[Tumnus1031]

Mkay, so...I'll admit it. I'm relatively new to the whole "serious" musical theater stuff. As in, all the Sondheimist and ALW people. Granted, I'm a little frightened of that territory, because I've seen far too many people looked down upon simply because they're fond of Wicked/Rent/Hairspray (all three of which I like).

ANYWAYS.

I plan on pursuing acting as a career, so I obviously need to dabble in some more...erm, "sophisticated" shows. And seeing as Sondheim's more difficult then most music, I'm asking you, the Sondheimists, for advice.

The only two Sondheim musicals I'm familiar with are, unsurprisingly, Into the Woods and Sweeney Todd (yes, I mean the stage version). I've also heard some of Merrily We Roll Along, and I'm already looking into Gypsy at one point or another.

What are some other good Sondheim shows to look at?

[Disney-Bway27]

Company and Follies above others.
Pacific Overtures is pretty good too, but I'd wait a bit for that. It can be slightly difficult to get into.

So yeah, look into those before any other Sondheim shows, IMO. Two of his best.

[Please,Hello]

Pacific Overtures,his best show......in my opinion

Company is also good if you`re into Serious musical theature.

[coreyjay]

Company definately. And i'd say Sunday In The Park With George, yet some people say they found it hard to get into, though for me it was pretty immediate, and made me want more Sondheim.

[dolbinau]

Well since you are calling Gypsy Sondheim's does this also mean you don't know WSS?

If no, IMO start with WSS - the film plus the OBC cast album. (Even though there are slight changes), It's such a classic.

Gypsy is also really, really awesome but the Rosalind film can be hard to swallow and you just missed the 08 revival (*cough*try to get bootleg*cough*). Although there is the 1993 Bette Midler DVD which might be better (I haven't seen it personally). The next problem is of course which Gypsy recording to get since there have been so many. I think overall I'd go with the 2008 revival, even though some on here will try to convince you to get the Lansbury london cast - IMO poor produced album, boring supporting cast and cartoony orchestra so I don't think it's a good place to start. But that's just me.

As far as his actual shows - try to get ones with video recordings. Namely the Company revival, SITPWG OBC, even resorting to the poor 77 Little Night Music film. (maybe you can get hands on bootlegs for the rest of his shows) - It's just I've found SO many times I'd listen to a cast album (e.g Little Night Music, SITPWG) - not get it at *all*, think everything sounds the same - until I see it in context and it just all makes sense. It's strange.

But if you can't get any videos Assassins is short and pretty easy to listen to just through the cast recording (I would take either recording just get what's easiest even though a lot of people favour the OCR, I personally could listen to either the OCR or the Broadway revival).

p.s If you haven't seen the Sweeney Todd movie do so IMO it's awesome!

[Tumnus1031]

Thanks for the advice.

I've already seen WSS, yes. I merely forgot to put that in there. And of course I've seen the Sweeney Movie, although I conveniently left out the fact that it was the first version I watched. I put it in there to make sure people knew I wasn't a movie-fanboy; I've heard/seen the OBC as well so I think I can make a comparison.

And I was thinking about picking up the 2008 recording of Gypsy. I don't hate Patti as much as some people do and from what I've seen she did a great job.

[Salome]

Follies easily his masterpice

then

Company
Assassins

[Salome]

[Disney-Bway27]

Follies is amazing. Assassins is really good too.

I found SITPWG kinda difficult to get into. The songs are pretty good but it's a slightly confusing storyline.

[Salome]

did you see SITPWG or just listen to it?

[jackrussell]

West Side Story isn't typical of Sondheim's output.

I'd recommend Sweeney Todd and Company as a good starting point and take it from there.

[ilovebway]

Just a warning: Some Sondheim shows will NOT make sense to you if you just listen to them. Turst me, it happened to me with A Little Night Music. I fell asleep listening to the CD but was awed when I actually saw the PBS video of it. So I'd recommend checking out his taped shows like Company and Sunday In The Park With George. I've also heard Assasins is pretty good (Although, I'm personally not too familar with it. Need to research it some time).

Also try to check out any of the Gypsy movies (Even the one with Bette Midler. She's not as bad as people on here make it out to be). It may not all be his but he still contributed to it. It's an absolutely beautiful show and I really recommend it.