Sondheim in the Times

Today, the Times asked several people to name a favorite Sondheim song.

This seems like an impossible task, but I'm choosing "Marry Me a Little." Specifically, Raul Esparza's version. (I feel some concern for Katrina Lenk, who has to follow in Esparza's footsteps.)

"Marry Me a Little" was cut from "Company," but people realized the move was foolish, and so "Marry Me" was reintroduced to the show.

It's a chance for Bobby--the neurotic, single protagonist--to imagine being "partnered." It's a song where Bobby negotiates with an imaginary wife. The two will be a pair, but without the messiness of commitment; maybe things won't always be thrilling, but also there won't be pain. ("A person like Bobby doesn't have the good things....but he doesn't have the bad things....but he doesn't have the good things....")

Bobby's chronic ambivalence leads to memorable announcements: "We'll look NOT TOO DEEP! We'll go NOT TOO FAR! We won't have to give up a thing....We'll stay who we are..." A plan for marriage: "You promise whatever you like...I'll never collect...." A nervous request: "Want me first and foremost--NOT exclusively...."

The song is a portrait of existential terror, and it's both very funny and very sad. It gives me full-body chills. That's my choice.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzA97oMW2_M

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