The Tonys ignored West Side Story. The Tonys ignored Gypsy. It's a kind of public humiliation.

By the time I get through writing a score, I know the book better than the book writer does, because I've examined every word, and questioned the book writer on every word.

All the best performers bring to their role something more, something different than what the author put on paper. That's what makes theatre live. That's why it persists.

The only reason to write is from love.

Writing is a form of mischief.

You move just a finger, say the slightest word, something's bound to linger-be heard.

Content dictates form and style.