Sondheims autograph — Page 2

In 1990, Sondheim spent a term as the first Visiting Professor of Contemporary Theatre at Oxford University. The end-of -term project, for his students, was to write and produce an original piece of musical theatre. The end result was 'The Challenge' , which received just one performance at the Shaw Theatre, London and I happened to be the graphic designer for the show.

Given that the production boasted about 20 writers I figured that the programme had to be long and narrow just to accommodate all their names. The evening in question was the hottest of the year and many people wafted themselves with the over-sized programme. At the party after, when I approached Mr Sondheim and asked for his autograph, he asked what my connection with the show was. When I told him I had designed the posters and programmes, he said "Those programmes certainly came in handy", "Yes", I said "You could say I had a lot of fans in the audience". I must say, he couldn't have been nicer or more friendly but I did get the impression that he was rather shy and wondered why anyone would want his autograph in the first place.

I have, somewhere, Ethel's autobiography (or is it a biography?) from about 1976, signed by her.

I'm not saying it's my only life goal, but it's definitely a goal I'd like to accomplish in my life... His music has changed my life. And considering there aren't any other "celebrities" (or celebrity's as you put it?) that I'm trying to meet, I am completely aware that there is in fact more to life.

I know you said you were teasing, but I just wanted to clarify, because I wasn't entirely sure of your joke haha.

"It's my life goal to meet Sondheim, but I'm not sure what the best way to go about accomplishing this is (any suggestions would be much appreciated!)"

It's very simple. Just stand out front any of his NY shows on opening night or closing night. Don't worry if you miss opening night, the closing should be within the year.