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  Television and Radio  
 

This listing has been divided into four parts:

  • Part One Televised productions of Sondheim's stage shows
  • Part Two Programs written by Sondheim directly for television
  • Part Three Television programs that include discussions of Sondheim's work, televised performances of Sondheim songs, and television appearances by Sondheim
  • Part Four Radio programs of Sondheim material, radio interviews with Sondheim, and audio or video recordings not commercially available

Much of this information was obtained from the program of Sondheim Tonight!, a retrospective presented by the Museum of Television and Radio, March 17 - June 25, 2000, and from information provided by Jane Klain of the MT&R.

Items marked with are available for viewing at
The Museum of Television and Radio
25 West 52nd Street
New York NY 10019

Chronologically listed.

Part One

Televised productions of Sondheim's stage shows

"Pacific Overtures"
The Broadway production of Pacific Overtures was taped on June 9, 1976, and was subsequently broadcast with subtitles on TVAsahi, Japan.  Directed for television by Marty Pasetta  For more information go to Pacific Overtures.  (120 minutes)

"Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street"
Taped in Los Angeles near the end of the national tour, this production was televised on the Entertainment Channel on September 12, 1982 (repeated on Showtime on March 11, 1984 and PBS's Great Performances on May 3, 1985).  It was subsequently released on home video.  For more information go to Sweeney Todd.  (145 minutes)

Broadway on Showtime: "Sunday in the Park With George"
Taped October 21-25, 1985 at the Booth Theatre shortly after the close of the Broadway production.  It was shown on February 18, 1986 on Showtime's Broadway on Showtime and on June 16, 1986 on PBS's American Playhouse.  It was subsequently released on home video.  For more information go to Sunday in the Park With George.  (150 minutes)

Live from Lincoln Center: "A Little Night Music"
A live performance of the New York City Opera production of A Little Night Music was broadcast on November 7, 1990 on PBS's Live from Lincoln Center.  Production directed by Scott Ellis, directed for television by Kirk Browning, and produced by John Goberman.  For more information go to A Little Night Music.  Available for viewing at the Library of Congress [Call Number: VBH 0761-0763]

American Playhouse: "Into the Woods"
Taped in May, 1989 at a performance of the original Broadway cast, with additional taping done in an empty theatre.  Sondheim and Lapine were interviewed by Edwin Newman during the intermission of the original broadcast which aired March 20, 1991 on PBS's American Playhouse.  It was subsequently released on home video (without the interview).  For more information go to Into the Woods.  (155 minutes)

"Gypsy"
A made-for-TV filmed version that starred Bette Midler and faithfully reproduced the original stage production of Gypsy was broadcast December 12, 1993 on CBS-TV.  For more information go to Gypsy.  (150 minutes)

American Playhouse: "Passion"
Filmed (not taped) by director James Lapine on January 16 - 18, 1995 at the Plymouth Theater, shortly after the close of the Broadway Production.  Televised on September 8, 1996 on PBS's American Playhouse.  It was subsequently released on home video.  For more information go to Passion.  (115 minutes)

"Company"
A video recording of the 1996 Donmar Warehouse production of Company was televised on BBC 2 on March 1, 1997.  For more information go to Company.  (140 minutes)

Great Performances: "Sweeney Todd in Concert"
A video recording of the San Francisco Symphony July, 2001 concerts of Sweeney Todd was televised on PBS on October 31, 2001.  It was subsequently released on home video.  For more information go to Sweeney Todd.  (132 minutes)

Broadway Television Network: "Putting it Together"
A high-definition video recording made during the last performances of the 1999 Broadway production of Putting It Together premiered as a simultaneous movie theater and cable television pay-per-view event on October 14, 2001.  It was subsequently released on home video (in 2002) and aired by HBO.  For more information go to Putting It Together.  (96 minutes)

Live from Lincoln Center: "Passion"
A live performance from Rose Hall of Lonnie Price's concert adaptation of Passion was broadcast by PBS on March 31, 2005.  Host Leslie Stahl interviewed Sondheim and Lapine, as well as the stars, Patti LuPone, Audra McDonald and Michael Cerveris.

Great Performances: "Company"
Filmed live onstage at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre during the matinee and evening performances of June 30, 2007. It was broadcast on February 20, 2008 on PBS. Later released on home video.

Part Two

Programs written by Sondheim directly for television

Topper
Television series on CBS-TV (1953-54)
Stephen Sondheim wrote nineteen of the series' first season of 29 episodes.  Of those episodes, approximately eight or nine were co-written with George Oppenheimer.  This listing includes those that have been identified as written by Sondheim:

  • Hiring the Maid (10/23/53)
  • Burglar Episode (Phantom Burglar) (12/4/53)
  • Car Episode (12/18/53)
  • Decorating Episode (Henrietta and the Decorator) (1/15/54)
  • Madam Kaza (2/5/54)
  • Trip to Lisbon (2/12/54)
  • Economy (3/12/54)
  • Henrietta Wins a Trip (Preparations for Europe) (6/11/54) )
  • Lady Sybill (Theatricals) (6/25/54)
  • George's Old Flame (7/2/54)
  • The Socialite (7/23/54)
  • The Vance's Game

The Last Word
Television series on CBS-TV (1957)
"Steve" Sondheim was co-writer (with Madeline Karr) of this Sunday afternoon panel discussion that explored language and usage.  He most likely only worked on the series first season. 

In an Early Winter
A half-hour drama broadcast on the syndicated series Rendezvous on May 20, 1959.
Screenplay by Stephen Sondheim, based on the story by Roger Angell
Cast: Kim Hunter, Pat Hingle, Isobel Elsom, and Thomas Chalmers
Directed by Fielder Cook.  Produced by Howard Erskine.  (30 minutes)

ABC Stage 67: "Evening Primrose"
Presented in a series of entertainment specials on the ABC network, this original musical had a teleplay by James Goldman (based on the short story by John Collier) and songs by Stephen Sondheim.  It was televised on November 16, 1966 in color, but all known copies originate from a black-and-white kinescope of the broadcast.  For more information go to Evening Primrose.  (60 minutes)

Part Three

Television programs that include discussions of Sondheim's work, televised performances of Sondheim songs, and television appearances by Sondheim

Look Up and Live: "West Side Story"
On the February 23, 1958 episode of this Sunday morning religion program, director and choreographer Jerome Robbins was interviewed.  Cast members of the original Broadway production also performed songs from the show.  Hosted by Reverend Sidney Lanier.  Produced by Jack Kuney.  Directed by Marvin Silhersher. 

  • The Jet Song - Mickey Calin [Callan]
  • Something's Coming - Larry Kert
  • Tonight - Larry Kert and Carol Lawrence
  • Cool - Mickey Calin [Callan]

The American Musical Theatre "Stephen Sondheim"
In an episode of this television series, broadcast October 15, 1961 on WCBS-TV, New York City , Sondheim speaks before a workshop of NYC high school students, discussing the genesis of such songs as Small World, I Feel Pretty, and One Hand, One Heart, which are performed by Martha Wright and Ralph Curtis.  This show also included an interview with conductor Irwin Kostal, arranger and conductor for West Side Story.  Hosted by Earl Wrightson.  Produced by Ned Cramer.  Directed by Neal Finn.  (45 minutes)

  • Everything's Coming Up Roses - The CBS Orchestra
  • Small World - Martha Wright
  • Maria - Ralph Curtis
  • I Feel Pretty - Martha Wright
  • Tonight (Balcony Scene) - Ralph Curtis and Martha Wright
  • One Hand, One Heart - Ralph Curtis and Martha Wright
  • Mambo - The CBS Orchestra
  • Cool (Fugue) - The CBS Orchestra
  • Everything's Coming Up Roses (reprise) - The CBS Orchestra

The American Musical Theatre "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum"
On the May 20, 1962 episode of this series, broadcast on WCBS-TV, Sondheim is interviewed about the current Broadway production.  It also includes interviews and performances by cast members, Brian Davies and Preshy Marker.  Hosted by Earl Wrightson.  [No known copy of this episode exists]

The American Musical Theatre "Do I Hear a Waltz?"
In this episode of the series, broadcast April 24, 1965 on WCBS-TV, Richard Rodgers is interviewed about his current Broadway production.  It also includes interviews and performances by the show's stars.  Hosted by Earl Wrightson.  Directed by Bill Bryan.  The CBS Orchestra conducted by Frederick Dvonch.  (30 minutes)

  • Here We Are Again - Elizabeth Allen
  • Someone Like You - Sergio Franchi
  • Do I Hear a Waltz? - Elizabeth Allen
  • Stay - Sergio Franchi

Camera Three "Do I Hear a Waltz?"
The April 25, 1965 episode of this CBS-TV series examined the current Broadway production of Do I Hear a Waltz?, with interviews of Sondheim, Arthur Laurents , and set/costume designer Beni Montresor.  Hosted by James MacAndrew.  Produced by Dan Gallagher.  Directed by Nick Havinga. 

Original Cast Album: "Company"
A documentary of the marathon recording session for the cast album of Company was broadcast on WNEW-TV (New York City) on October 25, 1970 (and subsequently made available for broadcast by other public television stations).  It was released on home video in 1992.  For more release information go to Company.  Directed by D. A. Pennebaker.  (55 minutes)

  • Company - Cast
  • You Could Drive a Person Crazy - Donna McKechnie, Pamela Myers, Susan Browning
  • Getting Married Today - Beth Howland, Teri Ralston, Steve Elmore
  • Another Hundred People - Pamela Myers
  • The Little Things You Do Together - Elaine Stritch and Cast
  • Being Alive - Dean Jones
  • Side By Side By Side - Cast
  • Barcelona - Dean Jones and Susan Browning
  • The Ladies Who Lunch - Elaine Stritch

The David Frost Show
On June 23, 1971, David Frost devoted the entire episode of his syndicated television series to the current Broadway production of Follies.  Guests included Alexis Smith, Yvonne De Carlo, Dorothy Collins, Gene Nelson, and John McMartin , plus Sondheim, librettist James Goldman, and director Harold Prince.  (70 minutes)

  • I'm Still Here - Yvonne De Carlo
  • Can That Boy Foxtrot! - Stephen Sondheim
  • You're Gonna Love Tomorrow - Kurt Peterson, Virginia Sandifur, Harvey Evans and Marti Rolph
  • Losing My Mind - Dorothy Collins

The Merv Griffin Show
On the July 24, 1972 episode of his syndicated series, Merv Griffin saluted the current Broadway production of Follies.  It included interviews and performances with the original cast member. 

  • Waiting for the Girls Upstairs - Cast
  • I'm Still Here - Yvonne De Carlo
  • Losing My Mind - Dorothy Collins

Sondheim: A Musical Tribute
A short documentary by Hart Perry was broadcast on WNET (New York) in 1973, concerning the preparations and rehearsals for the March 11, 1973 benefit tribute to Sondheim.  Includes a photo-montage of the concert finale in which Sondheim sings Anyone Can Whistle.  For more information on the concert go to Sondheim: A Musical Tribute.  (13 minutes)

Theatre in America: "June Moon"
Stephen Sondheim made his professional acting debut in this television version of the play by George S. Kaufman and Ring Lardner, broadcast January 30, 1974 on the PBS series Theatre in America.  It was directed by Burt Shevelove and Kirk Browning with cast members Jack Cassidy, Tom Fitzsimmons, Estelle Parsons, Kevin McCarthy and Susan Sarandon.  Also available on home video.  (90 minutes)

Camera Three: "Anatomy of a Song"
A presentation of the CBS television program Camera Three televised on March 28, 1976.  Frank Rich interviews Stephen Sondheim from his home about the song Someone in a Tree from Pacific Overtures, with a performance of the song by the original cast (Mako, James Dybas, Mark Hsu, and Gedde Watanabe) and Sondheim at the piano.  Also included is an interview with librettist John Weidman.  Directed by John Musilli.  Videotape available from Creative Arts Television, PO Box 739, Kent CT 06757  (30 minutes)

Previn and the Pittsburgh: "The World of Stephen Sondheim"
Andre Previn interviewed Stephen Sondheim on this episode of his public television series, broadcast on WNET (New York), March 28, 1977 (and repeated June 29, 1979 on PBS).  Included were performances by the London-to-New York cast of Side By Side By Sondheim, Millicent Martin, Julia McKenzie, and David Kernan, with Tim Higgs and Stuart Pedler at pianos.  Dirested by Ian Engelmann.  Produced by Virginia K. Bartlett.  (60 minutes)

  • Barcelona - Julia McKenzie and David Kernan
  • Too Many Mornings - Julia McKenzie and David Kernan
  • Uptown Downtown - Millicent Martin
  • Sorry-Grateful - David Kernan
  • There Won't Be Trumpets - Millicent Martin
  • The Miller's Son - Julia McKenzie
  • Send in the Clowns - Millicent Martin

The Mike Douglas Show
On the June 14, 1977 episode of his syndicated series, Mike Douglas interviews Stephen Sondheim.  Julia McKenzie (as Julie N. McKenzie) performs two numbers from the current Broadway production of Side By Side By Sondheim.  (45 minutes)

  • Side By Side By Side - Julia McKenzie
  • Broadway Baby - Julia McKenzie

The Mike Douglas Show
On December 7, 1977, this series spotlighted the current Broadway production of Side By Side By Sondheim.  Guests included cast members Hermione Gingold, Georgia Brown, Larry Kert, and Nancy Dussault. 

  • Comedy Tonight / Love is in the Air - Georgia Brown, Larry Kert, and Nancy Dussault
  • Something's Coming - Larry Kert
  • Send in the Clowns - Nancy Dussault
  • I'm Still Here - Georgia Brown
  • Side By Side By Side - Georgia Brown, Larry Kert, and Nancy Dussault

The Levin Interviews: "Stephen Sondheim"
Sondheim was interviewed on the May 24, 1980 episode of this BBC television program. 

The South Bank Show: "Sweeney Todd: Scenes from the Making of a Musical"
On its July 26, 1980 episode, this British television series looked behind the scenes of the London production of Sweeney Todd.  Numbers from the actual production are shown, along with rehearsal footage of stars Dennis Quilley and Sheila Hancock, and director Harold Prince.  Sondheim and Christopher Bond (author of the source play) are also interviewed.  (85 minutes)

The Best of Broadway
This special (originally broadcast in 1982 on The Entertainment Channel, and repeated May 24, 1985 on PBS's Great Performances) included performances of several Sondheim songs.  It was subsequently released on home video. 

  • You Could Drive a Person Crazy - Pamela Myers, Susan Browning, and Donna McKechnie
  • Could I Leave You - Alexis Smith
  • Send in the Clowns - Glynis Johns and Len Cariou
  • Pretty Women - Len Cariou
  • God That's Good (excerpt)- Angela Lansbury and Len Cariou

The South Bank Show: "Stephen Sondheim: A Master Class"
The May 20, 1984 episode of this British television series showed Sondheim teaching a class of students at the Guildhall School of Music, including student performances.  This episode was also shown on the Bravo Network cable channel in the US.  Directed by Alan Benson.  (55 minutes)

  • Getting Married Today - Jane Shaw, David Adair, Elizabeth Rodger
  • Send in the Clowns - Hyacinth Nichols
  • Send in the Clowns - Janet Griffiths
  • My Friends - Brian Torfeh and Jackie Dankworth
  • Later - Richard Morris

The MacNeil / Lehrer Newshour
A segment of the October 24, 1984 episode of this PBS news program was devoted to an overview of Sondheim's career.  It included an interview with Sondheim, preparations for the Pacific Overtures revival, the New York City Opera's production of Sweeney Todd (with Paul Gemignani and Hal Prince), and a scene from the current Broadway production of Sunday in the Park With George.  (10 minutes)

  • Color and Light - Robert Westenberg

Great Performances: "Bernstein Conducts West Side Story"
A documentary of Leonard Bernstein's 1985 studio recording of West Side Story was broadcast on this PBS series on May 17, 1985.  It was subsequently released on home video  For more information on the recording go to Bernstein's West Side Story.  (90 minutes)

Great Performances: "Follies: Four Days in New York"
The September, 1985 Lincoln Center Follies concerts were filmed for the PBS series Great Performances and broadcast on March 14, 1986.  The televised special (narrated by Roy Scheider) included rehearsals and preparations, but only highlights of the concert (complete performances listed below).  It was subsequently released on home video as Follies in Concert.  For more information go to Follies.  (90 minutes)

  • I'm Still Here - Carol Burnett
  • Beautiful Girls - Andre Gregory, Arthur Rubin and Company
  • In Buddy's Eyes - Barbara Cook
  • Who's That Woman? - Phyllis Newman and Company
  • Could I Leave You? - Lee Remick
  • Buddy's Blues - Mandy Patinkin
  • Losing My Mind - Barbara Cook
  • The Story of Lucy and Jessie - Lee Remick
  • Live, Laugh, Love - George Hearn and Company

60 Minutes
Sondheim was interviewed by Diane Sawyer in a segment of this CBS news-magazine series, broadcast on September 11, 1988.  Bernadette Peters was also interviewed.  (15 minutes)

Omnibus: "Sunday in the Park with....Stephen"
The BBC televised this documentary on March 20, 1990.  It focused on Sondheim in England, where he guides the Royal National Theatre through rehearsals for Sunday in the Park With George and teaches musical theater as a visiting professor at Oxford University.  Produced and directed by Bob Portway and Anthony Lee.  (50 minutes)

The Late Show: "Interview with Stephen Sondheim"
Ned Sherrin conducted an interview with Stephen Sondheim, broadcast September 24, 1990 on the BBC. 

Great Performances: "Sondheim: A Celebration at Carnegie Hall"
This June 10, 1992 concert honoring Sondheim was telecast on March 3, 1993 on PBS.  It was abridged for television and this version was further abridged and released on home video.  For more information go to Sondheim: A Celebration at Carnegie Hall.  (90 minutes)

1993 Kennedy Center Honors
Sondheim was one of the honorees at this event which was televised December 29, 1993 on CBS-TV.  After a career overview presented by Angela Lansbury the following songs were performed:

  • Company - Chorus
  • Old Friends - Jason Alexander, Bernadette Peters, and Scott Bakula
  • Not While I'm Around - Scott Bakula
  • Not a Day Goes By - Bernadette Peters
  • I'm Calm - Jason Alexander
  • Night Waltz - Orchestra [Danced by Edward Vilella and Amanda McCarroll]
  • Send in the Clowns - Angela Lansbury
  • Side By Side By Side - Cast and Chorus

Good Morning America
Stephen Sondheim was interviewed on the May 3, 1994 episode of this ABC morning series about the current Broadway production of Passion

20/20 "Stephen Sondheim: The Man Behind the Music"
On the May 6, 1994 episode of this ABC news magazine Sondheim, James Lapine and Frank Rich were interviewed.  Also included was footage from rehearsals and performance of Passion, and excerpts from the television production of Gypsy. and productions of Merrily We Roll Along, and Sunday in the Park With George

The Charlie Rose Show
Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine were interviewed by Charlie Rose for his public television series and broadcast on June 3, 1994.  The main topic of discussion was the current Broadway production of Passion.  Directed by Tony Marshall.  (60 minutes)

The Larry King Show
On the June 11, 1994 episode of his CNN series, Larry King interviewed Stephen Sondheim, Mandy Patinkin, and Donna Murphy. 

  • I Wish I Could Forget You - Donna Murphy

A&E Stage: "A Tribute to Stephen Sondheim"
Taped during the presentation to Sondheim of the Algur H. Meadows Award at Southern Methodist University in Dallas TX on November 12, 1994.  It was televised on the A&E Network on January 12, 1995
Produced by Southern Methodist University and the Meadows School of the Arts in association with the A&E Network
Executive Producer - Bob Banner,   Producer - Greg Brown,  Director - Lynn Gartley,   Directed for the stage by John Neville Andrews,   Choreographer - Patricia Harrington Delaney,   Musical Director - Constantina Tsolainou,   Lighting - David Martin Jacques,   Conductor - David Milnes
With tributes by Jason Alexander (who sings Old Friends) and Angela Lansbury, and interviews with James Lapine and Harold Prince

Also includes partial performances by students of the following songs: Comedy Tonight, Tonight, Something's Coming, Pretty Lady, Anyone Can Whistle, Not While I'm Around, You Could Drive a Person Crazy, and A Weekend in the Country

Inside the Actors Studio with Stephen Sondheim
Televised on June 7, 1995 on the Bravo Network, Stephen Sondheim is interviewed by James Lipton.  It included songs performed by Liz Callaway, and Jim Walton, with Paul Ford at the piano.  Produced and Directed by Lou Del Prete.  Written by James Lipton.  (60 minutes)

Face to Face
Sondheim was interviewed on the October 9, 1995 episode of this BBC2 series. 

CBS Sunday Morning
On the October 22, 1995 episode of this CBS program, Charles Osgood interviewed Sondheim.  Also included were excerpts from the Roundabout production of Company, and the Broadway productions of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (with Nathan Lane), Into the Woods, and Passion

The South Bank Show: "Judi Dench"
This British series (produced for London Weekend Television) profiled Judi Dench and her preparations for the role of Desiree in the 1995 Royal National Theatre production of A Little Night Music.  Broadcast in October 29, 1995 and subsequently on the Bravo Network cable channel in the US. 

Pebble Mill: "A Little Night Music"
The BBC television series devoted its January 25, 1996 episode to the Royal National Theatre's current production of A Little Night Music.  Guests included cast members Judi Dench, Sian Phillips, and Laurence Guittard (who performed songs from the show), and a previously taped interview with Stephen Sondheim was shown.  Hosted by Alan Titchmarsh.  Directed by Derek Hallworth.  (45 minutes)

  • Remember? - Di Botcher, Stephen Hanley, Morag McLaren, John Owen-Jones, and Ernestine Quarcoo
  • Now - Laurence Guittard and Joanna Riding
  • Liaisons - Sian Phillips
  • Send in the Clowns - Judi Dench

The Late Show with David Letterman
On the August 23,1996 of this CBS series, Nathan Lane and company performed "Comedy Tonight" from the Broadway production of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum

Good Morning America
On a 1996 episode of this ABC series, Joel Siegel interviewed Sondheim and Larry Gelbart with excerpts from the current Broadway production of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum

About Books
On the January 27, 1997 episode of this CSPAN2 series, Sondheim participated in a discussion on literature hosted by Harry Evan. 

Theatreland: "Saturday Night"
A segment of the December 28, 1997 episode of this British television series featured song highlights from the Bridewell Theatre world premiere production of Saturday Night.  Includes interviews with the directors, Clive Paget and Carol Metcalfe, and critic Sheridan Morley.  (10 minutes)

PBS Great Performances: "Hey Mr. Producer"
The June, 1998 concert given in tribute to producer Cameron Mackintosh was broadcast by PBS on August 16, 1998.  Included songs by Sondheim among others as well as a duet by Sondheim and Andrew Lloyd Webber.  It was subsequently available on home video and audio.  For more information on the recording go to Hey Mr. Producer

Stephen Sondheim: Musical and More
A documentary by Georg Wübbolt and Michael Beyer was broadcast on German television network ZDF (in English) in 2000.  It featured musical clips and interviews with Sondheim, Harold Prince, Elaine Stritch, Arthur Laurents, Paul Gemignani, and Milton Babbitt, among others.  (55 minutes)

Broadway: The American Musical
A six-hour documentary by Michael Kantor was first broadcast by PBS on October 19-21, 2004, which included interviews with Sondheim and Harold Prince, along with performances from several Sondheim shows.  The home video version contains four additional hours, including excerpts from "Anatomy of a Song" featuring Sondheim and the original cast of Pacific Overtures performing "Someone in a Tree".

Part Four

Radio programs of Sondheim material, radio interviews with Sondheim, and audio recordings not commercially available

An Evening With Stephen Sondheim
Recorded May 2, 1971 at the 92nd St. YM-YWHA in New York City on reel-to-reel tape. Available for listening at the Library of Congress.  A transcript (in a slightly different form) was published in Playwrights, Lyricists, Composers on Theater, pp. 61 - 97

Desert Island Discs
On August 16, 1980, Sondheim was the guest on this BBC Radio program, where he chose the eight recordings, one book, and one luxury item to take with him to a desert island. Here are his selections:

  • Recordings:
    • Ravel: Valses nobles et sentimentales
    • Bartok: Concerto for Orchestra
    • Gershwin: Porgy & Bess (last act trio)
    • Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 2 in B flat
    • Sondheim: Poems [from Pacific Overtures]
    • Ravel: Piano Concerto in D for the Left Hand
    • Stravinsky: Symphony of Psalms
    • Sondheim: The Ballad of Sweeney Todd
  • Book: The Collected Works of E.B. White
  • Luxury Item: A piano

Salute to Stephen Sondheim
Recorded at a theatrical benefit for AIDS Project / Los Angeles at the Variety Arts Theatre in Los Angeles, CA, on March 27, 1987.  Available for listening at the Library of Congress [Call Number RYB 7480-RYB 7481]

Selections
  • Putting It Together - Robert Yacko & Co.
  • I'm Calm - Barbara Sharma
  • Marry Me a Little - Teri Ralston
  • I Remember - Dale Kristien
  • Dance (instrumental)
  • Happily Ever After - Brad Maule
  • What More Do I Need? - Marcia Kramer
  • Goodbye for Now - Linda Michele
  • What Do We Do? We Fly! - Jerry Clark and Linda Robbins
  • Good Thing Going - Kay Cole
  • Could I Leave You? - B.J. Ward
  • A Bowler Hat - Brad Wong
  • Finishing the Hat - Penny Fuller
  • A Weekend in the Country - Pamela Myers, B.J. Ward, Bill Hutton, Ray Cochran, Teri Ralston, and Ed Evanko
  • Now, Soon, Later - Ray Cochran, Ed Evanko, and Dale Kristien
  • Every Day a Little Death - Madolyn Smith
  • Take Me to the World - Susan Watson
  • The Girl From ... [The Boy From ...] - Jane Carr
  • With So Little to Be Sure Of - Linda Purl
  • Who Can Be Blue? (Theme from Stavisky) (instrumental)
  • Johanna / Not While I'm Around - Bill Hutton
  • The Ladies Who Lunch - Carole Cook
  • You Must Meet My Wife - Glynis Johns and Ed Evanko
  • Send in the Clowns - Glynis Johns
  • Move On - Pamela Myers and Robert Yacko
  • Our Time - Entire Company

Fresh Air
Sondheim was interviewed by Terry Gross on the November 10, 1988 broadcast of this National Public Radio (NPR) program.  It has been rebroadcast on August 6, 1993, March 22, 2000, and July 12, 2002.

Putting It Together: A Celebration of Stephen Sondheim's Sixtieth Birthday
This program, narrated by Angela Lansbury, was broadcast in 1990 on National Public Radio.  It contained interviews with Stephen Sondheim and others, and included selections from the original cast recordings and rare archival material.  Available for listening at the Library of Congress [Call Number: RYB 7482-RYB]

An Evening With Sondheim
Sondheim was interviewed at the Museum of Televsion and Radio on October 27, 1993 and a videotape of the discussion is available for viewing at the MT&R.  The audio was later broadcast on the May 9, 1994 episode of the NPR radio program Fresh Air.

Fresh Air
Donna Murphy was interviewed by Terry Gross on July 11, 1994.

Performance Today
Broadcast on NPR on May 22, 1995
Oboist Gerard Reuter and pianist Richard Rodney Bennett performed Three Sondheim Waltzes, Bennett's arrangement of three Stephen Sondheim tunes: "Night Waltz," "Barcelona" and "You Must Meet My Wife."  Recorded April 23, 1995 at the Athenaeum in La Jolla, California. (10 minutes)

In Company With Sondheim
During January and February, 1997, Sondheim was the host of a series of six half-hour radio programs broadcast on BBC Radio 2.  He discussed with the composers the development of the following musicals: Peter Pan by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, Whistle Down The Wind by Richard Taylor, Maddie by Stephen Keeling and Shaun McKenna, Mad and Her Dad by Paul Sand, Pendragon by Jeremy James Taylor and Peter Allwood, and The Canterville Ghost by James McConnel and Anthony Drewe.  The program also featured recorded extracts from the musicals, performed by Claire Moore, Angela Richards, Summer Rognlie and others.

A Conversation With Sondheim
Sondheim was interviewed at the Museum of Televsion and Radio on March 6, 2000. 

Performance Today
Sondheim was interviewed on the March 25, 2000 broadcast of this NPR program.

Library of Congress 70th Birthday Concert
The concert held at the Coolidge Auditorium of the Library of Congress, Washington DC, on May 22, 2000 was recorded and broadcast June 21, 2000 on NPR.  It included performances by Nathan Lane, Audra McDonald, Marin Mazzie, Debra Monk and Brian Stokes Mitchell, and a concert version of The Frogs.  For more information on the concert go to the Library of Congress Concert.

Fresh Air
Sondheim was interviewed by Terry Gross on the September 14, 2000 broadcast of this National Public Radio (NPR) program. 

Desert Island Discs
On December 31, 2000, Sondheim was the guest on this BBC Radio program, where he chose the eight recordings, one book, and one luxury item to take with him to a desert island. Compare this with his previous selections on August 16, 1980

  • Recordings:
    • Gershwin: Where's My Bess? (from Porgy & Bess) - Willard White
    • Sondheim: Ballad of Sweeney Todd (from Sweeney Todd) - OBC
    • Brahms: 2nd Piano Concerto - Alfred Brendel and The Berlin Philharmonic
    • Sondheim: Finishing The Hat (from Sunday In The Park With George) - Mandy Patinkin
    • Ravel: Piano Concerto in D For The Left Hand
    • Aaron Copeland: Music for the Theatre
    • Sondheim: The Advantages of Floating In The Middle of the Sea (from Pacific Overtures) - OBC
    • Stravinsky: Symphony of Psalms - The London Symphony Orchestra directed by Leonard Bernstein
  • One choice of record: Porgy and Bess
  • Book: The Collected Works of E.B. White
  • Luxury Item: A piano

Weekend Edition
Sondheim was profiled and interviewed by Jeff Lunden on the March 19, 2005 broadcast of this National Public Radio (NPR) program. 

Fresh Air
Sondheim was interviewed by Terry Gross on the April 21, 2010 broadcast of this National Public Radio (NPR) program. It can be listened to at this link


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Last modified on Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Compiled by Michael H. Hutchins and Jane Klain