The Frogs is an astounding score, and the faithfulness to actual Greek political comedy of the 5th century BC is a joy. The mix of high art and base humor is spot on, and the way the chorus can be different things at different times mirrors real practice of that era.
Best of all, for me, is the "new" song for the Nathan Lane version 'The Shaw' - the most brilliant lyric about one great writer written by another.
The Frogs was written when Sondheim was at the apex of his career - with Company, Follies and A Little Night Music just behind, and that all time greatest hit, Pacific Overtures just ahead, with shows about a demon barber and a certain French artist still to come! (And his most revived show, that sleeper hit Merrily, tucked into the era as well.)
A Little Night Music, The Frogs and Pacific Overtures are arguably his greatest sets of lyrics, n'est-ce pas? |
