While no fanboy, I am an admirer of Sondheim's particular and peculiar talents, dating back to I'm not quite sure what or when—possibly a BBC arts programme which showcased his work which I remember catching, in the early 80s I guess. But it was hearing the wonderfully grotesque opening chorus of Sweeney Todd that made me understand that here was something different and significant. And then I got the chance to play the Baker in a fringe production of "Into the Woods", a learning experience like no other I have had.
Here's Chip Zien as the Baker, looking like a Chico Marx who's run out of gags, singing (with Tom Aldredge) what I think is the most truthful, painful song in the show—
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