“Fascinating and wise. . . . offers a fresh way to look at some great works, without ignoring Sondheim’s greatness as a lyricist and composer. Rather, Schoch often demonstrates the subtle brilliance with which Sondheim uses his words and music to illuminate character.”
—Jonathan Mandell, New York Theater

“[A] lively interpretive study. . . . Schoch’s unique approach will resonate with Sondheim’s legions of fans.”
—Booklist

“Richard Schoch presents the complexity of Sondheim’s work with clarity and accessibility. Sondheim continues to change my life, and this book will help many readers, listeners, and theatergoers to understand a bit better how he does it.”
—Ben Brantley, chief theatre critic, New York Times, 1996-2017

“Life lessons gleaned from the work of a musical theater master…A lively, thoughtful self-help book—sui generis, like the artist who inspired it.”
—Kirkus

“[Schoch] illuminates with appealing and unbridled enthusiasm how Sondheim plumbed the depths of human experience. Musical theater lovers will be delighted.”
—Publishers Weekly

“A generous reading of the works of a master composer and lyricist who reinvented the American musical.”
—Library Journal (starred review)