The first biography of the composer and lyricist who has led the stage musical down new, fabulous subject paths, takes a behind-the-scenes look at Stephen Sondheim's productions and evaluates his contribution to Broadway musicals, starting with 'West Side Story' in 1956.
Meryl Secrest delves into his emotionally deprived silver-spoon childhood, homosexuality, and his 25 years of psycho-analysis.
'There's a hole in the world like a great big pit
and the vermin of the world inhabit it
and its morals aren't worth what a pig could spit...
At the top of the hole sit the privileged few
Making mock of the vermin in the lonely zoo
turning beauty to fllth and greed...'
Lyrics from Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Includes 95 previously unseen photographs
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