The Stella Adler Center for the Arts celebrated the life and work of Stephen Sondheim with a free online discussion February 2.
This look into the depth, complexity, and nuanced work of the late Pulitzer Prize-winning composer was moderated by author Jamie Bernstein. Participants included two-time Tony winner Donna Murphy and Tony winner Joanna Gleason, who created roles in Sondheim's Passion and Into the Woods, respectively; Dr. Cornel West; and American linguist John McWhorter.
Watch the discussion above.
READ: Everybody Rise!: Remembering Stephen Sondheim
Artistic Director Tom Oppenheim said in an earlier statement, “The center is delighted to offer what we believe is a unique perspective into the life and work of Stephen Sondheim. Because we are both rooted in the theatre and deeply engaged with leading intellectuals of our time, we were in close touch with friends who had a perspective that deserved to be shared. In a recent conversation with Dr. Cornel West, Dr. West expressed his admiration of Stephen Sondheim that sparked the idea for this conversation. Shortly after Sondheim’s death, John McWhorter wrote a moving piece that was published in the New York Times. Donna Murphy and Joanne Gleason, two long-time friends who both studied with Stella, are also premiere interpreters of Sondheim’s music. This will be a joyful, buoyant, celebration of Stephen Sondheim and beyond him of the power of art to enable us to truly see each other.”
