During the pivotal Superbia workshop sequence, Larson even holds up the start of the show to wait for Sondheim to make an appearance, which of course he does eventually. Throughout much of the film, Stephen Sondheim’s presence guides Larson’s creative process.

Sondheim offered to rewrite it so that it would sound more like him, and also let Miranda know he could provide his own voice for the voicemail if Whitford could not be called in for reshoots, which is how Sondheim’s hidden cameo came to be. According to first-time director Lin-Manuel Miranda, after Sondheim screened the film, he voiced concerns about the voicemail he leaves Larson. Though Sondheim is portrayed throughout much of the film by Bradley Whitford, the voice on the answering machine is provided by the real Stephen Sondheim. Related: Tick, Tick… Boom! Cast, Real Life Character & Broadway Cameos Guide The voicemail convinces Larson to keep writing, and serves as the catalyst for the film’s climax. Jonathan screens the call and waits for the voicemail, only to discover that his creative inspiration and personal hero Stephen Sondheim is calling to tell Jonathan how much he enjoyed Superbia. As he arranges and rearranges handwritten lyrics on his apartment floor, his landline rings. Towards the end of Tick, Tick…Boom!, young composer Jonathan Larson is starting work on a new musical project after the workshop for his piece Superbia yields no offers for a production.

Stephen sondheim jonathan larson