Kennedy Center to honor Sondheim

The Kennedy Center is planning a 15-week celebration of gay composer Stephen Sondheim, including the staging of six full-scale Sondheim musicals beginning in May, Variety reports. The musicals, including the Japanese version of Sondheim’s Pacific Overtures, will be offered under Eric Schaeffer, artistic director of the Signature Theater in Arlington, Va. Schaeffer, noted for his company’s recent Sondheim revivals, said well-known performers are being sought for lead roles. Production costs are estimated at $7–$10 million.