Tributes have been pouring in for Stephen Sondheim, whose lyrics, melodies, and willingness to take on unconventional topics transformed American musical theater in the latter half of the 20th century. He had just died at the age of 91.
President of DKC/O&M Rick Miramontez announced Sondheim’s death. Sondheim’s attorney, Rick Pappas, confirmed to the New York Times that the composer died at his home in Roxbury on Friday morning.
In particular, Sondheim’s iconic musicals like “Company,” “Follies,” and “Sweeney Todd” have had a profound impact on generations of theater composers. “Send in the Clowns,” his most popular ballad, has been covered by Judy Collins and Frank Sinatra, among others.
Performers and writers throughout the world paid tribute to the giant of the theater. Lea Salonga wrote that his songs will be sung forever and Aaron Tveit wrote that the world is lucky to have what he has given to this world.
Anna Kendrick, the Oscar-nominated actress, paid homage to Sondheim on social media, describing his passing as a tragic loss.
Actress and singer Barbra Streisand thanked Stephen Sondheim for sharing his talent with the world throughout his life.
As a performer in Sondheim’s musical, one of the most famous, “Sunday in the Park with George,” Jake Gyllenhaal referred to him as the master of American musical theater.
