Stephen Sondheim: The 10 best Chicago productions

CHICAGO — Stephen Sondheim’s death Friday left a gaping hole in the hearts of those who work in the Chicago theater. The iconic composer and lyricist visited relatively often (including a 2011 visit to receive the Tribune Literary Prize, an appearance to support the Chicago Public Library Foundation and many visits to the Ravinia Festival and Chicago Shakespeare Theater), but his shows were enriching us all with yet more frequency.

His themes were often a perfect match for Chicago sensibilities and talent.

Here, in reverse chronological order and in memory of the great man, are my 10 most memorable Sondheim productions in and around Chicago over the last 25 years.

—“Saturday Night” at Pegasus Players, directed by Gary Griffin (May, 1999): This small Chicago theater company developed a warm relationship with Sondheim.