Being but another worshipper at the alter of Stephen Sondheim, I was eager to read anything about him which went beyond your typical stage review.This book was given to me as a gift and I eagerly opened it hoping to find hidden treasure about Sondheim and his work.
The book was not quite what I expected and at the same time EXACTLY what I expected. What Goodhart promises in the introduction, he delivers - a serious delving into the works of Sondheim, treating his musicals as literature. What I didn't expect was just how thoroughly the writers (Goodhart employs several essayists) would analyze character and plot.
One essay that comes to mind is one written on "Sweeney Todd." I really thought I knew as much as there was to know about this masterwork - WRONG. The essayist gives great detail into the psychological make-up of these characters...much more information that a layman or actor like myself can begin to understand. At times the analysis was clinical I had to back up and re-read the passage to get a grasp on what was being explored.
I've decided that the book will provide a wonderful reference to keep on my shelf for my own work on Sondheim musicals, but for simple pleasure reading, this book may not be appropriate unless you have your PHD.
