Stephen Sondheim (1930-2021) was a musical theater composer and lyricist, known for such shows as Sweeney Todd, Into the Woods, Follies, and (as a lyricist) West Side Story and Gypsy.

Sondheim’s musicals are considered some of the most important in musical theater history, due to their impact in bringing the musical into full maturity by exploring adult themes and serious insights into the human condition.