Tributes pour in for ‘musical theatre giant of our times’ Stephen Sondheim

Stephen Sondheim (Yui Mok/PA)

Musical celebrities from both sides of the pond have paid tribute to American composer and songwriter Stephen Sondheim, a man who “fundamentally shifted an entire art form”.

A host of famous faces expressed their sadness at the “devastating” loss and said they were lucky to have worked with him.

English singer Elaine Paige, who starred in the 2011 Broadway run of Sondheim’s Follies, tweeted: “Devastated to hear one of the most important musical theatre giants of our generation, #StephenSondheim, has died.

Phantom Of The Opera composer Andrew Lloyd Webber described Stephen Sondheim as a ‘musical theatre giant’ (/PA)

“I was lucky enough to have performed in two of his shows @FolliesBroadway & Sweeney Todd, & also have a song co-written by him for my 50th Anniversary.

“RIP dear man.”

Phantom Of The Opera composer Andrew Lloyd Webber described Sondheim as a “musical theatre giant”.

Lloyd Webber wrote: “Farewell Steve, the musical theatre giant of our times, an inspiration not just to two but to three generations.

“Your contribution to theatre will never be equalled.”

Barbra Streisand, whose The Broadway Album featured lyrics written by Sondheim, tweeted: “Thank the Lord that Sondheim lived to be 91 years old so he had the time to write such wonderful music and GREAT lyrics! May he Rest In Peace.”

Every so often someone comes along that fundamentally shifts an entire art form. Stephen Sondheim was one of those

Actor Hugh Jackman, star of The Greatest Showman, said: “Every so often someone comes along that fundamentally shifts an entire art form. Stephen Sondheim was one of those.

“As millions mourn his passing I also want to express my gratitude for all he has given to me and so many more.

“Sending my love to his nearest and dearest.”

Singer and actress Anna Kendrick said: “I was just talking to someone a few nights ago about how much fun (and f****** difficult) it is to sing Stephen Sondheim.

Barbra Streisand, whose album The Broadway Album featured lyrics written by Sondheim, praised his ‘wonderful’ music and lyrics (Yui Mok/PA)

“Performing his work has been among the greatest privileges of my career. A devastating loss.”

Tony Award winner Idina Menzel said: “Goodbye dear sir. We will spend our lives trying to make you proud.”

Tony winner Lea Salonga, who performed in last year’s concert to mark Sondheim’s birthday, tweeted: “Rest In Peace, Stephen Sondheim, and thank you for your vast contributions to musical theater.

“We shall be singing your songs forever. Oh, my heart hurts.”