Six by Sondheim (HBO)

About Six by Sondheim (HBO)

"Six by Sondheim" is an intimate and fascinating HBO documentary focusing on the life and art of the legendary composer-lyricist, Stephen Sondheim. The film is structured around six of Sondheim’s songs, providing a complex and rich study of his craft while also tracing his life’s journey. Directed by James Lapine, the documentary provides insight into Sondheim's creative process and his impact on musical theater by featuring performances of his songs and interviews with the artist himself and others influenced by his work.

Making / Production

"Six by Sondheim" was directed by James Lapine, a frequent collaborator with Sondheim, and produced by HBO Documentary films. The production provides an unparalleled intimate experience into Sondheim's prolific career, spanning from his early days under the mentorship of Oscar Hammerstein II to the heights of his success.

Actors

• Audra McDonald: This esteemed performer demonstrates her extraordinary vocal talent and dramatic interpretation of Sondheim’s songs.
• Jarrod Spector: He performs a poignant rendition of 'Opening Doors’ from the musical 'Merrily We Roll Along'.
• Jeremy Jordan: Displaying dynamism, he performs a heartfelt rendition of 'Something's Coming' from 'West Side Story'.
• Darren Criss: Illustrating great versatility, Darren Criss lends his voice to various tracks in the documentary.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film includes archival footage of Sondheim's personal and professional life, revealing his inner thought processes and struggles.
• The title refers to the six songs that provide the structure for the documentary: 'Something’s Coming,' 'Opening Doors,' 'Send in the Clowns,' 'I’m Still Here,' 'Being Alive,' and 'Sunday'.
• The documentary also features re-stagings of certain Sondheim numbers, such as "Opening Doors" from 'Merrily We Roll Along'.

Music, Soundtrack

• 'Being Alive' - The soundtrack provides a deep dive into one of Sondheim’s most popular songs, illustrating its ubiquity in both musical theater and popular culture.
• 'I'm Still Here' - The track is used to emotionally underscore Sondheim's comedic and sardonic take on the various ups and downs of his career.
• 'Opening Doors' - Used to provide insight into the struggles of young theater artists, mirroring Sondheim's own early career.