A Tribute To Stephen Sondheim - Extended Interview With Stephen Colbert

Stephen pays tribute to a man he calls "the greatest composer and lyricist in the history of American theater." #Colbert #Broadway #StephenSondheim

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The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is the premier late night talk show on CBS, airing at 11:35pm EST, streaming online via Paramount+, and delivered to the International Space Station on a USB drive taped to a weather balloon. Every night, viewers can expect: Comedy, humor, funny moments, witty interviews, celebrities, famous people, movie stars, bits, humorous celebrities doing bits, funny celebs, big group photos of every star from Hollywood, even the reclusive ones, plus also jokes.

[garyengler]

Following a performance of Mahler/Resurrection conducted by Bernstein, an older gentleman in front of me dropped his umbrella, and I stooped down to pick it up for him. Recognizing Sondheim immediately, I said "Your parasol; so perfectly cocked!" (a lyrics from Sunday In The Park/Color & Light). He looked up, broke into a huge grin and nodded his head. A thrilling moment.

[eirikastokes]

The hardest hitting celebrity death in my lifetime. I wept for this man. I sobbed like I'd lost a grandparent. This man and his music and lyrics changed my heart, my brain, and my life and there will never be another genius of his caliber in our lifetime.

May your memory be a blessing, Steve. Thank you for everything.

[MiloPaulus]

When Sondheim's voice broke after Colbert telling the story of him reading Sondheim's lyrics to his mother :'(

_"When I was 19 I read the lyrics of Putting it Together to my mother, to say that this is what I wanted to do with my life. Even though I had no idea of what 'this' might be. I couldn't sing like Mandy Patinkin. I couldn't compose like Sondheim. I couldn't write or direct like James Lapine. But like Seurat's hat, that play was a window from this world to that. And I will always be grateful to you for that. For laying out the desire, the beauty, of the act of creation itself. Regardless of where that may take you."_

R.I.P. Mr. Sondheim

[chass]

“Do not let it grieve you, no one leaves for good” — Stephen Sondheim, Into The Woods

Artists like Sondheim come along only once every two or three hundred years. He can rightly be compared to Bach, Mozart, Rembrandt, Picasso and Shakespeare. Whilst we deeply mourn his passing, his work has left a lasting legacy on the world, and will forever continue to do so for all the generations to come.

Farewell Stevie—my friend and teacher.

[terryhammond]

🎹 I remain heartbroken at the loss of Stephen Sondheim. He was my mentor in the 1970's and I deeply cherish the letters he has written me over the years. 🎹

[laalaastl]

"Musicals are plays, but the last collaborator is your audience, so you've got to wait 'til the last collaborator comes in before you can complete the collaboration." -Stephen Sondheim

[laalaastl]

“Work is what you do for others, liebchen. Art is what you do for yourself.”
― Stephen Sondheim, Sunday in the Park with George

[ChubbyUnicorn]

Mr. Sondheim had a sharp mind, was still learning & trying new things; a wonderful example for us all. I hope I'm that lucky.

[jeffsilverman]

I am 62 years old today, and I'm still not half as sharp as this great man was at 91. R.I.P. to a man who defines the word legend.

[eagleking]

Give your heroes their flowers while they still have their mortal ears to hear them. I'm at least comforted that Sondheim knew how beloved he was, and is.

[kaspinet]

Thank you for the story about singing with Sondheim in the front row. And I love Sondheim's response. Anyone else could have made it about them but Sondheim wanted to see Stephen's experience with a full professional orchestra. You were the best of composers and the best of human beings. RIP, Maestro.

[benjaminstock]

He died doing what he loved. May we all be so lucky.

[calliemyersbuchanan]

What an absolute legend! Such a devastating loss! Celebrity passings don't usually affect me all that hard but man, this one felt like a punch to the gut and I shed some tears. 😥😔 They better do our man right at the Tony's this year!!!

[JJRush_]

*Many people over the course of a lifetime will talk about "Legends". Stephen Sondheim IS the embodiment of what the definition of a "Legend" is. Many gifted theater people came before him and many have yet to come, but NONE will have the "goose bumps" effect that Sondheim gave us in every masterpiece he created. Heroes get remembered, but Legends Never

[kiriakoz]

It was beautiful that Colbert felt that way about Sondheim and was able to tell him directly. It's sad when people you care about pass away but it's very comfortable knowing you got to tell them exactly what they meant to you. Advice to everyone: make sure you tell people how you feel about them.

[ruthzekaria]

This interview moved me too to tears. To see Sondheim get so emotional while listening to Colbert read the blurb from his book was omg so sweet. Made me fall in love with him all over again.

[garycpriestley]

What a genuinely authentic, humble and charming human being.... 😥

[nartarlyiatremaynne]

The universe was showing off when Stephen was made.

His music is transformative and heartfelt from his Soul.
A Rose Still Grows Beyond the Wall.
Australia.

[charlescoleman]

I really hope Sondheim’s “Square One” is finished enough that it can still presented in 2022,

[ClueSign]

What a gift to the world. He remained so quick, funny and articulate — so kind and vital. No matter how much longer he had lived, his passing would have been too soon.