Skip to main content

What would we do without Sondheim?

A few nights ago, I caught the last hour of an HBO documentary Six by Sondheim.  Unfortunately since I was late, I only got to see half of the show—3 of the 6 by Sondheim if you will.  As I watched this documentary about this very talented man, I was reminded of when I first saw one of his musicals.
 Years ago, I was flipping channels in the television and happen to stumble upon A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. I liked the title, it was unusually long. The opening song’s lyrics had such promise and grandeur as the star Zero Mostel sang in a baritone voice “Tragedy tomorrow, comedy tonight!!” I watched the comical misadventures of Pseudolus, enjoying the clever songs, such as “Everybody Ought to Have a Maid.”
I was about to write off that this was a just a silly, bawdy musical comedy, with only interest in tickling my funny bone. Then,  a duet with Michael Crawford (Hero) and Annette Andre (Philia) singing a beautiful song called “Lovely”. The melody sent chills up my spine and the lyrics were light and dreamy.  Being a pre-teen, I was totally buying into the swooning quality of this love song! I thought: wouldn't it be great if a boy sang these heartfelt lyrics to me, *sigh*!  Of course, the romantic mushiness didn't last, as soon as Pseudolus and Hysterium   got a hold of the song.
Nevertheless, each song was an integral part of the story-- it didn't seem out of place that Miles Gloriosus breaks into song “Bring Me My Bride.” In fact, the songs were like characters onto themselves, whether they be humorous, highly theatrical or heartfelt. Each was distinct and evoked a different emotion.
At the end, I saw in the credits music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Now I had identified this artist who was able to meld complex yet jaunting lyrics with musical notes that seemed timeless.  From then on, any time I had the opportunity to see a Stephen Sondheim musical, I jumped at it. Sweeney Todd, and Sunday in the Park with George became favorites as well. My husband even became a fan the same way I did—he stumbled upon Into The Woods on television and was lured into the enchantment, and he doesn't even like musicals!

In the documentary, Mr. Sondheim revealed one time he wrote a musical for profit only. He said he wouldn't do that again, and made a comment that he only writes out of love.  I was really touched by that comment, since it’s so evident in my favorite musical of his. After watching it, I was amazed how good a mood I was in after watching this show.  A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum will always hold a special place in my heart and I have Mr. Sondheim to thank for that.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How's the haircut?

Isn't it amazing how a bad memory can stick to you like a wad of gum in your hair? You try to remove it, but in order to do that, you need to cut off some of your hair? At first, you’re apprehensive, but in the process, you end up with a nice hair style? At the beginning of my career, I was working at an apartment complex.  I must have upset my boss by interrupting him when he spoke to me.  I hadn't realized I was in a bad habit of talking over him. I was so anxious to prove I was on top of all the assignments, but in this process, wouldn't let him get a word in edgewise. One day, he held up an eyeglass case and said this signified when it was his time to talk. In front of the other staff, he actually held up the case while he spoke to me. I was embarrassed by his demeaning ways. I didn't put any credence in his opinion. I wrote him off as being a mean old man! For a while, I carried this memory like a wad of hardened gum in my hair. It was brittle and would have...
Post a Comment
Read more

Just a note

If you visit my website, you can now read the first chapter of my book for free! Please feel free to click on its link below: website All I ask is please leave me a comment. Even to just say "hello" so I know that some people are reading it! Thanks everyone, and I'll talk with you later!! Diane
Post a Comment
Read more

Lessons from Teachers

Many times when people talk about the teachers they have encountered in their schools, usually the lessons have been of the traditional sort.   A teacher has done or said something inspiring that has changed their lives for the better.   Actually, I have had a teacher show a negative trait that was a positive life lesson to me.   She was my seventh grade teacher.   She was a very large woman—she had to make her own clothes to fit her.   Not only was her physique large, but also her personality.   She was a very aggressive and no-nonsense woman.     “You can’t get away with anything in Miss C class!”   was the comment we heard from previous teachers and older students.   When she hosted detention, she made a sign to put on the clock that read: “Time passes—will you?”             Being in her class, she made it very clear that she was the boss.   Now, most of the time, she wa...
1 comment
Read more