A charming look into the master works of Stephen Sondheim. While I think the book has admittedly limited appeal, it's perfect for the theater fan in your life, and will be a mainstay on theatre kid bookshelves for generations to come.

How Sondheim Can Change Your Life by Richard Schoch is a compelling exploration of the profound impact that Stephen Sondheim’s music and lyrics have on both theater and life itself. Sondheim, who passed away in 2021, left behind a legacy that continues to resonate deeply with audiences around the world. This book delves into the genius of Sondheim, revealing the universal truths embedded in his works that speak to the human experience in ways few artists can.

Schoch’s book is not just a tribute to Sondheim’s mastery of musical theater but also an insightful guide to understanding how his stories and characters mirror our own lives. Through deep readings of classics like West Side Story, Company, and Into the Woods, Schoch illustrates how Sondheim’s songs go beyond entertainment—they offer lessons on love, loss, ambition, and the complexities of the human condition. For instance, the anguish and longing expressed in “Send in the Clowns” from A Little Night Music or the cautionary wisdom of “Children Will Listen” from Into the Woods resonate with audiences on a personal level, making Sondheim’s work timeless.

The book is rich with anecdotes from Sondheim’s career, shedding light on his creative process and the nuances that make his music so captivating. Schoch also highlights Sondheim’s innovative approach to storytelling, such as the reverse chronology of Merrily We Roll Along or the dual timelines in Sunday in the Park with George. These elements not only showcase Sondheim’s brilliance but also challenge audiences to think differently about narrative and emotion.

Schoch’s personal reflections add another layer of depth to the book, as he shares how Sondheim’s work has influenced his own life. This connection between the author and the subject creates a more intimate reading experience, inviting readers to consider how Sondheim’s musicals have touched their own lives.

How Sondheim Can Change Your Life is an essential read for any fan of musical theater, particularly those who admire Sondheim’s contributions. Schoch’s passion for the subject is evident throughout, making the book both educational and inspiring. Whether you’re a long-time Sondheim enthusiast or new to his work, this book offers valuable insights that will enhance your appreciation of one of the greatest artists in American musical theater.

For those who believe that great art continues to reveal new meanings over time, How Sondheim Can Change Your Life is a testament to Sondheim’s enduring influence. It’s a book that not only honors his legacy but also enriches the reader’s understanding of the powerful connection between music, theater, and life itself.

This is an incredible book and one that I suggest to every theater fan. I will be buying this for friends for sure. Anyone who is a musical theater and sondhein fan will love the stories, music, and advice.

Someone wise once told me that great art can be defined by the fact that you can continue to gain insights each time we encounter it. If that’s the case, then Stephen Sondheim can be considered one of the greatest artists who ever lived. I have listened to, studied, sung, taught, and watched Sondheim since I was in college at the height of his theatrical output (the first Sondheim musical I ever saw was Follies, on Broadway when I was a freshman in college). I thought I had delved pretty deeply into Sondheim, but Richard Schoch’s deep dive into Sondheim’s works opened up new worlds for me. I learned, for example, that the grand aria “My Friends” from Sweeney Todd was sung in 3/4 but to an accompaniment in 7/8, making an eerie mismatch. Nor did I fully internalize all of the times Sondheim used non=traditional constructions: Merrily We Roll Along is told from present to past; Sunday in the Park with George’s second act takes place 100 years later and is an entirely different story. Even Into the Woods, arguably Sondheim’s most performed musical, has much more to learn than at first meets the eye.

I also appreciated Schoch’s personal reflections on his Sondheim journey as well. One of the best thing about Sondheim is his ability to tap into universal emotion. As it did with Schoch’s, it did with me.

I loved loved loved this book, a worthy entry into the Sondheim universe. Thank you so much to Atria Books and NetGalley for offering me the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

As a huge fan of Sondheim, I was so excited about this book, and it did not disappoint. I learned so much about Sondheim, his musicals, and life in general. I loved how the book was organized by musical in alphabetical order. I also thought the author’s passion and musicals and Sondheim in particular were really apparent. I found the book to be insightful, heartfelt, and inspiring. I would absolutely recommend this book.