sondheim writes when lying down, better for a quick nap when things aren't going well. a 1946 edition of roget's thesaurus. >> a rhyme can take something that is not too strong and make it much stronger. if you tell a joke in rhyme, it's twice as funny as it would be if you just told it in prose, as if it was just a speech. same words, but the rhyme does that to it. and that is one of the uses of rhyme is not only to focus the attention on the word, but to strengthen what you're saying. now, sometimes you avoid a rhyme because if you don't want to draw the ear's attention, you want the fool them. one of the things youant to do in a song and in a scene and in a play is surprise an audience. ♪ he's a very smart prince he's a prince who prepares ♪ knowing this time i'd run from him ♪ he spread pitch on the stairs i was caught unawares ♪ and i thought well, he cares ♪ this this is more than just malice ♪ better stop and take stock while you're standing in stock ♪ on the steps of the palace >> reporter: that surprise can come in very subtle way, something happening between t

sondheim doesn't sing. >> reporter: and now there are book parties to deal with.nishing the hat." a collection of his lyrics and memories from his broadway career that's lasted more than 50 years, 25 shows, more than 600 songs. what are the tricks to producing so much rich material? >> i like to fall asleep in the middle, because it's hard to write. i don't understand people sitting at a desk and writing. i don't get it. >> reporter: is this the lie down couch? >> yeah. i'll lie down for you. if i lie down i won't get up. there it is. that's it. >> reporter: it takes more than just lying down. >> one of the things i learned early on about theater and all about art is art needs surprise. otherwise, it doesn't hold an audience's attention. you need surprise. so, i like to surprise myself and i want to surprise ased a yuns. >> reporter: he has been full of surprises. "company" was the first musical without a defined linear plot. >> the little things you to do together. do together. perfect relationships. >> reporter: "sweeney todd," as a mass murdering demon barber.

stephen sondheim "finishing the hat."rics, comments, whines and antidotes. it's a great gift. >> my wife may also be watching gift.orning. you'll going to know your gifts. ow your a great book. this is called "dogs." for the whole family. s."have a little dog, daisy, she does not jump like that. little dog is so cute. likew. t that dog isy amazing. >> that is pretty incredible. there's so many others in this that is as well. it is magnificent. i got a special one for ali. edith head. 50 years of costume designs in hollywood. ithk at this photo of the elizabeth taylor. the dress sketch. and then on to elizabeth. > edith a costume designer for many, many years. >> she w >> she was called one of the prettiest women you've ever ettiest wome she sure is. elliott harper get ready. barbie. through all the years. a time line showing barbie going through everything. she's got a cruise ship, a few convertibles. ive sisters. we show barbie through the ages. ,> your girls are going to love that. >> this does nothing for your iys? >>

i went "now i get it, stephen sondheim."y. if you just let it tell you what it's supposed to tell you -- >> she's going to be coming to the kennedy center to do "follies." our friend eric schafer is going to direct through. that would probably come to broadway after a big run at kennedy center. >> well, we'll see. would be lovely. we'll see what happens. >> when you're not doing that, you have this children's book which is -- >> second one. >> -- "stella." there is something so engaging about this character in this book, about this dog who wants to be a pig or pretends to be one that kids must just eat up. >> it is doing very, very well. i love the story because it's really teaching you not to judge people from the outside and to learn to accept and love all that you are. and she's a little pit bull who doesn't think anyone likes her so she pretends to be a pig. >> i think pit bulls have gotten some bad -- >> they have. >> these dogs are trained and pit bulls start out just precious. >> they were the family dog at the turn o