In the months since Stephen Sondheim’s death in November of last
year, countless celebrations of his life and work in musical theatre have taken
place. But perhaps the greatest tribute is that two of his most loved works,
the musicals Company and Into the Woods, are currently running on
Broadway.
"Sondheim's
legacy is to me much like Shakespeare or Moliere," says actress Jennifer
Simard. "These are timeless artists because they keyed into humanity,
human nature."
Simard received a Tony Award nomination in May as Best Featured Actress in a
Musical for her portrayal of the character Sarah in Company.
Sondheim's Into the Woods opened July 10 to critical acclaim for a
limited run through Aug. 21. Company will end its Broadway run on July
31.
Simard believes Sondheim's shows will not only live on but will be widely
reinterpreted for decades to come as times change and new ideas in presenting
the work emerge.
"It should be reinterpreted being true to the text and I
believe Steven would want that,” says Simard. “That's how
he felt about the show we just did together."