I think we can all agree that Stephen Sondheim is amongst the greatest composers of musical theatre ever!
However which Sondheim show (revival or original cast) is your favorite?
Mine is the Original cast of Into the Woods.
Updated On: 4/26/06 at 10:29 PM
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/16/05
In terms of adoration for the casts: Orginal SITPWG, Original Passion, Revival Sweeney, Original Sweeney, Original Into the Woods, Original Company are the main ones that come to mind in that order of favoritism.
In terms of my personal favoritism to his shows the order is: Sweeney, Sunday, Company, Passion, ITW
SWEENEY TODD is a theatrical masterpiece, followed very closely by SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE.
Sweeney is a masterpiece, but I really enjoyed the original cast prod of "A Little Night Music." Guess I was a brooding Sweede in another life.
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/23/06
Assassins. There's just something about it.
Favorite: FOLLIES and SUNDAY
Least favorite: BOUNCE and THE FROGS
SWEENEY TODD even after 26 years is still my favourite of all his shows.
Running a very close second is SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE.
I don't really have a "least favourite" of his shows. I was one of the few who saw BOUNCE in Chicago 3 years ago and while it was problematic, I found it far more interesting and enjoyable than many of the current "hits." And the score has stood up to repeated listening.
Cast albums are NOT "soundtracks."
Live theatre does not use a "soundtrack." If it did, it wouldn't be live theatre!
I host a weekly one-hour radio program featuring cast album selections as well as songs by cabaret, jazz and theatre artists. The program, FRONT ROW CENTRE is heard Sundays 9 to 10 am and also Saturdays from 8 to 9 am (eastern times) on www.proudfm.com
Follies is one of his best, the score is haunting and beautiful, plus some great numbers for actors. My other faves are Sweeney Todd and A Little Night Music. I got to be in Company and that has some fun songs, but not really a fave of mine.
Sweeney Todd, followed very closely by A Little Night Music and Sunday.
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/9/04
A Little Night Music, followed by Sunday in the Park with George
ORIGINAL. MERRILY. WE. ROLL. ALONG.
Sweeney Todd
Sunday in the Park with George
Follies
A Little Night Music
But not always in that order
Sweeney
Follies
Pacific Overtures
Assassins
Original GYPSY.
I know...it's only his lyrics.
But it's fecking brilliant.
You people who are picking four or five are cheating!
It's a ridiculously difficult decision, but I think Sweeney Todd is the only show of his which to me feels completely flawless.
While I believe Sweeney Todd is a composition masterpiece, A Little Night Music is my favorite over all.
Broadway Star Joined: 10/23/05
Well, if I can only pick one ... Sweeney Todd. But just barely. Sunday in the Park with George constantly gives it a run for its money in my #1 spot.
Well I am sorry for cheating! :-p
If I have to pick one, then it's pacific overtures...
No, sweeney...
Well pacific overtures...
But....
OH TOO HARD OF A DECISION!!!!
I hate the word "feck"
Broadway Star Joined: 10/23/05
You would hate my Modern Irish Literature teacher, Munk! Every other word out of his mouth ... he even writes it out as "feck", because he's apparently more bashful about spelling it out than actually saying it.
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/5/04
Sunday in the Park with George
Leading Actor Joined: 3/18/06
I think it might be safe to say Sweeney Todd is one of the best shows ever.
It is without question my favorite. I think my favorite cast is from the 2001 concert at the Philharmonic- perfect.
My first major stage role was as Hero is A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum so I will have to go with that one -- although Sweeney Todd is not far behind (it may even be 1-b)!
I absolutely love the original cast of Into the Woods, but I also love the music from Follies. I strangely find both stuck in my head at random times.
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