly lucky to have the both of them!