Stephen Sondheim Is Still Writing New Works, As "Company" Returns To Broadway

[@arroncuellar9347]

RIP Stephen Sondheim. Your talent will be forever missed.

[@emmarose4234]

Yesterday I was talking with my brother and I said I hoped Mr. Sondheim lived to 100, if not 110. 😭😭😭😭😭

[@cherylm2702]

We often think of people sometimes as soon as they go or about to go. Even if we wished they stayed longer. 💔I hope that show Square One comes out he was talking about.

[@emmarose4234]

@@cherylm2702, I hope the 2021 WSS will be dedicated to him. It probably will, if there is enough time.

[@jerrera45]

I think Stephen Sondheim will be missed by many, but his magnificent talent will go on through the ages.

[@agbook2007]

Deepest condolences to Stephen Sondheim's family at his passing. Stephen Colbert's touching words in this interview were truly heartening.

[@oHeihei]

Can't believe he's gone, but I'm so thankful for all the music he brought us. Writing and inspiring, up until the very end. Rest in peace, and thank you, Stephen Sondheim

[@cscottzimnamaste]

Sondheim in his 90s. We are so, so fortunate.

[@taelonar5973]

Absolutely, and I hope I’m still sharp like he is if I am fortunate enough to live as long.

[@gianmariab2893]

This interview!!! god I have still some hope for this 2021

[@jennatomashosky8624]

I hope I am this sharp at 91.

[@edp3202]

And he's still working! He's still living life.

[@tonyspinnelli730]

Yes we are!!! I thank him because Sweeney Todd was the first Show I ever saw!!! His show made me love the Theater so very much!!! My sister got me and my friend 2 tickets front and center with Lansbury and Cariou I was blown away. He is a genius and I had the honor of meeting him after I saw Todd. He was so gracious and wonderful. Long may he reign!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@zadescrivner]

"....the greatest composer and lyricist in the history of the American Theatre." Yes. He most certainly was. R.I.P. ♥️

[@Elias-ee3yp]

Speaking so well into his 90's. Hope he got the chance to finish Square One before his passing. Rest in peace.

[@hannahrosereviews5073]

Sounds like he did finish it. It's just gotta go through some tweaking before it hits the stage.

[@williamzavlaris4054]

Wow, Stephen Sondheim looks great now even into his 90's and also is still as brilliant as ever. May we be blessed with his presence on this planet for many more years to come and I love that he is still working. Such artistic genius is all too rare. Bravo Stephen Colbert for letting us experience Mr. Sondheim even for so brief a time. This interview really made my day!

[@davidnarbett]

2 months??!!! - I think u jinxed him

[@williamzavlaris4054]

@@davidnarbett 91 years and 2 months is hardly a jinx. He lived far longer than most of us will ever attain.

[@DDumbrille]

Apparently you don't know any 91 year olds.

[@TMWriting]

eeeeeeeeek

[@stressmuffin]

He seams like a wonderful man. RIP Mr. Sondheim 😪🙏

[@makiburgess5733]

This is the rare thing in broadcasting- a genuine, thoughtfilled/thoughtful discussion between two artists who respect each other.

[@jonhanson8925]

Colbert really needs a podcast where he talks to people for much longer. I feel like there are so many things these two could talk about but they could only scratch the surface. So thankful we still have Sondheim!

[@abidrzaidi]

reading through these comments and that last sentence started to make me bawl :(

[@TMWriting]

eeeeeeeeeek

[@marshallartz395]

Did anyone else start crying watching this? Our greatest living composer. November 26, 2021: A momentous loss for the arts. The musical theatre going forward will simply be different. He cannot be replaced. He was not looking well on this Colbert show, and I sensed he wouldn’t be with us much longer. I’m incredibly sad. The world has lost a real musical and literary genius. 🎭

[@michelebenedosso3899]

Me! 🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲

[@kandyappleview]

me too! i'm so grateful we still have him around. and still working! golly day!

[@nakedfingers]

Yup

[@JT8D200C]

He passed away

[@BestFitSquareChannel]

Wow! Wow! Wow! Did not expect Stephen’s sincere, heartfelt acknowledgment… emotional… ♥️ 🖖🏼

[@jonhanson8925]

And seeing how touched Sondheim seemed was just beautiful.

[@BestFitSquareChannel]

@@jonhanson8925 … indeed, thank for highlighting an equally wonderful moment.

[@NewMessage]

Heck, I nearly stood and applauded here.

[@baddmanaz]

Wow! Still incredibly articulate and sharp at 91!

[@graymoreghost]

Sondheim has been my idol forever. I was blessed with the opportunity of using his personal library in his home back in 1985. He was absolutely wonderful to me. Such a gracious host. So genuine. We have remained good friends ever since then. I love him dearly.

[@Mollasandra]

Crying. I wish he would live forever. So brilliant, generous, enthusiastic and humble. Couldn't we use more of all of it everywhere.

[@nutmeglee]

Upon hearing of the great Sondheim’s passing, I immediately recalled this fantastic interview. It was likely his last big public appearance. I just had to come back to see it again. RIP Stephen Sondheim

[@yvettenewell7520]

I’m watching this today 26 Nov 2021 after just hearing that Mr Sondheim just passed away a couple of hours ago. I saw this interview in September when Colbert had him on his show and was in awe of how incredible he looked and how sharp he was for a 91 year old man. The world has lost a true gem. Rest In Peace Sir.🙏❤️🙏

[@MsKakaface]

A living legend with such humility.

[@Baribrotzer]

He's had hard times: points, even fairly recently, when he couldn't get shows produced. For years, the big thing on Broadway has been adaptations of movies with scores by pop stars, and none of the money people had time for an elderly legend who insisted upon doing original work. Only the serious theater nuts know who he is, whereas suburban and tourist audiences - which a show absolutely needs to make money - all know popular movies, and will pay the big bucks to see them performed live.

[@nuralianathamna8868]

normaly when you know stoff you become humbel ... the greates mind and real intellektuell and thinker are humble .... look at naum chaomsky

[@patrickcarroll1754]

So well put!!!!

[@michellek3714]

@@Baribrotzer . Dear Evan Hansen. Hamilton. You’re right. Original shows don’t do well. Or maybe your premise is wrong.

[@Baribrotzer]

@@michellek3714 I hope it IS wrong.

[@hammun6]

I really thought Stephen would burst into tears when he started reading his own blurb to Sondheim. I for one, did.

[@michelebenedosso3899]

Sondheim felt it for sure…🥲

[@sportsmediaamerica]

Stephen reading his own blurb. Total suckup.

[@PhimbleG-d]

Bawled

[@jonathanbenavidez201]

@@sportsmediaamerica I think Colbert is an okay guy depending on the topic and day. But his quote made me think of those stars who tell interviewers how their 5 year old cried, asking why people judge her so often based on her race, and most people assume it never happened. I’m not trying to be rude lol but it gave me “invented for optics” vibes, when I try to imagine what he described actually taking place. Could be wrong - I am often enough lol. But yeah. Still, a kind interview and it’s always a pleasure seeing Sondheim do an interview RIP.

[@meganbreen1380]

omg i cried when they cried. love stephen's admiration for sondheim and that he got to tell him in person how much he means to him

[@stepawayful]

You gotta watch the 2011 NY Philharmonic production of Company with Colbert as Harry. NPH plays Bobby, and Lupone is just awesome in too. Of course. Imagine how Colbert felt being cast in it. 🤯

[@meganbreen1380]

@@stepawayful oh I’ve watched it many times! It’s awesome! So fun and moving

[@stepawayful]

@@meganbreen1380 you have probably seen the documentary of the making of the OBC album. Have you seen the parody of it, "Co-op?"

[@rachaelking3300]

May his memory continue to be a blessing…His gifts to this world will inspire for generations to come. Thank you for the Music and your Love to the World.

[@estella241]

Really touching. It’s not often you get to thank your heroes.

[@mariekastler5391]

Joining that Standing Ovation at home, sir❣️ Your work has brought me So Much JOY... THANK YOU❣️

[@ActorsWithIssuespodcast]

May the legend Rest In Peace. Such a bright mind all the way to the end, he was sharp as a whip at 91

[@spikechick13]

Rewatching this now and revelling again in our fortune at having lived during this maestro's lifetime. What a legacy he leaves us. May his memory be a blessing.

[@nickrafello628]

Wow that moment of reading "the blurb" in the book and watching Sondheim take it all in and getting emotional as he thanks Corbert.....just beautiful.

[@overthemoo]

Colbert’s note made me cry, especially when he stopped to collect himself, and then Sondheim too. Thanks to Colbert for bringing him on once more. Rest In Peace

[@laalaa99stl]

Stephen's love and respect for a mentor and inspiration is palpable through the screen.

[@marcocucinotta3611]

It really is

[@javontaypeoples9603]

God I wish there was more to this interview.

[@MrJimmy1953]

I love this man. His musicals changed my life. Thank you Stephen Sondheim.

[@verdatum]

Stephen Sondheim is a TITAN. It's delightful and brilliant to bring him back for restoring Broadway. When I was introduced to him as a kid, it felt like it changed everything I knew about everything.

[@drewlovelyhell4892]

I've never seen him interviewed, but I'm sort of falling in love! Such a sweet and gentle man. And of course, he's legendary!

[@PopeLando]

So often when you hear of someone dying in their 90s, it turns out they've essentially been in decline for 20 years or more. It's so gratifying, the day after this giant passed, to realise that there was no such decline for him, that he was active right to the end. RIP Stephen Sondheim.

[@nahuelma97]

There's something about a 90 something year old man crying when someone professes their admiration to them that makes me tear up in no time

[@seppyq3672]

I am so sad right now. Never met the guy, but hes been a HUGE part of my life. The legend will be missed, but he lives on forever.

[@bkynbiker19]

I was privileged to, once, at the Tony Awards the year of "Passion." Sitting with him in the press room when they gave out top award Best Musical (won by Passion..) - he'd seemingly had a few, and as they showed a brief clip from the show on the monitors showing the lovers in a semi-nude scene as the nominees were read out, he cried out "Show the tits! Show the tits!," then added "We need to sell tickets..." -- it was a charming, funny, sweet and adorable side of him not usually seen, and showing a down to earth, relatable side. At least I thought. Thought folks might like knowing this.

[@seppyq3672]

@@bkynbiker19lol. That's cute

[@susannuccio7637]

Sondheim’s vocabulary and preciseness with language astonishes me. He had a truly brilliant mind.

[@Janurinu]

Thank you for this! It's wonderful to see him and hear him speak so eloquently still! What a gift he has been to us all!

[@EveryDayALittleDeath]

Stephen Sondheim's music is basically the soundtrack to my life. My father sang his songs to me as lullabies and I was word perfect on Company, Merrily We Roll Along, Pacific Overtures, and the first act of Into the Woods before I understood what I was singing. Sondhiem's music means so much to me, and it was an absolute honor when I met him purely by chance at Junior's Cheesecake. He's so nice and so gracious and so phenomenally talented

[@jeffreyshev3707]

We lost a Giant of musical theater today. Thanks to Colbert for this thoughtful interview. The likes of your talent come once in a lifetime. RIP Dear Mr. Sondheim, and thank you. ❤️

[@Merm895]

Living. Legend. Brilliant and so kind 💗

[@Crystal-wv9rg]

magnificent! thank you Stephen C for this interview and RIP Mr Sondheim 🙏🏽 may his memory be a blessing.

[@JayVBear45]

I loved when Stephen Sondheim appeared in the Independent movie musical CAMP which starred a very young Anna Kendrick who sings Here's to the Ladies Who Lunch from Sondheim's musical Company. A truly beautiful meta moment.

[@waqasbajwa3006]

Just honour listening to him🙏

[@mm0710]

Remember as a kid growing up starting to find the joy of musicals, and then heard Sweeney Todd and it blew my mind. To me musicals were either campy, romantic, or fun, your Josephs, West Side Story, Chorus Line, Chicago, but Todd was something completely different, it deepened my love and appreciation for musicals. I mean that ending, wow 🤯

[@masterofallgoons]

I'm fully with you.. that show certainly has a great deal of comedy, but it's a full on tragedy and horror story as well .. really something special. And that score is just mind bendingly good

[@lanetower3411]

Sondheim did the lyrics to West Side Story and Gypsy before he started doing his own musicals.

[@paulajosmith3941]

Sweeney Todd is the greatest broadway show ever. It redefined what theater should be.

[@slowpainful]

The thing about Sondheim is each of his shows is so completely different from all the others, yet each one a masterpiece. In that way, he's like Beethoven, who never repeated himself, each of his works is like a new problem he is trying to solve, the sounds from some different universe he inhabited. And believe me, I don't make that comparison lightly. I share your admiration for Sweeney Todd, though I think it is really "Company" that got the ball rolling and redefined what the American musical could do. And each of the musicals you mention is more than worthy of its success, with West Side Story being in a class of its own.

[@JorgeGomez-hx5uu]

@@paulajosmith3941 exactly

[@NevermoreMadGirl]

In tears watching this right now, this man was a huge inspiration to me and so many others. I have Company tix and it’s going to mean so much more seeing it now. A true Broadway master, may he always rip. 💔😫

[@theycallmek3v]

This man is the reason for Broadways continued success. He seems happy and healthy at his age and I’m happy he came on late night to show us all he’s still doing what he’s always loved and that’s writing music.

[@youraunt938]

Can't wait for square one A man who truly lived for stories and music. Thank you for making my life sweeter and brighter.

[@WaitintheWings]

Rest in peace to a true legend.

[@stepawayful]

Colbert's blurb choked me up, and Sondheim as well. If you haven't seen the production of Company with Colbert starring NPH, it's a treat so check it out! Colbert must have been so thrilled that he was cast in it.

[@Amaryllis1970]

My heart just warmed by knowing that he was able to watch Spielberg's movie and the Company, not to mention his portrayal in the tick tick boom before he left. Such an icon, such a beautiful human!

[@pnarbolsu7827]

He’s one of a kind. Brilliant and pure soul! 🤍

[@seriliaykilel]

Stephen Sondheim and John William --- two of the greatest and now well into their 80s-90s. Really no one else gets even close to their level of talent, and their music really moved generations. So excited to see Sondheim is still writing and excited to see what his next musical looks like!

[@makiburgess5733]

Williams, but that was likely autocorrect.

[@seriliaykilel]

@@makiburgess5733 fail! And yes, autocorrect sucks! 😜

[@jimswenson6131]

@@makiburgess5733 Uhm, nice try but auto-correct doesn't change "WIlliams" to "William". The person just got it wrong, no lame excuses... :)

[@lizrohme2232]

Thank you for having him on! So good to see him. I love all his deep and thoughtful gifts to us in the Form of the American Musical.

[@mariaeastcoast3271]

I can’t breathe. He’s like a God to me.

[@graymoreghost]

Like a God? Ha! I don't think so. He IS God!!!!

[@shanedeleon5376]

You can tell how much they respect each other. There's true affection flowing both ways in this short interview.

[@GCWeber]

Rest in Peace, Mr. Sondheim. You were absolutely brilliant, and you will be missed.

[@MGustave]

The greatest artist living today.

[@kateuhler7803]

Him, and Stephen Speilberg.

[@ryanm4319]

Sondheim and Hans Zimmer

[@FreakieFan]

@@ryanm4319 Lmao, Hans Zimmer

[@tommytimp]

@@kateuhler7803 Paul and Ringo.

[@andymarquez4227]

Shakespeare of the 20th and 21st Century! I can’t wait to see Company with a gender reversed cast! That sounds very fascinating!

[@engrasiada]

such a sad day. may god bless your soul, Mr. Sondheim 🤍

[@jasonandlynnechambers3420]

What a legacy. His music and lyrics will live forever. Thanks Mr Sondheim.

[@janetrobertson9199]

Vale Stephen. Bless you and Thank you for all the songs 💜🙏💜

[@SoozUK]

Saw this interview and assumed we had him for another 30 years at least, he's so bright and on board, like there was still more to come. The legacy he leaves behind is unmatched. His memory is a blessing to all of us.

[@dylansmith1833]

A living legend! Sondheim will forever be a true musical artist! Being Alive is my favorite song because it really shows that life can be great but never perfect! I cannot wait to see Company this fall! Hell, I'll even see it twice if I have to!

[@mikiohirata9627]

I totally agree with your choice of his best song. There sre too many great songs of his but "Being alive" says it all. He always put a spot light on both light/positive and shade/darkness. No one writes a whole life in one song like he can.

[@andrewlococo5156]

What a terrific interview! I only wish it were longer.

[@eagleking48]

"There are giants in the sky!" Not since 23 April, 1616 has the theatre stage reeled from such a loss as this. There has never been, there will never be another Stephen Sondheim. Fans will bury the sidewalks with your flowers. Airwaves will echo with your showtunes. Poets will intone your lyrics. The sky weeps for you today. Broadway and West End are quieter, and the planet is less rich without your towering presence. Thank you for the Hat, maestro.

[@critterkarma]

Love and respect from one Stephen to the other. 🙏💓💐

[@cor-z8m]

So thrilled to have seen him on TV just weeks ago…. Crushed to think this world will never see another genius like him! Americans must be so proud of this son!!

[@ClassicalAndrew]

Holy crap you guys got Stephen Sondheim? What an honor, dude is a true legend.

[@gracias.manana]

So grateful I got to see company in London, it’s truly an incredible and hilarious revival

[@whoopshey826]

I had to stand up in my living room. That guy is THE FUCKIN GUY! All the respect. flowers flowers flowers

[@mariekastler5391]

Me, too! PS, Great moniker!

[@richiejohnson]

Me too. ♡

[@time_trippers]

@@richiejohnson And Sondheim

[@davidscott6933]

White person moment

[@richiejohnson]

@@davidscott6933 ?

[@SharonBenton]

This is the sweetest interview I have ever seen.

[@michelebenedosso3899]

Stephen’s words to the The Master, Sondheim… so touching. 🥲

[@Kristine_202]

This man HAS TO live forever. He's a legend!

[@iicjguitar0416]

Well...

[@Kristine_202]

@@iicjguitar0416 Your response is how I found out...

[@iicjguitar0416]

@@Kristine_202 I'm really sorry. R.I.P.

[@smokugoku]

I just watched 2011's Company last weekend and realized Stephen was in it!!! (Wasn't used to seeing him without glasses!!) I was surprised at how good he was! Mainly because I already know that late show hosts don't HAVE to be musically talented, but still he was better than I truly expected!! Now I'm obsessed with the beginning of the actual song Company, and I want to preform it myself!!

[@stepawayful]

I've been commenting all over this video about that production. Imagine how Colbert felt being cast in it.

[@oliverbrownlow5615]

With James Corden having played the Baker in the movie version of *Into the Woods,* that makes two current tv talk show hosts who are Sondheim alumni.

[@slowpainful]

The opening of "Company" as it adds voice after voice to the mix and then blossoms into the actual number is one of the most thrilling openings in musical theater. I hope you get your chance to perform it! The new version, which I've only heard from the London cast recording, switches the gender of the main character to female, and it's so cool that Sondheim authorized that. It works brilliantly.

[@yellolab09]

Argghhh, Sondheim: What a trail of gifts in this one and only precious life Yes, of course, we will go and see the shows! We'll meet yet again, in the dark, holding our breath, as the lights go down and the curtain goes up

[@jalalcsri9031]

Sondheim is the greatest, indeed.

[@andreslasaga1675]

Rest In Peace Maestro. Thank you so much for your love and passion for music and the performing arts.

[@debraharriott6558]

God bless this man , he kept the DREAM alive. Legend who is alive and kicking.

[@sportsmediaamerica]

Too bad the BLM generation has no clue who he is, nor would understand or enjoy his work.

[@marydonohoe8200]

So glad I tuned in to this! What a treasure this man has been and continues to be!!! Thank you, Stephen. (Both of you!😉) 🙏🏼🙏🏼🎶🎶

[@richmoves]

Bow down and recognize the true master of musical theater! What a lovely and talented man... and still sharp as a tack. I am really looking forward to the new West Side Story. 🎬🎵🧡

[@TeddyLeitner]

Rest easy, you brought music and stories of love and heartbreak and laughter and shock and everything in between. Fly high, Steve

[@Did.You.Forget]

Im honestly so happy to be living in the same time as him. Incredible. Iconic.

[@jabberwockyings]

it's absolutely insane to be alive at the same time as sondheim is. it's almost like being alive at the same time as shakespeare. what a legend!!

[@siwi666]

can't stop crying with joy and love

[@Anonymous18531]

Stephen Sondheim and John Williams. Each year with them in our world is a blessing. My ears are lucky to have grown up filled with their music.

[@oliverbrownlow5615]

John Williams has some interesting musical theatre roots that intersect, if only briefly, with Sondheim. He was married to Barbara Ruick, who played Carrie in the movie version of Rodgers & Hammerstein's *Carousel.* He was the soundtrack pianist for the original 1961 movie version of Bernstein & Sondheim's *West Side Story.* Early in his career, he orchestrated and conducted three big-screen musicals: Leslie Bricusse's *Goodbye, Mr. Chips* (1969), Bock & Harnick's *Fiddler on the Roof* (1971), for which he won his first Academy Award, and the Sherman Brothers' *Tom Sawyer* (1973). He even wrote a stage musical, *Thomas and the King* (1975), which was intended for Broadway, but only played London briefly (it does have a cast album, though).

[@beignet2012]

This man is a true legend and PASSION is my absolute favorite musical.

[@marshallartz395]

As time passes I think Passion will be remembered as one of his greatest works. It deals with a tough subject, the music is beautiful, but not immediately ‘catchy.’ A great musical (opera?) for adults. 🎭

[@altonhumes5782]

The Masters NEVER Die.... They have much more to teach us, in their years and in ours. BRAVO Forever, Mr. Stephen Sondheim. #LateShow #MasterComposerForever!!! #TheMastersNeverDie!! #ThankYouStephenSondheim.

[@danielsword4629]

Still writing in his 90s??? Damn

[@LLBrumfield]

The first musical I saw on Broadway was the original production of COMPANY. We sat in the very back row of the balcony but it was still thrilling. Mr. Sondheim is indeed one of the all time greats and it is such a blessing he is still working.

[@Mister_Listener]

You must have seen Donna MacKechnie and all the others, how cool!

[@LLBrumfield]

@@Mister_Listener And the great Elaine Stritch, too. One of my theater companions for that night, was the late, great Robb Webb who grew up to be the voice of Sixty Minutes and the CBS Evening News.

[@Mister_Listener]

@@LLBrumfield that is so neat, thank you for sharing. What a lucky and unforgettable experience. Hugs!

[@lucaiallonardi2124]

Rest in Peace to the man who inspired me and so many others to continue our artistic visions. “Anything you do, let it come from you. Give us more to see.”

[@JeromeCleary]

He was truly a master of some of the most iconic musicals. I was fortunate to have met him several times when I was going to NYU.

[@Atlas423]

Holy cow ... when Sondheim's strong voice breaks in response to Colbert's story.... Lord have mercy.

[@JoeyJavierReyes]

I cannot imagine this life, this world without the music and lyrics of Stephen Sondheim. He shall be missed although his works have made him ... immortal. Goodbye, Mr. Sondheim. Thank you. THANK YOU.

[@carlosarchuleta62]

humbled to see a legend still searching, still hungry

[@amandanies3174]

This is why I love Colbert as a host. He is genuinely respectful and has these intelligent, articulate conversations with his guests. He always apologizes if he interrupts and asks them to continue. And even when you see him so thrilled and geeked out when it comes to anything related to pop culture (especially anything related to Tolkien), he still maintains being polite and respectful. Stephen Sondheim was a legend. I've heard that legends never truly die. It must refer to legacies, because the legacy of Stephen Sondheim will forever live on. Rest well, Mr. Sondheim.

[@Theordoreqaz]

God I love this man. He is a certified genius.

[@markwdavis]

Rest In Peace Dear Stephen Sondheim, the greatest ever musical composer! I was so lucky to have met you twice in the 80s. My deep condolences to his husband.

[@russelltappan-hawkey4826]

A singular genius that hit places in the psyche that had not been experienced before, and such a life that touched so many, grateful I got to meet him...

[@judywhiting4684]

NY FAVORITE COMPOSER...l had the leads in 3Sondheim shows..Sally in FOLLIES..Charlotte in LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC....old woman..CANDIDE...he.is so brilliant..and his shows are.stunningly beautiful...THANK YOU MR SONDHEIM🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹

[@alfieconn2692]

RIP Stephen Sondheim. Musical genius.

[@allisonroberts7951]

What a musical genius; thanks for the beautiful gift you gave to all of us.