Stephen Sondheim at 80

Funny
After scoring another success as a lyricist (for the musical Gypsy) Sondheim finally got what he wanted most: the chance to compose the music for a show, in addition to providing the lyrics. The resulting production, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum turned into a smash hit, running for almost a thousand performances. Based on the comedies of the classic Roman playwright Titus Maccius Plautus, the show starred Zero Mostel, right, as Pseudolus, a slave who attempts to win his freedom by helping his young master woo the girl next door.

• Glee's Broadway Roots