* At The Laurie Beechman Theatre Doors Open 1-Hour Prior to Show Start time, whenever possible.

Stephen Sondheim:Relational Psychoanalyst of the American Musical Theater

This presentation is a reading of a new psychoanalytic paper that argues that Stephen Sondheim was unparalleled in his capacity to immerse his audience in the conflicts, affects, and self-deceptions of his characters so as to feel into and recognize their own desires, longings, and psychological defenses. In his willingness to explore the darkest human emotions without shame, Sondheim creates what psychoanalysts call a "relational home" for all those who feel ashamed or anguished about who they are, or what they feel. Authors Ilene Phillipson, Ph.D, Ph.D, and D. Bradley Jones, Psy.D illustrate this process through their own transformative encounters with the work of Stephen Sondheim. Eric Yves Garcia, and special guest KT Sullivan, are on hand exemplify and, of course, entertain!