A Tribute To Stephen Sondheim - Extended Interview With Stephen Colbert

Stephen pays tribute to a man he calls "the greatest composer and lyricist in the history of American theater." #Colbert #Broadway #StephenSondheim
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The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is the premier late night talk show on CBS, airing at 11:35pm EST, streaming online via Paramount+, and delivered to the International Space Station on a USB drive taped to a weather balloon. Every night, viewers can expect: Comedy, humor, funny moments, witty interviews, celebrities, famous people, movie stars, bits, humorous celebrities doing bits, funny celebs, big group photos of every star from Hollywood, even the reclusive ones, plus also jokes.

[@garyengler165]

Following a performance of Mahler/Resurrection conducted by Bernstein, an older gentleman in front of me dropped his umbrella, and I stooped down to pick it up for him. Recognizing Sondheim immediately, I said "Your parasol; so perfectly cocked!" (a lyrics from Sunday In The Park/Color & Light). He looked up, broke into a huge grin and nodded his head. A thrilling moment.

[@lapponia77]

That's a lovely story. And kudos for you for having the presence of mind to think of those lines :-)

[@kennethbrady]

Well played:)

[@eirikastokes9652]

The hardest hitting celebrity death in my lifetime. I wept for this man. I sobbed like I'd lost a grandparent. This man and his music and lyrics changed my heart, my brain, and my life and there will never be another genius of his caliber in our lifetime. May your memory be a blessing, Steve. Thank you for everything.

[@rebeccahelen502]

This was truly a beautiful tribute, Erika.

[@sherivanduren7589]

@eirikastokes9652n He was NOT a celebrity. He was a brilliant artist, composer, lyricist, genius, BUT NOT a celebrity.

[@MiloPaulus]

When Sondheim's voice broke after Colbert telling the story of him reading Sondheim's lyrics to his mother :'( _"When I was 19 I read the lyrics of Putting it Together to my mother, to say that this is what I wanted to do with my life. Even though I had no idea of what 'this' might be. I couldn't sing like Mandy Patinkin. I couldn't compose like Sondheim. I couldn't write or direct like James Lapine. But like Seurat's hat, that play was a window from this world to that. And I will always be grateful to you for that. For laying out the desire, the beauty, of the act of creation itself. Regardless of where that may take you."_ R.I.P. Mr. Sondheim

[@dougimmel]

In parenthesis could be Seurat's hat...no?

[@MiloPaulus]

@@dougimmel Ah, yes! I didn't understand it. Thanks! I'll add it.

[@irenemax3574]

No parentheses needed around Seurat’s hat. But you could change “into” to “ from” as in, window from this world to that.

[@nartarlyiatremaynne1239]

Your comment was heartfelt. Milo the universe was showing off when you were made. My heartfelt gratitude for your words. I concur with your sentiment 100% Australia.

[@unowen-nh9ov]

Most civilized discourse I have ever read on the internet, appropriate Sondheim inspired it.

[@laalaa99stl]

"Musicals are plays, but the last collaborator is your audience, so you've got to wait 'til the last collaborator comes in before you can complete the collaboration." -Stephen Sondheim

[@laalaa99stl]

“Work is what you do for others, liebchen. Art is what you do for yourself.” ― Stephen Sondheim, Sunday in the Park with George

[@wearegoingtogoseeyousoonid1891]

Nice rip old dude I know none of your work but the cut of you gib is appreciated. Stay safe folks.

[@Vidgirl8]

I use this quote often.

[@chass1771]

“Do not let it grieve you, no one leaves for good” - Stephen Sondheim, Into The Woods Artists like Sondheim come along only once every two or three hundred years. He can rightly be compared to Bach, Mozart, Rembrandt, Picasso and Shakespeare. Whilst we deeply mourn his passing, his work has left a lasting legacy on the world, and will forever continue to do so for all the generations to come. Farewell Stevie-my friend and teacher.

[@terryhammond1253]

🎹 I remain heartbroken at the loss of Stephen Sondheim. He was my mentor in the 1970's and I deeply cherish the letters he has written me over the years. 🎹

[@MadAboutBrows]

There must be some real chestnuts in those letters 🥰

[@BenVarkentine]

You are to be envied, Sir.

[@ChubbyUnicorn]

Mr. Sondheim had a sharp mind, was still learning & trying new things; a wonderful example for us all. I hope I'm that lucky.

[@charlescoleman5509]

I really hope Sondheim’s “Square One” is finished enough that it can still presented in 2022,

[@kaspinet]

Thank you for the story about singing with Sondheim in the front row. And I love Sondheim's response. Anyone else could have made it about them but Sondheim wanted to see Stephen's experience with a full professional orchestra. You were the best of composers and the best of human beings. RIP, Maestro.

[@eagleking48]

Give your heroes their flowers while they still have their mortal ears to hear them. I'm at least comforted that Sondheim knew how beloved he was, and is.

[@jeffsilverman6104]

I am 62 years old today, and I'm still not half as sharp as this great man was at 91. R.I.P. to a man who defines the word legend.

[@MadAboutBrows]

Hbd!

[@solderbuff]

Yeah. I wonder what his diet was. This man was definitely sharp.

[@victoriap4335]

Happy Birthday!!

[@Mason_____]

@@solderbuff music. His mind was always sharp because he was always creating. His mind was special. RIP

[@solderbuff]

@@Mason_____ , I mean, if you eat 5000 calories per day, no matter how talented you are you will probably be dead by 65 or at least have stroke by that time. Healthy diet is a necessary condition to die with clear mind. That's why I'm curious what he ate.

[@JJRush_]

*Many people over the course of a lifetime will talk about "Legends". Stephen Sondheim IS the embodiment of what the definition of a "Legend" is. Many gifted theater people came before him and many have yet to come, but NONE will have the "goose bumps" effect that Sondheim gave us in every masterpiece he created. Heroes get remembered, but Legends Never Die.............*

[@Chrisyt272]

Incredibly put! Thank you for putting these feelings into words.

[@benjaminstock5334]

He died doing what he loved. May we all be so lucky.

[@b3z3jm3nny]

May his memory be a blessing

[@TheNinnyfee]

Thank you for giving a proper standing ovation to someone who truly deserved it. ❤❤❤ Isn't it weird that we crap our pants when someone we admire watches us perform while they just came in to enjoy the moment with us and honor us? ❤

[@calliemyersbuchanan6458]

What an absolute legend! Such a devastating loss! Celebrity passings don't usually affect me all that hard but man, this one felt like a punch to the gut and I shed some tears. 😥😔 They better do our man right at the Tony's this year!!!

[@JorenMyers]

You have the same name as my dog.

[@vebesese5632]

He was 90. "Devastating"? I bet you're American. And one who's done nothing to make poor people live so long. We know your sort.

[@Gnostic72]

@@vebesese5632 Don’t you have some MAGAt website or thread to crawl into?! Your comment was totally uncalled for & unacceptable. (Abusing your 1st Amendment Rights again, I can see. 🙄🖐🏼🎤)

[@sherivanduren7589]

He was NOT a celebrity. He was a brilliant artist, composer, lyricist, genius, BUT NOT a celebrity.

[@garycpriestley]

What a genuinely authentic, humble and charming human being.... 😥

[@ruthzekaria2105]

This interview moved me too to tears. To see Sondheim get so emotional while listening to Colbert read the blurb from his book was omg so sweet. Made me fall in love with him all over again.

[@HappyLife693]

What an honor to have had Sondheim on your show this year, and what an honor to have given his last standing ovation.

[@monsterbari]

I rarely cry at an interview. I’m crying now. What a touching moment

[@nartarlyiatremaynne1239]

The universe was showing off when Stephen was made. His music is transformative and heartfelt from his Soul. A Rose Still Grows Beyond the Wall. Australia.

[@ChristopherKRiese]

I 💗 that line. I don’t know 🤷‍♂️ if that is your own or borrowed from someone else, but I will hopefully remember that for the REST of my life. Thank you 🙏 for that… 🤗‼️

[@alexaales7937]

what a wonderful line to honor one of the greatest artistic minds!

[@PhatNutz]

Thank you Stephen, rest in paradise GOAT. 🎭🎶

[@kholdanstaalstorm6881]

A meeting between two class acts, two respected gentlemen. R. I. P. Legend Stephen Sondheim, R. I. P.

[@jackspry9736]

RIP Stephen Sondheim (March 22, 1930 - November 26, 2021), aged 91 You will always be remembered as a legend.

[@jakedahms8856]

never thought I'd hear a song from assassins as intro music but it made me giddy, thank you Jon batiste, and thank you Stephen Sondheim!! RIP to the master

[@Kim-lc3fv]

A national treasure.

[@richardmercer2337]

Played my disk of "Into The Woods" as a tribute when I heard he was gone. Always in tears at the end, and of course this time was no exception.

[@mitch1352]

Same here. I immediately had to listen to that show. It's a masterpiece

[@morrisp.5583]

Thankyou Stephen ... and many many many thanks to YOU ... Stephen S. R.I.P. Seeds planted during this conversation. You can count on it.

[@whoopshey826]

If you want to make magic, if you want to make eternal life...Make music.

[@NCPensFan]

Can you imagine any of that scenario of Colberts’ and not dying inside.. 1) singing on Broadway with a legit cast of players 2) singing in a Sondheim production. 3)being able to do or say a single thing after the man himself enters the theatre.. Oh god I would probably die from the pure anxiety..

[@tiffanyvantine3322]

I didn’t really come to appreciate Sondheim until my 20s, and then it felt very much like I’d been missing something my whole life. His musical genius continues to ripple through the works of the composers who have followed him. What he gave us in harmonic dissonance, accompaniments that do NOTHING to help the singer, but add so much to the richness of the piece, subtly cheeky and clever lyrics, and commentary on the complex and darker parts of human nature, as well as our capacity to love... And now there’s a great, tall, terrible (wonderful) giant in the sky... how can you love and miss someone so much you have never met, except that they have touched your soul through art. Thank you Stephens both for this lovely moment.

[@backyardadvocate9377]

As a kid, I couldn't recall one line of Shakespeare. But I'm pretty sure I was the only Marine Boot who knew every word to West Side Story - including Rita Moreno's, "America!" I had to explain things to a fellow recruit from San Juan :). Will really miss the elder Stephen and hope I'm still doing shower karaoke to "Cool" and "Something's Coming" if I reach those 90's. We'll dim the lights for a minute.

[@mr.mrs.d.7015]

[@qazxsw2428]

What a lovely man.

[@alextirrellRI]

I think this is the most comfortable and happy I've ever seen him in an interview. Crazy to believe this was only 3 months ago.

[@kiriakoz]

It was beautiful that Colbert felt that way about Sondheim and was able to tell him directly. It's sad when people you care about pass away but it's very comfortable knowing you got to tell them exactly what they meant to you. Advice to everyone: make sure you tell people how you feel about them.

[@HeyMJ.]

Thank you for introducing viewers to an incredible, talented human being. 🕊

[@bradyweed4124]

God I already miss him so much.

[@parkpatt]

Cherish elders

[@jadenwaz9585]

not the assholes, but people like Sondheim definitely.

[@janetw.5706]

What a legend! Thanks for re-playing this interview, Stephen.

[@letsgrowfoodeh3933]

ART ISNT EASY. the amazing paradox is how easy the gifted make it seem. We can only know that by enduring the less-gifted trying. I actually appreciate both. It takes a lot of courage to try, knowing only some soar.

[@notsure1969]

Such a lovely and well spkoen man. He certainly left behind quite a legacy.

[@MaShcode]

Was deeply touched by his passing. To be missed for sure but what he left behind, omg.

[@robinhahnsopran]

"Sometimes people leave you Halfway through the wood, Others may deceive you - You decide what's good, You decide alone, But no one is alone." Sondheim's music and lyrics have helped shape me into the music lover I am today. I've been lucky to perform his work for many years, and it's some of my favourite music I ever do. Thank you, thank you, thank you for everything you have given the performing arts community over many decades of creating wonderful art, Maestro - you will be missed.

[@altonhumes5782]

If he wasn't the kind of artist you noticed before now, please notice him right now, even as he is no longer with us. Rest in Power Forever, Stephen Sondheim. #LateShow #ExtendedInterview #NoticeHimNOW!!! #ThankYouStephenSondheim. #AnEffectOnUsAll.

[@waldolydecker8118]

Pianist is on point, playing that poignant and most memorable passage from 'Assassins when Colbert introduces Sondheim.

[@janetparlato4341]

I was in college---as a painting major---when I saw Sunday in the Park. It wrapped me in the truth about life, love, and the gift of creativity. Art isn't easy, but it endures. Lovely interview with the incomparable Stephen Sondheim. Big points to Stephen Colbert for making an old man cry. Seriously, so grateful for this interview.

[@debbiedoodiedandi]

Thank you for sharing this extended interview. I immediately thought of this interview when they announced his passing last week.

[@gwynnielsen5081]

I started out in musical theater. My favorite show ever was Sondheim's COMPANY. I played the role of Kathy in my university's production. From the beginning to end, I loved every second of it. Big thanks to Mr. Sondheim.

[@catherinepeloton4446]

Thank you for this wonderful interview with this great artist!

[@beverleyreid8258]

I agree

[@batgurrl]

RIP to a true music legend. He was still sharp as a tack here. Thanks for posting

[@Ozymandi_as]

Sharp as a knife, a show about to open on Broadway, a movie release, and new work in the making. There's something very moving about a creative talent that endures into old age; Verdi and Picasso are his brethren.

[@navidhendrix]

4:50 - 5:33 That explains everything. No more words needed. Thank you Mr. Sondheim. RIP

[@anish3183]

R.I.P Mr. Sondheim.

[@hanellipsis]

In a world where hyperboles are used too often, I would never hesitate to label Sondheim as a genius. An utter genius. His musical and lyrical material can withstand rigorous analysis without losing emotional power, and, with very few exceptions, most contemporary musical theatre pieces completely pale by comparison. He's on par with many of history's best composers. A most profoundly heartbreaking loss. Rest easy, Stephen Sondheim... unfortunately, even giants are mortal.

[@jorgecharriez4931]

What an awesome interview ! Couldn’t look away . The respect and admiration of Stephen towards the Maestro was so sincere and palpable. I have rewatched this clip many times and copied the link to cherish it forever 👌👍

[@LMays-cu2hp]

So very very nice man!!! Thank you for sharing this...

[@donstoddard8458]

That was great thank you

[@cherylsibson2529]

Could be a musical song in Heaven RIP Mr. Sondheim and Dad Bob.

[@SP_3333]

Absolutely brilliant.😘

[@EmpyreanLightASMR]

If it isn't the sun, it's the songbird. If it isn't the air, it's the view. I am completely undone By the endless abundance of life Aren't you? - Stephen Sondheim, lyric found on his piano after he passed 2021 I could have sworn I posted this here, but now it's missing. Last lyric (or one of) found on his piano after he passed, from the Bunuel musical he was working on (although I'm finding articles from April that say he stopped working on it):

[@robjack2804]

The man is gone. We are left in the forever embrace of his words and music.

[@scottcrosby-art5490]

Amazing talent

[@AGMundy]

Stephen Colbert was so respectful and humble in his comments. That he stood at the beginning I think was a personal and sincere gesture. How lucky he was to have been able to express his gratitude - as was I, though by letter which Sondheim very kindly responded to.

[@geraldineclarke5434]

I'm a Hollywood kid and have met and interacted with lots of famous people all my life. I never had a problem with going up and having a chat with Leonard Berstein, Richard Nixon, Martha Graham et al. but once a friend was working on a concert version of Sweeney and he brought me to the theatre early and I sat in the empty theatre and waited for the show to start. Then the great man himself, Sondheim, came in and sat down to wait about 25 feet from me. I tried and I tried but I couldn't make myself go up and talk to him. I was just too awed. It is one of the big regrets in my life that I didn't thank him personally for all his great work and how much it has meant to me.

[@joanbennettnyc]

Thank you for putting this up!

[@oppositeofh8]

simply beautiful. thank you for this.

[@suekelsey1329]

Awesome Thank you again

[@JJhugganstuff]

Absolutely beautiful.

[@unowen-nh9ov]

Thank you for this, Stephen. Both of you. ❤

[@elphbwckd212]

I will always remember where I was the first time I heard his music and I will always remember where I was when I heard about his death. I had no clue what musical theater even was, or how it would change my life until I heard the Into The Woods soundtrack. Then it was Company, then A Little Night Music and so on... I'm very proud to say that I have performed in 5 different productions of his shows. Even though they ranged from cheap and local to fully produced regional and touring productions. Stephen Sondheim changed my life. He changed my life. I have never cried for a celebrity I didn't know. But I cried and had to leave dinner, out with my dad and brother, when I read that he had passed.

[@JohnnyForgotten311]

Wonderful.

[@BearMeat4Dinner]

4 year younger than my grandma. God Bless!

[@stefanhoimes]

Colbert's "Sorry, Grateful" is just lovely.

[@direkdiaries7579]

I’m sorry grateful, regretful happy. Thank you Mr. Sondheim.

[@BenVarkentine]

I wonder which was scarier for Colbert: Singing the song from "Company" with Sondheim sitting in the audience? Or singing his own parody lyrics to "Send in the Clowns" with Sondheim sitting across the table, as he did on Colbert Report?

[@cesterjr]

Thanks for posting this.

[@krazyoldkatlady192]

What a beautiful interview!😍

[@moonrazk]

I don't care one bit about musicals, but it's such a shame that we lost him, specially because his mind was still in amazing shape.

[@sarahjones-jf4pr]

What a gentleman, What an artist, What a sweetheart.thank-you for all your music and lyrics rest in peace sir.

[@101doreen]

Thank you!

[@marcialynn3469]

I watched you in Company yesterday on KZbin. You were awesome. My life dream...

[@ferdinandcortes2865]

Sondheim is immortal! You can bet your life on that!

[@diegomaury]

This man saved my life. His music and lyrics gave me a purpose to go on and a reason to enjoy the voyage. Thank you for everything.

[@geaj]

Love this man.

[@isabellacani0102]

He will never get to see Square One on Broadway I’m actually sobbing

[@SerenityPeaceTree]

Brilliant legend....

[@waqasbajwa3006]

RIP legend 🙏

[@priyac7054]

I was expecting this!

[@melisaez]

The Great One 💖

[@EST84x]

For a 90something year-old, he was still incredibly sharp.

[@ccooper4708]

Wow. Just wow.

[@damiangill3463]

Now that was a man that I would stand up for, a musical genius.

[@edithugorji6398]

RIP

[@POP2POSH]

We are all alive at this man’s genius

[@sudhindrakopalle7071]

It amazes me to see how alert and present Sondheim is, even at this ripe an age. So sad to see him go.

[@HawksVox]

Stephen Sondheim. Will we ever see another like him? "Iconic" falls short of describing his legacy to the world theatre. May his memory be a blessing, and his art--like the rest of the masters--live on forever.

[@edh7071]

Looking forward to this movie version of "West Side Story"! (easily one of the most important musicals of my lifetime). I direct plays and musicals, and I can't begin to describe how pivotally important this play impacted my approach to directing!

[@gustafsone]

I will be working at the premiere of Steven Spielberg's "West Side Story" in a couple of days from now and even though Steven himself is one of the main reasons I moved to Los Angeles to be in the movie business, I'm absolutely heartbroken that I won't have the opportunity to meet Mr. Sondheim if only for a brief couple of seconds to shake his hand and say how much his art has inspired me over the years. I haven't seen the film yet, but after hearing Sondheim himself give the seal of approval, I'm a bit more optimistic about seeing it than I was before, and yes I absolutely loved the original film adaptation!

[@runefaustblack]

Off-topic but thank you, you've made me realize that in this interview we've had Stephen Colbert, Stephen Sondheim and Steven Spielberg.