When will Sondheim see Sunday... George?

[HRubin]

Posted: 12/26/07 at 11:09pm

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

[CapnHook]

Posted: 12/26/07 at 11:12pm

So anyone who responds with advice is an accomplise to potential stalking?

[TomMonster]

Posted: 12/26/07 at 11:13pm

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...

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 12/26/07 at 11:13pm

Hopefully on the night I go.

[HRubin]

Posted: 12/26/07 at 11:16pm

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.

[sweetestsiren]

Posted: 12/26/07 at 11:17pm

Why would opening night be closed to the public?

[TomMonster]

Posted: 12/26/07 at 11:20pm

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.

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 12/26/07 at 11:25pm

While I will attest that he's a friendly guy, Sondheim is notorious for (like many New Yorkers) enjoying his PRIVACY, hence entering after the show starts and leaving before it ends.

I can't imagine what must have gone through his head at the closing performance of Sweeney Todd a few years ago when Michael Cerveris singled him out during the curtain speech.

[emo_geek]

Posted: 12/26/07 at 11:29pm

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.

[Roninjoey]

Posted: 12/26/07 at 11:38pm

Jolly?

*snicker*

[HRubin]

Posted: 12/26/07 at 11:44pm

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.

[sweetestsiren]

Posted: 12/26/07 at 11:47pm

Oh, hmm, interesting. I didn't realize that.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 12/26/07 at 11:51pm

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

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

[TomMonster]

Posted: 12/27/07 at 12:00am

It also doesn't mean that SS will be there. Or anywhere near the "public".

[TheActr97J]

Posted: 12/27/07 at 12:10am

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.

[emo_geek]

Posted: 12/27/07 at 12:12am

Yes Jolly...the first word that comes to mind when I think about my encounter with him. He chatted with me for a few minutes and the entire time he was smiling and would laugh at my lame jokes.

[JudasIscariot]

Posted: 12/27/07 at 12:16am

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?

[ljay889]

Posted: 12/27/07 at 12:21am

He DOES go to the first previews. I assume he will be there for SUNDAY.

[Roninjoey]

Posted: 12/27/07 at 1:13am

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

[sondheimfan2]

Posted: 12/27/07 at 2:41am

I was one of THOSE people who approached Mr. Sondheim during a preview of Into the Woods (original). He signed my Playbill, chatted for a moment, and was very approachable. One of the highlights of my theater-going career.

[emo_geek]

Posted: 12/27/07 at 3:34am

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

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

Posted: 12/27/07 at 3:41am

Santa? He was so hot in the 70s...if that's what Santa looked like I wouldn't mind hopping on his knees. Yummers.
I have tickets for the 10th right before APPLAUSE. Can't wait to see the show.

[Color and Light]

Posted: 12/27/07 at 3:55am

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

[artscallion]

Posted: 12/27/07 at 8:44am

Judas, I'd also heard that he'd stopped responding to letters because people were selling them on EBay.

TheActr97J, how recently was it that he responded to you?

[thtrbear]

Posted: 12/27/07 at 12:25pm

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.