The Sondheim Standard

Neal McCabe makes the statement that “Sondheim is a great American composer, but he drove off the road with ‘Merrily We Roll Along’” (Letters, May 12). However, the only reason he gives for “Merrily” not working is the backward story line, which is difficult to blame on Stephen Sondheim, as he did not write the book for the musical in question.

Sondheim wrote a brilliant score for “Merrily,” one that will live alongside his other scores in the best canon of work created in our lifetimes. Perhaps the book failed, perhaps the original staging was weak.

Sondheim does tend to get all the credit when his shows work, so perhaps it is understandable that he gets blamed when they do not.

But more attention should be paid to what aspects of a show like “Merrily” work and what do not before sweeping statements are made placing blame.

CHRISTOPHER MASON

Moderator, Sondheim.com

Woodland Hills