" As a performer, once you’ve understood the genre of musical theatre, you can tire very quickly of the two-dimensional stuff. With Sondheim, it’s always a challenge. It’s difficult and exhilarating and he’s so good on the complexities of relationships and on things going wrong. "
- Michael Ball

The quote discusses a performer's perspective on musical theatre and highlights the enduring appeal of Stephen Sondheim’s work. The speaker suggests that once performers become familiar with the genre, they may find simpler productions to be repetitive or unengaging. However, Sondheim’s creations offer continual challenges and excitement because of their intricate explorations of relationships and the complexities inherent in life's difficulties.

At a deeper level, this quote emphasizes the importance of artistic depth and complexity within musical theatre. It suggests that while many works in the genre can become predictable or formulaic, Sondheim stands out due to his ability to delve into nuanced human emotions and situations. His work often presents multifaceted characters and scenarios that resonate on an emotional and intellectual level, making it a continuous source of inspiration for performers who seek meaningful artistic challenges.

The quote is attributed to Michael Ball, a renowned British singer and musical theatre performer with a long-standing career. Known for his distinctive voice and versatility as a performer, Ball has been active in the industry since the early 1980s and has earned recognition for both classical and contemporary works in musical theatre.