Sondheim & Co.

This book is an excellent achievement for the writer, Craig Zadan, and a thoroughly entertaining and absorbing experience for the reader. Stephen Sondheim, to his credit, remains an ever-enigmatic figure at the end of the book as he is at the beginning. What you do comprehend by the end of the book is how brilliant Sondheim is, and how unique! Reading about his shows will make you want to purchase all of the cast recordings if you don't have them already.

A must have book for Sondheim fans. However, many reasonably priced hardcover copies in excellent condition are available at much lower prices ($8-$20 range) than these ridiculous collector prices ($35 at time of this post) for the softcover here. The 1986 edition in hardcover is the same content that is in the softcover with better production. So why pay more for less? It covers Pacific Overtures, Sweeny Todd, Merrily We Roll Along, Sunday in the Park With George, Sondheim Evening, Follies Concert and early discussions of Into The Woods not in the original 1974 edition.

This book blows all the other books on Sondheim out of the water. There is a piece of information everywhere, whether it is in the caption for the picture, or the well constructed paragraphs. Zadan interviews all the right people. But this does not focus on just his shows. Spread out amongst the chapters are interesting chapters on the many aspects of making a musical. Also, there is not a full length chapter on "Into the woods". It just disscusses Lapine's and Sondheim's Ideas for the show, most of which actually happened. It has a small section in the chapter "Perniptual anticipation", which covers future plans for Sondheim. This should be hunted down, because it is well worth the hunt.

This is by far the best book written about Stephen Sondheim. Unfortunately it only goes so far as Into The Woods from 1987. Zadan uses candid quotes and photos with an often surprising honesty. I know this book is often said to be unavailable, but I tell you it's still out there. And it's worth the look. Don't go anywhere near Meryle Secrest's new book on Sondheim.

Buy the book!(No intended reference to "Ellen") Well written and infomative, this book is best read after seeing or hearing one of your favorite Sondheim shows... (I know, it's hard to choose.)Unfortunately, doesn't have sections on "Assassins," "Passion," or "Wi$e Guy$," but the "Into the Woods" section is beautiful, as are the extensive B & W pics.(No, it's not a railroad-Black and White) One last note: Sondheim and Lapine, as well as many of their actors and actresses, are interviewed and written about, a rarity in a business where tabloids dominate.