# How Sondheim Can Change Your Life - Hardcover

by **Richard Schoch** (Author)

**Discover the powerful and universal lessons from the music and lyrics of Stephen Sondheim,** **the genius behind such musical theater masterworks as _Company_, _West Side Story_, and _Into the Woods_.**

Stephen Sondheim died on November 26, 2021, but for countless fans around the world, he is "still here," to quote one of his lyrics. With acclaimed revivals of his landmark shows occurring around the world and introducing new generations to the man who transformed American musical theater, Sondheim's legacy has only grown. What is it about such classic songs as "Rose's Turn" from _Gypsy_, "Send in the Clowns" from _A Little Night Music_, and "Children Will Listen" from _Into the Woods_ that speaks to us so intimately and profoundly?

_How Sondheim Can Change Your Life_ makes the case that Sondheim's greatness--beyond the clever lyrics and adventurous music--rests in his ability to tell stories that relate to us all. From Louise's desire for freedom as Gypsy Rose Lee to Sweeney Todd's thirst for revenge, we as an audience relate easily to Sondheim's characters. His works understand us as much as we understand them.

Following the arc of Sondheim's career, _How Sondheim Can Change Your Life_ is rich with stories about productions and iconic performers, deep readings of his music and lyrics, and insights into his creative process. But more than that, it reveals how Sondheim's works can enrich our own lives.

### Author Biography

Richard Schoch (pronounced Shook, rhymes with "book") is professor of drama at Queen's University Belfast in Northern Ireland. An American, he graduated summa cum laude from Georgetown University and received his PhD in drama and humanities from Stanford University. He is the author of seven books, including _The Secrets of Happiness_. He is the recipient of fellowships from the Whiting Foundation, The Folger Shakespeare Library, the Stanford Humanities Center, and is a regular reviewer for _The Times Literary Supplement_ (London). Before launching his academic career, Schoch directed plays in New York City and Washington, DC, and worked for the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts.

**Number of Pages:** 304

**Dimensions:** 1.4 x 8.5 x 5.6 IN

**Illustrated:** Yes

**Publication Date:** November 19, 2024

## Details

- **Price:** 28.99 USD
- **Vendor:** Books by splitShops
- **Type:** Books
- **Tags:** Books by splitShops, Shopify Collective

## Variants

| Variant | Price | Available |
|---------|-------|-----------|
| Default Title | 28.99 USD | In stock |

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- How Sondheim Can Change Your Life - Hardcover

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