What Makes Sondheim Great, Act II

You do not have to have taken a prior Sondheim course or even be familiar with Sondheim to be able to enjoy this class. If you took Act I, this course will give you a chance to explore all different shows.

Our teacher, Gail Leondar-Wright, has taught numerous courses on Sondheim, including at Shir Tikvah, where enthusiastic participants asked for this follow-on course.

The late Stephen Sondheim is commonly thought to be the most important musical theater composer and lyricist of the past fifty years, and the single most influential force in bringing the Broadway musical into the modern era. This lively and interactive course will explore how Sondheim has elevated the genre, ushering in the musical’s modern era.

We’ll focus on Into the Woods, A Little Night Music, Merrily We Roll Along, and Pacific Overtures, explore Sondheim’s complicated female characters, and see how Sondheim’s identities as a white, gay, Jewish man crept into his work. Join other musical lovers for this fast-paced course, full of things to look at, watch, listen to, and think about.

Download the syllabus here