Finishing the hat, where there never was a hat : a critical analysis of the words and music of Stephen Sondheim and their relationship to the development of musical theatre as an art form

Abstract

This dissertation develops the premise that, whilst conceding the difficulties inherent in the medium, musical theatre should be regarded as an art form, worthy of serious critical evaluation. This view is supported by a detailed examination of four works, chosen from different periods of Sondheim's career: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (1962); Sweeney Todd (1979); Into the Woods (1988) and Assassins (1991). The argument develops through the application of accepted literary critical procedures and systematically examines the thematic and prosodic content of the lyrics, as well as their dramatic potentiality, growing in Sondheim's more mature works, which suggests a seriousness of intent manifest in other forms of the dramatic arts. The emotional and dramatic contribution of the music is examined, in the way it creates mood and atmosphere and modifies or comments on action and character, promoting a musical vocabulary that accommodates a dramatic function.