One of The New York Times’ 10 Best Books of the Year, *Finishing the Hat* is a compelling and intimate collection that offers a rare glimpse into the life and work of legendary composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim. Titled after perhaps his most autobiographical song from *Sunday in the Park with George*, this book not only features his lyrics for the first time but also provides an insightful look into his personal journey and creative process.
Stephen Sondheim’s illustrious career spanned more than fifty years, during which his lyrics became synonymous with musical theater and popular culture. A recipient of seven Tony Awards, an Academy Award, seven Grammys, and a Pulitzer Prize, Sondheim treats readers to never-before-published songs from each of his shows. These include songs that were cut or discarded before reaching audiences, as well as the complete lyrics for all his musicals from 1954 to 1981, such as *West Side Story*, *Company*, *Follies*, *A Little Night Music*, and *Sweeney Todd*.
In *Finishing the Hat*, Sondheim discusses his relationship with his mentor, Oscar Hammerstein II, and his collaborations with extraordinary talents like Leonard Bernstein, Arthur Laurents, Ethel Merman, Richard Rodgers, Angela Lansbury, Harold Prince, and many others. The anecdotes are rich with history, sharp observations, and intimate details that transport readers back to a time when theater was a major pillar of American culture. Moreover, Sondheim offers profound appraisals of his own work and dissects his lyrics, as well as those of others, providing unparalleled insights into the art and craft of songwriting—an invaluable resource for fans and aspiring songwriters alike.
Accompanying Sondheim’s insightful writing are behind-the-scenes photographs from each production, along with handwritten music and lyrics from his personal collection. These visual elements add depth and authenticity to the narrative, allowing readers to connect more intimately with his creative process.
Penetrating, surprising, poignant, funny, and sometimes provocative, *Finishing the Hat* is not only an in-depth exploration of lyric writing but also a comprehensive history of American theater. It stands alongside classics like Moss Hart’s *Act One* and Arthur Miller’s *Timebends* as essential reading for anyone interested in the art of musical theater. This book will leave you humming the final bars of *Merrily We Roll Along*, eagerly anticipating the next volume in Sondheim’s remarkable oeuvre.