Description
This three-part course will explore and celebrate the work of Stephen Sondheim (1930-2021), the iconic composer-lyricist who revolutionized contemporary musical theatre.
The course will examine the extraordinary range and depth of Sondheim’s career which spanned six decades. Audio and video excerpts will be utilized in order to delve into such topics as Sondheim’s collaborative process and song choices in the musical scores. Participation in The Musical Theatre of Stephen Sondheim: Side by Side by Side Part 1 is not a requirement for Part 2.
Facilitator: Dr. Lois Kivesto
A University of Toronto graduate in Music (viola major) and Education, Lois Kivesto received a Ph.D. in theatre from New York University with a dissertation on the theatre of James Lapine. Her essay “Comedy Tonight!” is published in Stephen Sondheim: A Casebook, part of the Garland Reference Library of the Humanities. A Toronto-based dramaturge and consultant, Lois is a long-serving Shaw Festival programme essayist, and a frequent lecturer for Stratford Festival and McMaster Stratford Seminar Series.
What Our Students Are Saying:
“I enjoyed Lois’s classes, learning Sondheim and his journey and genius into writing musicals. This is a start for me to learn about Musicals and I was amazed at the participant’s knowledge. Thanks to Lois, she created a relaxing and enjoyable setting. Her notes about Sondheim are a joy to review.”
– Beth Nimmo, Student; The Musical Theatre of Stephen Sondheim: Side by Side by Side Part 1
“I’ve attended all the courses presented by Lois Kivesto since 2020. I’m so impressed by Lois’s depth of knowledge, but even more by her willingness and ability to take on both the difficulties and benefits of the Zoom platform and finesse her presentations to allow for maximum participant enjoyment and learning. She’s created an open and happy celebration area for musical theatre, and I really appreciate that. Thanks Lois! And thank you Monica for your excellence in representing the University and making sure that supporting information was always received in a timely manner.”
– Rita Taylor, Student; The Musical Theatre of Stephen Sondheim: Side by Side by Side Part 1
