Stephen Sondheim was a composer and lyricist who wrote many iconic and well-known musicals. His shows have gone from New York City in the 70s to London in the 1700s. He made many milestones in his career, including winning eight Tony and Grammy awards. People worldwide see him as one of the greatest composers and lyricists of the 20th century. I greatly enjoy Sondheim’s writing and find that his works have brought me comfort and happiness; I’ve compiled a list of my four favorite shows written by him for musical lovers and new fans alike.

My fourth favorite musical of Stephen Sondheim’s would be “West Side Story.” This show is about two lovers, Maria and Tony, who think they are destined to be together, but the rivalry between their families and friends get in the way. The 2021 film adaptation had notable cast members including Rachel Zigler, Ansel Elgort and Ariana Debose. The sound track for this musicalis what got me back into Broadway after years of not being too interested in it. My top three songs of the show are “Maria,” “Gee, Officer Krupke” and “Cool.”

My third favorite Stephen Sondheim musical is “Company.” “Company” is about a newly 35 year old man named Robert who thinks about his life being a third wheel for all his married friends. Some well-known actors in the 2021 revival of the show on Broadway included Katrina Lenk, Patti LuPone and Christopher Fitzgerald. The music in this show was surprisingly extraordinary to me; the style was entirely different from other Sondheim musicals. My top three favorite songs of the show are “Getting Married Today,” “Sorry-Grateful” and “Company.”

My second favorite musical of Stephen Sondheim’s would be “Into The Woods.” “Into The Woods” is about a baker and his wife who have to do different tasks for the local witch so they can have a child. Along the way, they meet fairytale creatures, including Red Riding Hood, the Wolf, Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, and more. Some well-known actors from the 2022 revival of the show are Phillipa Soo, Joshua Henry and Sara Bareilles. My top three songs of the show are “Prologue: Into The Woods,” “It Takes Two” and “No One Is Alone.” 

My number one favorite Stephen Sondheim musical is “Sweeney Todd: the Demon Barber of Fleet Street.” This show is about a barber who travels back to London after wrongful imprisonment who then decides to kill and bake people into pies with the help of Mrs. Lovett, a pie shop owner, for the revenge of his dead wife, Lucy Barker. Notable actors in the 2023 revival of the show include Josh Groban, Annaleigh Ashford, Jordan Fisher and Gaten Matarazzo. My top three songs from the show are “Not While I’m Around,” “By The Sea” and “The Ballad Of Sweeney Todd.” 

Overall, I love most of the musicals Stephen Sondheim has written for. His musicals have made a big impact on my life as a person who loves musical theatre. I hope his musicals make a lasting impact on generations to come.