How Sondheim Can Change Your Life

I’ve had this book around since it came out and when I saw it staring at me in the stack I sang, “It's our time, breathe it in…Worlds to change and worlds to win.” (Now if you don’t get that reference, maybe this one isn’t for you).

This is a collection of 11 essays analyzing Stephen Sondheim's musicals (each focusing on one musical). While structured as self-help lessons from each show, the book offers insightful analysis of Sondheim's work. Schoch, a drama professor and former director, thoroughly examines Sondheim's compositions, from technical aspects like writing "Send In the Clowns" for Glynis Johns's limited vocal range to thematic elements like authenticity and artifice.

The writing style felt rather academic, with frequent interruptions to quote song lyrics—just as you'd be getting to a point, there'd be another "here's the Sondheim lyric that proves it." While I enjoyed the book, it's not for casual readers. Unless you're a devoted Sondheim enthusiast or serious theater buff, you won't find much entertainment here, nor will it deliver on its promise to show you "How you have to finish the hat."