ARCHIVE OF 13 TYPED LETTERS SIGNED (TLSs)
1973-2021. Letter. Collection of 13 Typed Letters on personal letterhead, all but two SIGNED "Steve" with one SIGNED "Steve Sondheim" addressed to Daniel Coyle and spanning 40 years. Another letter dated 22 September 2021 and SIGNED "Stephen Sondheim" is addressed to Brian Campbell thanking him for the news of Coyle's death. In the earliest letter, dated 6 November 1973, Sondheim describes what he is working on: “As for my projects this season, I'm really doing a number of people some favors: ‘Candide’ is one for Hal, I've just written some background music for Arthur Laurents’ new play ‘The Enclave,’ and I got through acting (which I hated) in ‘June Moon’ (which I love) for Burt Shevelove (whom I also love).” In a 20 January 1975 letter, he tells Coyle, "I've started work on the new show [PACIFIC OVERTURES (1976)], and Hal wants a complete draft by May 1, so I dare not make any social engagements except spur-of-the-moment ones." Writing on 16 May 1984, Sondheim states, "Do come back and see the show [SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE (1983)] now that the second act is finished (two more songs). Most people like it more than the first." In a 1 November 2004 letter, he states, "I don't know where you read that I 'hate Philadelphia.' Probably, it has to do with Philadelphia as a tryout town in the old days -- I used to quote Mike Nichols as saying it was the only city in the United States that he and Elaine May never wanted to go back to as performers." In a letter dated 16 January 2007, Sondheim says, “I'm in the process of finishing a musical and simultaneously writing background music for a production of KING LEAR, juggling both assignments with trips to England, where a movie of ‘Sweeney Todd’ is being made.” The final letter, dated 12 July 2012, consists of only one sentence: "Thanks so much for the reminder of my childhood." Each letter with the original envelope. Normal folds from mailing, otherwise Fine. Item #022619
One of the most important figures in 20th-century theatre, Sondheim's works as composer and lyricist included A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM (1962), COMPANY (1970), FOLLIES (1971), A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC (1973), SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET (1979), SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE (1984), and INTO THE WOODS (1987). He was also known for writing the lyrics for WEST SIDE STORY (1957) and GYPSY (1959). He received an Academy Award, 8 Tony Awards (more than any other composer), 8 Grammy Awards, a Pulitzer Prize, and a 2015 Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Price: $2,750.00