Careful the Spell You Cast: How Stephen Sondheim Extended the Range of the American Musical

Stephen Sondheim is one of the most celebrated and influential musical theatre composers, but he is often misunderstood as distant or cynical. Careful the Spell You Cast argues that Sondheim belongs to the Broadway aspirational tradition, in that his characters are defined by their dreams and that letting go of illusions is a process that they need to go through without becoming cynical. Through lyrical and structural analysis, the book shows how Sondheim has dramatized this process throughout his writing life with different collaborators, aligning his work as being aspirational and a logical continuation from the work of his mentor, Oscar Hammerstein II.

Format: Hardback
Length: 184 pages
Publication date: 09 March 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Stephen Sondheim, a renowned and cherished figure in the realm of musical theatre, stands as both a celebrated composer and a subject of enigmatic perception. Often misconstrued as distant or cynical, his artistic brilliance often goes unnoticed. However, in their book "Careful the Spell You Cast," authors Michael R. Jackson and David LeVine present a compelling argument that challenges this prevailing notion. They contend that Sondheim firmly aligns with the Broadway aspirational tradition, characterized by his characters' unwavering pursuit of their dreams. To abandon these dreams, as seen in the characters of Ben in "Follies," Frank in "Merrily We Roll Along," and Addison in "Road Show," is to risk losing one's very essence. Instead of perceiving Sondheim as a cynic, this book proposes a fresh perspective, suggesting that his characters embark on a transformative journey of letting go of illusions and false dreams. It argues that this process, while challenging, is essential for their growth and self-discovery. By reframing Sondheim's work through lyrical and structural analysis in relation to the characters within his celebrated musicals, "Careful the Spell You Cast" endeavors to redefine the established view. The authors argue that Sondheim, in the broader sense of the term, can be considered a romantic within the rich tapestry of the Broadway musical. This book offers a captivating exploration of Sondheim's artistic journey, shedding light on his profound influence and the enduring power of his compositions. Through meticulous research and insightful analysis, it provides a deeper understanding of this musical maestro's remarkable contributions to the world of theatre.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350281813