A musical revue honoring one of Broadway’s most popular and influential artists, Stephen Sondheim, opens at 8 tonight at the Sooner Theatre.

Taking its name from a number from his musical “Company,” “Side By Side By Sondheim” runs through next weekend. It includes more than 25 numbers from the composer-lyricist’s songbook.

A cast of nine will perform Sondheim’s songs, divided into different themes such as “Marriage” and “New York,” from musicals for which Sondheim wrote the lyrics, including “West Side Story” and “Gypsy.”

Sondheim is recognized as one of Broadway’s most recognized artists — he has won an Academy Award, multiple Tony Awards and a Pulizter Prize.

Musical director and OU student Leslie Downs said Sondheim’s music is known for being difficult because of its signature musical complexity and lyrical speed.

“A lot of the words have to be spit out really quickly,” said Downs, a music graduate student whose job was to teach the music and intended style to the cast. “Sondheim is basically in his own category.”

After Downs directed the performers — three of whom are OU students — on the musical aspect, Director Lisa Fox staged the numbers with them.

“Sondheim songs are not the easiest songs to learn, either,” Fox said. “[The performers] have done a great job, because it’s kind of different learning all of this music quickly, because it’s a lot of music to get off book.”

What: “Side By Side By Sondheim”

When: 8 p.m. March 26, 27, April 1-3. 2 p.m. March 28

Where: Sooner Theatre, 101 E. Main St., Norman

Cost: $30 and $25, half-price with student ID.