Steve On Broadway (SOB)

Stephen Sondheim Theatre: Light The Lights!

Stephen Sondheim Theatre: Light The Lights!

Tonight, 124 West 43rd Street in New York City is the place to be at precisely 6:30 p.m. when luminaries from Broadway and the world of theatre will be on hand to witness the lighting of the "newest" theatre to grace the Great White Way.

That's when the formerly named Henry Miller's Theatre -- which itself just reopened its doors almost exactly one year ago on September 10, 2009, with the first preview of Bye Bye Birdie -- forever fades into theatre history.

In its place, compliments of the Roundabout Theatre Company and a new marquee, stands the Stephen Sondheim Theatre up in lights. (Photos courtesy of Sarah Roberts, Adventures In The Endless Pursuit Of Entertainment.)

It's extraordinarily rare for any living artist to have a Broadway theatre named in their honor. But with 55 Rialto musicals, revivals, revues and concerts to his credit along with the exceedingly well-deserved reverence from those who love exceptional musical theatre, Stephen Joshua Sondheim epitomizes the very best of Broadway.

In a year filled with 80th birthday celebrations for Mr. Sondheim, I was absolutely thrilled to meet this living legend at a reception in his honor. He could not have been more gracious or -- to my surprise -- self-effacing.

Mr. Sondheim, as they light the lights on the Stephen Sondheim Theatre, I not only toast you on your enormous honor, but I thank you for giving us musical theatre that stands the test of time.

This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).


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Labels: Broadway, Musical, Renaming, Stephen Sondheim, Stephen Sondheim Theatre

posted by Steve On Broadway (SOB) @ Wednesday, September 15, 2010