When will Sondheim see Sunday... George?

I obviously know that there is no guarantee of actually meeting/speaking with him; however, does anyone know or have any good guesses as to when Sondheim would probably attend SITPWG?

I think the first preview (1/25) would be a good guess. Any info or ideas?

Also, I believe Opening Night is 2/21. Is it closed to the public?

Thanks

He saw it in London, loved it and as usual will sneak into the back row after the show starts and leave before the lights come up.

If you want to meet and/or talk with him, you're better off writing him a letter.

He's good about answering mail.

Just like most New Yorkers, he doesn't like to be bothered in public...

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Or, anyone who responds is helping out a fan who would love to have the opportunity to attend his favorite composer's piece at the same time that he will attend.

I am not going to approach him, but check the search button... I remember having read multiple posts about people meeting Sondheim at his shows.

I can understand how it appears/sounds a little stalkerish, but in no way is it and I believe many can understand where I am coming from.

Again, TRUST ME!!! Steve does NOT like to be approached at the theater. (sometimes even with people he knows..!)

Only at planned social or commercial events is he comfortable dealing with fans.

He loves letters and does respond.

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I met him backstage at a show and is very nice and jolly. Just don't keep talking to him and you will be fine.

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The reason I believe opening night is closed to the public is because Opening Night is 2/21. At the roundabout website, 2/21 is marked off like there is no performance (you can't buy tickets for 12/21.)

The first show after previews end is 2/22... so I assume that Opening Night is closed to the public because I (as a member of the public) can't buy tickets to that performance.

That doesn't mean it won't be open to the public, though. Sometimes tickets for the opening are released as it gets closer.

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Updated On: 12/26/07 at 11:51 PM

I wrote him a lengthy letter thanking him for his work and being a great inspiration to my career; he replied with a short but sweet personal note in about a week. I'm glad to hear he genuinely appreciates hearing from his fans.

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So, does he usually reply to every letter? I read something about how he used to always reply but now he has stopped because his letters started to show up on eBay. Any truth in this?

Wasn't making fun. Just thought it was a funny way to describe him, especially in light of the season.

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Hehe he has always reminded me of Santa actually...but SHHHH!

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I think Hal Prince looks more like Santa, to be honest.

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Some Sondheim non-encounters:

About 2 years ago I saw Othello at BAM and left during the curtain calls cause I had an aisle seat and wanted to catch the next subway. (Hey, it wasn't great and I had to get up early the next day). By coincidence I slotted into step right behind SS and a friend as they left at the exact same time. I have a feeling he is a culture vulture for NY events like this.

Several months ago when Blackbird was closing at MTC and I was on the cancellation line in the lobby, he came to pick up some tix and quietly gave his name. The guy couldnt find them at first and must have said What's your name again? and the composer replied politely but more audibly, "Stephen Sondheim?"

On his way out, there was an annoying woman who was at the head of the cancellation line (but wound up wandering off before showtime without saying anything). She was standing in the lobby doorway talking on her cell and he said Excuse Me politely but she barely moved for him. Then he said Excuse Me! in a really annoyed and loud voice and pushed past her.

Apologies to Mr. Sondheim and fellow chatters if any of this was weird of me to repeat.

By the way- I am so glad that woman did leave, cause after the warnings that there was no reason to wait from the box office, there were only 2 of us on the line and they let me buy a student ticket, after earlier saying they definitely wouldn't be able to that night.