Stephen Sondheim.Photo: Michael Stewart/Getty
Actors from the film, television and theater worlds are paying tribute toStephen Sondheim, the legendary lyricist, composer and songwriter of Broadway who died Friday at the age of 91.
Just some of the credits in Sondheim’s rich body of work include writing the lyrics for the 1957 musicalWest Side Story, which would go on to multiple stage revivals and film adaptations, the most recent of which is premiering next month.
Stage and screen star Ariana DeBose, who will portray Anita in theSteven Spielberg-directed film, was one of the first to react to Sondheim’s passing on Twitter, writing, “I am at a loss. Feels like the end of an era. He did indeed set the standard for the American musical. Rest well, sir.”
Hugh Jackman, most known for his action film credits but a seasoned musical theater performer as well,wrote on social media, “Every so often someone comes along that fundamentally shifts an entire art form. Stephen Sondheim was one of those.”
Actor and singerDarren Crisspenneda brief but lyrical homageto Sondheim, writing, “thank you so much | for something between | ridiculous and sublime | #StephenSondheim.”
Wilson Cruz, who appeared in Broadway’sRent,called Sondheima “Master. Legend. Icon.” and noted that he was “privileged” to join in standing ovations atCompany, the latest Sondheim revival on Broadway, last week when the songwriter himself was in attendance.
“Gratitude for the endless inspiration he provided to generations,” Cruz added. “He changed the world.”
Company’sdirector, Marianne Elliott,wrote on the show’s Twitter pagethat “we have lost the Shakespeare of musical theatre. He was the most generous collaborator with the greatest spirit. The joy of working with him was that he knew theatre could and should evolve with time. He was always open to the new.”
Anna Kendrick, who starred in the 2014 film adaptation ofInto the Woods,wrote on Twitter, “Performing his work has been among the greatest privileges of my career. A devastating loss.” She then shared a lyric from the show, “You decide what’s right, you decide what’s good… just remember.”
In Treatmentstar Uzo Adubahonored Sondheim on social mediaas well, writing, “Stephen Sondheim was the best there ever was. I don’t know when we will ever have another of his caliber, of his breadth and scope. Just the greatest, a legend, a true titan. Rest In Peace.”
Establishments including the Tony Awards and the American Theatre Wing paid tribute to the theater icon as well.
The Wingshared another clip of Sondheim, writing, “Thank you, thank you, thank you Stephen Sondheim. You paved the way for so many composers and theatre makers. We will never forget your generosity, your inspiration, and what you gave to the American Theatre and the world.”
source: people.com
