From the groundbreaking West Side Story to the beloved Into the Woods, this innovative songwriter redefined the Broadway musical. His scores graced the elegant A Little Night Music, the blood-soaked Sweeney Todd, and the urban alienation of Company. Why was Sondheim so unhappy with some of his most popular lyrics? And what does the phrase “send in the clowns” mean? Musical theater historian John Kenrick pulls back the curtain on this shy genius’s life with behind-the-scenes stories and rare performance videos.

John Kenrick is the author of Musical101.com, The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Amateur Theatricals, and the textbook Musical Theatre: A History. He has taught at New York University’s Steinhardt School, The New School University, Marymount College Manhattan, The Philadelphia University of Arts, Wagner College, Molloy College, and Pace University. 

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