Stephen Sondheim (1930-2021) was a celebrated American composer and lyricist, one of the most important figures in 20th-century musical theatre.

Sondheim started his theatre career by writing the lyrics for West Side Story (1957) and Gypsy (1959) before becoming a composer and lyricist. Sondheim's best-known works include 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), Merrily We Roll Along (1981), Sunday in the Park with George (1984), and Into the Woods (1987).

He won many awards including eight Tony Awards (including a Lifetime Achievement Tony in 2008), eight Grammy Awards, an Olivier Award, an Academy Award, a Pulitzer Prize, and the 2015 Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Author photo by Jerry Jackson

James Lapine is an American stage director, playwright, screenwriter, and librettist. He has frequently collaborated with composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim and has won multiple awards for his work, including three Tony Awards. 

His works include: Passion (Plymouth Theatre, New York City, 1994); Into the Woods (Old Globe Theatre, San Diego, 1986); and Sunday in the Park with George (Booth Theatre, New York City, 1984).