No, based on what Sondheim said in the talkbacks, he ideally would have always wanted the best possible movie version or filmed stage version of all his musicals. However, in some cases despite everyone's best efforts plus years of pre-production work and millions and millions of dollars, the results were disappointing. He didn't really have the talent for hiring people. Prince did that for years, but after the Merrily debacle, they mutually decided to go separate ways. After Prince, he collaborated with others but the relationships were probably not as close. He worked a great deal with Gary Griffin in Chicago for decades, but not in New York that I'm aware of.
He certainly was wealthy but he also lived a very nice lifestyle with various partners and maintained at least two very expensive homes. Back in the old days it was possible for a single individual like Rodgers or Prince to produce and control a production, but that changed dramatically sometime in the late 70's I believe. I think overall he did the best he could. He didn't like running things, hiring people, that end of the business. I don't blame him. |
