September 14, 2023: Introduction to the Course, Early Works, Saturday Night (1954), and West Side Story (1957)
Class Preparation
Note: Though they may look like assignments, all of these suggestions are optional.
- Related readings in the texts:
- Finishing the Hat: Preface, Introduction, Saturday Night, and West Side Story (pages xv-xxvii; 3-53)
- Broadway: The American Musical: pages 248-257.
- Class 1 Lyrics (This handout includes songs featured in class; ALL of the lyrics for Saturday Night and West Side Story--including cut songs and alternate versions--are in Finishing the Hat.)
- Handout of class slides
YouTube Links
Playlists:
- Sondheim Sings (Selections of his earliest works--high school, college, and "assignments for Oscar")
- Saturday Night (2000 Original New York Cast Recording)
- West Side Story (1957 Original Broadway Cast Recording)
- West Side Story (Soundtrack of the 1961film)
- Class 1 Videos
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