ALW vs. Sondheim

[MyDreamsRecurring]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 10:15pm

Soo..the big broadway debate of the ages continues
Who do you prefer- Andrew Lloyd Webber or Stephen Sondheim?

Or are you part of the very small minority (which includes me) who appreciates both writers for their talents?

[Holliwoodblonde]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 10:16pm

Even though I adore Joseph...Dreamcoat, I'd take Sodheim over ALW anyday.

[ashley0139]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 10:16pm

I actually do like both, but I prefer Sondheim. He is so clever. Love it.

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 10:17pm

Sondheim: yesterday, today and tomorrow.

[Thenardier]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 10:17pm

I didn't know this was a huge debate.

[Caroline-Q-or-TBoo]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 10:17pm

i like bits and pieces of ALW. but WAY prefer Sondheim

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 10:17pm

Sondheim has written some lovely, creative, and breathtaking music as has Andew Lloyd Webber. I'd have to go with Sondheim but with ALW very, VERY close behind.

[lamentingenvelope]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 10:19pm

ALW has his brilliant moments, I will admit. But I much prefer Sondheim.

[GovernorSlaton]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 10:20pm

Thenardier, it's really not -- there is, has been, and always will be a clear winner.

[ally_kay_on_broadway]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 10:20pm

ALW- i can't help it...i grew up with him- from jesus christ superstar to...*deep breath* starlight express...

[Mythus]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 10:24pm

Sondheim.

[Pinguin]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 10:24pm

Sondheim all the way. The only ALW show I like is JC Superstar. All his 80's stuff is just so....80's :0)

[nmartin]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 10:25pm

Sondheim has muscialized stories that one would have thought could not have been musicalized. That his shows have not always been well attended in no way detracts from his unsurpassable artistic achievements.

[hypertruffle]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 10:29pm

Both have their moments, but I perfer Sondheim.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 10:34pm

as far as shows go, sondheim wins hands down. ALW has some good songs, and his songs work much better out of context. but i will forever favor sondheim....he is just a million times more talented....

[gavrochegirl]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 10:34pm

Sondheim, hands down!

[Jimmyojimmy]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 10:36pm

I love POTO but Sondheim wins in my book.

[OnTheAisle]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 10:40pm

No contest. Sondheim is the BE ALL AND END ALL

Updated On: 6/12/05 at 10:40 PM

[VonTussleGirl]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 10:52pm

As much as I love Phantom, I prefer Sondheim by a mile.

[FOAnatic]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 11:01pm

S to the ONDHEIM

[jacobtsf]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 11:02pm

ALW will always be my guilty pleasure but I much prefer Sondheim.

[Princeton78]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 11:09pm

There are a lot of closet ALW fans on this board i'd suspect. It's just not 'cool' to be a theatre fan and like ALW i'd guess. Both composers have brilliant moments. ALW has been more commercially successful, but Sondheim has won more praise from critics and theatre fans. Webber tends to write lush melodies and his shows often include dazzling effects. Sondheim tends to write shows where the music is the focus. I don't know that it makes him better though. I can honestly say, that in my 16 years of theatre-going (i'm 26), I've been more entertained overall by Webber.

[Elphaba3]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 11:15pm

I prefer ALW's scores and Sondheim's lyrics. ALW write beautiful and heartfelt melodies, and Sondheim is a lyrical genius.

[JudasIscariot]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 11:23pm

ALW, way better than Sondheim in my opinion. Phantom of the Opera was the first musical I ever heard, and it scared the daylights out of me. My uncle used to play it when I was about four, and he would turn all of the lights off so I got really frightened. Later on, I listened to his stuff, and realised how beautiful it is. Sondheim really doesn't do anything for me, I am not as emotionally attached to his work.

[Matt_G]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 11:24pm

Updated On: 5/9/06 at 11:24 PM