In 'Look, I Made a Hat', Stephen Sondheim invites readers into his creative world, revealing the fascinating processes behind his iconic musicals. Through candid essays and personal anecdotes, he shares the triumphs and struggles of composing for theater. Readers are treated to behind-the-scenes glimpses of beloved works like 'Sweeney Todd' and 'Into the Woods'. Each chapter brims with Sondheim's trademark wit and insight, making it a must-read for theater enthusiasts. This book not only showcases his genius but also poses intriguing questions about artistry and inspiration.
By Stephen Sondheim
Published: 2011
""The things you do in life are not just about the end result, but about the journey and the stories that unfold along the way.""
The second volume of Sondheim's collected lyrics is both a remarkable glimpse into the brilliant mind of a legend, and a continuation of the acclaimed and best-selling Finishing the Hat. Picking up where he left off in Finishing the Hat, Sondheim gives us all the lyrics, along with excluded songs and early drafts, of the Pulitzer Prize–winning Sunday in the Park with George, Into the Woods, Assassins and Passion. Here, too, is an in-depth look at the evolution of Wise Guys, which subsequently was transformed into Bounce and eventually became Road Show. Sondheim takes us through his contributions to both television and film, some of which may surprise you, and covers plenty of never-before-seen material from unproduced projects as well. There are abundant anecdotes about his many collaborations, and readers are treated to rare personal material in this volume, as Sondheim includes songs culled from commissions, parodies and personal special occasions—such as a hilarious song for Leonard Bernstein’s seventieth birthday. As he did in the previous volume, Sondheim richly annotates his lyrics with invaluable advice on songwriting, discussions of theater history and the state of the industry today, and exacting dissections of his work, both the successes and the failures. Filled with even more behind-the-scenes photographs and illustrations from Sondheim’s original manuscripts, Look, I Made a Hat is fascinating, devourable and essential reading for any fan of the theater or this great man’s work.
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“"The things you do in life are not just about the end result, but about the journey and the stories that unfold along the way."”
Look, I Made a Hat
By Stephen Sondheim
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Stephen Sondheim (1930-2021) was an influential American composer and lyricist, celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions to musical theatre. Known for his complex, intricate scores and innovative lyrics, Sondheim's works often explore themes of love, loss, and the human condition. Notable musicals include "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street," "West Side Story," "Into the Woods," and "Company." His unique ability to blend sophisticated storytelling with memorable music has made him a pivotal figure in the evolution of modern musicals. Sondheim's work has been recognized with numerous awards, including multiple Tony Awards and a Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
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