Stephen Sondheim was more than just a life force in American theater. His musicals were transformational. They took American musical theater into new areas, new directions, and new (and often uncomfortable) subject matter. Sondheim’s musicals are always notable for their complex characters, a competing mix of dark ruminations and hopefulness, verbal dexterity in the lyrics, and intensely singable melodies. Over the years, many of his musicals have made their way from Broadway to Hollywood.