Watch Six by Sondheim

Six by Sondheim is a captivating and insightful documentary film that explores the life and work of the legendary composer and lyricist, Stephen Sondheim. Directed by James Lapine, the film is a celebration of Sondheim's genius and a tribute to his contribution to the world of musical theater. The film is divided into six segments, each one focusing on a different song from Sondheim's illustrious career. Through interviews with Sondheim, key collaborators like Hal Prince, Harold Prince, Angela Lansbury, and Mandy Patinkin, as well as performances of the songs by Broadway stars such as Audra McDonald, Darren Criss, and America Ferrera, the film takes the viewer on a journey through Sondheim's creative process and his impact on Broadway.

The first segment features the song "Something's Coming" from the musical West Side Story, which Sondheim wrote the lyrics for. Through archival footage and interviews with Sondheim, the film explores Sondheim's early career working as a lyricist for other composers and the development of his own unique style.

The second segment features the song "Opening Doors" from the musical Merrily We Roll Along. This segment focuses on the creative process behind the show and its eventual box office failure. Through interviews with Sondheim and his collaborators, the film highlights the challenges of creating a new musical and the risk of putting it up on Broadway.

The third segment features the song "Send in the Clowns" from the musical A Little Night Music. Considered one of Sondheim's most iconic songs, the film explores the creation of the song and its significance within the musical. Through interviews with Sondheim and actress Barbara Barrie, who originated the role of Madame Armfeldt in the show, the film provides insight into Sondheim's approach to writing music and lyrics for a character.

The fourth segment features the song "I'm Still Here" from the musical Follies. The film delves into the themes of the musical and how Sondheim's music and lyrics help to tell the story of a group of retired showgirls. Through interviews with Sondheim and actress Elaine Stritch, who originated the role of Carlotta Campion in the show, the film highlights the importance of collaboration in the creative process.

The fifth segment features the song "Being Alive" from the musical Company. Through interviews with Sondheim and actor Dean Jones, who originated the role of Bobby in the show, the film explores the development of the character and Sondheim's approach to writing songs that reveal the inner life of a character.

The final segment features the song "Sunday" from the musical Sunday in the Park with George. Through interviews with Sondheim and actor Mandy Patinkin, who originated the role of George in the show, the film explores the themes of the musical and the way that Sondheim's music and lyrics help to tell the story of an artist trying to find his place in the world.

Throughout the film, the viewer is treated to performances of the songs by some of Broadway's biggest stars, including Audra McDonald, Darren Criss, and America Ferrera. The film also features archival footage of Sondheim's original productions and interviews with other Broadway legends like Hal Prince, Bernadette Peters, and Harold Prince.

Six by Sondheim is a fascinating and insightful documentary that provides a unique look into the life and work of one of Broadway's greatest composers and lyricists. Through interviews with Sondheim and his collaborators and performances of his iconic songs, the film highlights the genius of Sondheim and his contributions to the world of musical theater.

Six by Sondheim is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9.