Remembering musical theatre genius Sondheim

Stephen Sondheim was an important personality in the American musical theatre scene. His works over several decades influenced musical lovers across the globe. And Chennai is no exception. So, it’s only apt that they come together for an evening of music and story-telling, celebrating the life and works of the composer-lyricist.
The director of the show, Amrita Fredrick, shares what Sondheim’s works mean to her.“I was first influenced by Sondheim’s music and lyrics as a listener, and how he was able to give voice to so many human emotions and experiences through his work. That excitement and feeling of being ‘seen’, and watching his musicals inspire me as a director. Because that’s something I want to offer my actors and audience,” she says, even as she is busy making the final arrangements for the show.
The selection of his songs includes those from musicals like West Side Story, Sweeney Todd, Company, and Into The Woods. The show’s music director, Sangita Santosham, says, “I've tried my best to present the length and breadth of his works, to highlight the intricacy and genius of his writing, both lyrically and musically. At the same time, I’ve chosen songs that would be entertaining to the audience. We’ve put together our talents for the love of musical theatre and Sondheim himself, and we are expecting this to be an experience that’ll be personally satisfying for us artistes and highly entertaining for the audience.”
The evening will not only see music, but story-telling, too, as the idea is to bring the Chennai audience closer to Sondheim, the highs and lows of his career, personal struggles, and the legacy he has left behind, says Amrita. Kavya Srinivasan, who’ll be the storyteller of the evening, says, “It felt like discovering a whole new world. And to be researching his life while listening to all of the things he wrote really allowed me to enjoy it all better.”
Amrita says, “Sangita and I started out by putting together a list of songs we enjoyed and thought that the audience would enjoy as well. And then, we invited artistes we felt would suit the songs and characters the best. We’re both so grateful that so many incredible musicians were willing to give their time and skills for a tribute show like this.”