Broadway theatre renamed to honour Sondheim

American musical theatre icon Stephen Sondheim received a fitting present for his 80th birthday on Monday, when one of Broadway's theatres was renamed in his honour.

The Roundabout Theatre Company, which recently renovated, rebuilt and reopened New York's Henry Miller's Theatre, announced at its annual gala Monday night that the 1,055-set venue will be renamed the Stephen Sondheim Theatre.

Two of Sondheim's regular collaborators, James Lapine and John Weidman, made the surprise announcement, following a preview performance of the musical revue Sondheim on Sondheim slated to open officially at Studio 54 on April 22.

In attendance at the gala were "Sondheim devotees" from the worlds of theatre, film and television, such as Len Cariou, Lauren Bacall and Jane Krakowski.

The theatre's renaming is just one of the recent and upcoming birthday tributes for Sondheim. The Oscar, Tony, Grammy and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer and lyricist has credits that include Sweeney Todd, Assassins, Company, A Little Night Music, A Funny Thing Happened On the Way To the Forum, West Side Story and Gypsy.

The New York Philharmonic honoured his achievements last week, while further celebrations are planned by London's Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and New York's City Center.