Celebrating Stephen Sondheim on His 95th Birthday: Favorite Songs Revealed

LONDON, England — Today, March 22, marks what would have been the 95th birthday of Stephen Sondheim, the iconic composer renowned for his profound impact on musical theatre. Celebrations are taking place worldwide, particularly in the UK, where several productions are showcasing his masterpieces.

Among those honoring Sondheim’s legacy is the upcoming musical “Here We Are,” alongside revivals of his other works. Cast members from these productions shared their favorite Sondheim songs, reflecting on the emotional depth and complexity of his music.

One performer noted, “Choosing a favorite Sondheim song seems impossible. His repertoire is so expansive that each show holds a special place in my heart. However, one that resonates deeply with me is ‘Move On’ from ‘Sunday in the Park with George.’ It beautifully captures the essence of love and connection, even in separation.”

Another artist echoed that sentiment, stating, “‘Move On’ is also my partner’s favorite song. She introduced me to it, and it remains a reminder of our bond. Sondheim’s works uniquely encapsulate human emotions.”

For one cast member, the song “Finishing the Hat” stands out. They shared, “When Mandy Patinkin attended a performance of ‘My Fair Lady‘ on Broadway, he wrote to me, ‘Look, you made a hat.’ His validation gave me the confidence to pursue this role at the National Theatre.”

Another performer articulated their admiration for Sondheim, saying, “Sondheim has the unmatched ability to portray the complexities of the human experience in song. ‘Finishing the Hat’ and ‘Take Me To The World’ are prime examples of that brilliance. These songs embody the pain, yearning, and determination we all feel.”

Reflecting on the broader impact of Sondheim’s works, one artist mentioned, “I can’t forget the first time I heard ‘Rose’s Turn‘ while watching Chris Colfer perform it on ‘Glee.’ It touched something deep within me, a testament to how Sondheim’s music resonates across generations.”

Another highlighted their fondness for the show ‘Into the Woods,’ naming “Giants in the Sky” as their go-to favorite that brings joyful memories. They remarked, “It’s always fun to sing, especially at Mary’s Crisis in NYC.” A different cast member passionately expressed, “‘Being Alive’ from ‘Company‘ is absolute magic. The multiple interpretations over the years have only deepened my appreciation for it.”

In a light-hearted moment, one artist admitted they couldn’t choose just one favorite, stating, “I have to shout out a three-way tie between ‘A Little Priest,’ ‘Getting Married Today,’ and ‘Sunday.’ Each song showcases the vast emotional range and wit of Sondheim’s songwriting.”

As the theatre community gathers to celebrate Sondheim’s influential work, fans are encouraged to share their favorite Sondheim numbers on social media, continuing the legacy of one of musical theatre’s greatest composers.