By the time I get through writing a score, I know the book better than the book writer does, because I've examined every word, and questioned the book writer on every word. — Stephen Sondheim Copy Share Image
Sometimes I'll ask the book writer to write a monologue, not to be performed, just as if they were notes for the character. — Stephen Sondheim Copy Share Image
“They all deserve to die. Tell you why, Mrs. Lovett, tell you why. Because in all of the whole human race Mrs Lovett, there… — Stephen Sondheim Copy Share
“Careful the things you say, Children will listen. Careful the things you do, Children will see. And learn. Children may not obey But children… — Stephen Sondheim Copy Share
“Because in all of the whole human race Mrs. Lovett, there are two kinds of men and only two There's the one staying put… — Stephen Sondheim Copy Share
I love computers. I love writing on them. I love gadgetry. The thing is: I am a slow reader. So, if I am going… — Stephen Sondheim Copy Share
I have inherited my father's sense of humour about myself. It's a lot more pleasant to make fun of yourself than when someone else… — Stephen Sondheim Copy Share
I prefer neurotic people. I like to hear rumblings beneath the surface. — Stephen Sondheim Copy Share
Musicals are, by nature, theatrical, meaning poetic, meaning having to move the audience's imagination and create a suspension of disbelief, by which I mean… — Stephen Sondheim Copy Share
Nowadays, there are sometimes more producers than there are people in the cast, because it takes that much money to put a show on. — Stephen Sondheim Copy Share
Perpetual anticipation is good for the soul but it's bad for the heart. — Stephen Sondheim Copy Share
I was watching him crawl, Back over the wall-! Then bang! Crash! And the lightning flash! And- well, that's another story, Never mind- Anyway... — Stephen Sondheim Copy Share
I'm always conscious of what I'm writing, conscious of what the actor may ask me. I have a defense for nearly every line in… — Stephen Sondheim Copy Share
