Al Hirschfeld’s Artistic Tribute to Stephen Sondheim Released
The legacy of renowned composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim continues to flourish with a new artistic publication titled “Hirschfeld’s Sondheim.” This oversized poster book features the iconic illustrations of Sondheim’s works by celebrated artist Al Hirschfeld, known for his distinctive pen-and-ink style. Released on September 9, 2023, the book coincides with a series of productions honoring Sondheim’s contributions to musical theater.
Sondheim, who passed away in 2021 at the age of 91, was a beloved figure in American theater, particularly in his long-time home of Roxbury, Connecticut. His influence is palpable as multiple productions of his works are being staged across the state this month. Notably, Connecticut Theatre Company in New Britain is performing “Sondheim on Sondheim” until September 15, while TheaterWorks Hartford is set to kick off its season with a gala concert featuring Broadway stars singing Sondheim songs on September 13.
Exploring Hirschfeld’s Artistic Connection to Sondheim
The publication “Hirschfeld’s Sondheim” is more than just a collection of illustrations; it serves as a comprehensive history of Sondheim’s illustrious career. Compiled by David Leopold, the creative director of the Al Hirschfeld Foundation, the book includes large-scale reproductions of Hirschfeld’s drawings, many of which were originally created for the New York Times over several decades. Each illustration is paired with informative text detailing the respective Sondheim productions.
The book begins with the groundbreaking musical “West Side Story,” for which Sondheim penned the lyrics, and concludes with a mural he designed in 1999 honoring producer and director Harold Prince. Leopold notes, “These are contemporaneous accounts of these shows, drawn from life. They tell an incredible story.”
Sondheim and Hirschfeld shared a close friendship and mutual respect, often supporting each other’s work. They frequently attended theater performances together, and Sondheim was known to collect Hirschfeld’s artwork.
Capturing the Essence of Sondheim’s Work
Leopold expressed enthusiasm about the book’s format, stating that it allows for easy display in various settings, such as theater green rooms or dormitories. “The book is a classy, affordable collection,” he added, highlighting the quality of the reproductions on thick paper.
It is worth noting that while the book captures many of Sondheim’s notable shows, some productions are absent due to Hirschfeld’s unique drawing choices or the shows not making it to Broadway. For instance, the world premiere of “The Frogs” staged at Yale Repertory Theatre is not included, as Hirschfeld did not create illustrations for every production. Nevertheless, the volume features lesser-known works alongside Sondheim’s more famous musicals.
The book also includes an introduction by Bernadette Peters, a Broadway star who has collaborated with Sondheim, and a reprinting of an essay by former New York Times theater critic Ben Brantley. Brantley’s essay, titled “These Hirschfeld Drawings Capture Sondheim’s Shows Better Than Any Photo,” underscores the depth of Hirschfeld’s artistic interpretation of Sondheim’s work.
Looking ahead, Leopold is already in the process of developing a second book titled “Hirschfeld’s Icons,” which will showcase portraits of other iconic figures in the arts.
The ongoing celebration of Sondheim’s work through publications like “Hirschfeld’s Sondheim” not only honors the composer’s legacy but also highlights the unique intersection of visual art and musical theater, ensuring that both Sondheim and Hirschfeld’s contributions to the cultural landscape are remembered and cherished for years to come.
