Matching Minds with Sondheim: The Podcast

You are formally invited to my Sondheim game night party, already underway. Join previous guests David Spira, Kellian Adams, and James McCusker as we tackle and explore Sondheim's intricate world of parlor games, such as Running Charades, The Listening Game, Bartletts, Camouflage, Hostilities, and The Murder Game. Discussions touch on game history, clever designs, and the emotional nuances Sondheim orchestrated. Learn why Kellian calls Sondheim an “Ace Human Hacker” and why this is my favorite episode to date!  Make sure to get the book everywhere books are found, ⁠⁠or click here⁠⁠. 00:00 Introduction to Matching Minds with Sondheim 00:57 Welcome to the Halloween Party 02:06 First Guests Arrive 04:58 Discussing Parlor Games 08:33 Exploring the Listening Game 14:23 Running Charades: Sondheim's Twist 18:26 Playing Bartletts: A Creative Challenge 27:23 Camouflage: Hidden in Plain Sight 33:57 Introducing the Game 'Hostilities' 34:38 Rules and Mechanics of 'Hostilities' 38:05 Reflecting on the Brutality of 'Hostilities' 47:11 Exploring the Murder Game 58:00 Sondheim's Approach to Game Design 01:03:24 Closing Thoughts and Reflections Special Links: Colm Molloy Ann Morrison Mateo Chavez Lewis Club Drosselmeyer Melissa Errico Sondheim In the City The American Girl's Handy Book Stephen Schiff  Richard Maltby, Jr. Thanks to everyone who contributed behind the scenes to this episode, specifically the musical stingers composed by Mateo Chavez Lewis, and the theme song to our podcast with lyrics and music by Colm Molloy, and sung by the one and only Ann Morrison, who created the role of Mary in Merrily We Roll Along.  And please welcome our new line producer, Dennis Caouki. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Please join me as we revisit my guest spots on Hello Puzzler, a delightful podcast hosted by AJ Jacobs and his Chief puzzle Officer, Greg Pliska. Each week, they have a celebrity guest who appears across three episodes, and they then toss puzzles at them like peanuts to an elephant. However, to me it was more like knives to a juggler who can't juggle. I tried. Really, I tried. So today you can listen to my second and third appearance. In the first one, Greg challenged me with an inventive and hilarious Sondheim theme puzzle. I'll let him explain how it works. But all you who know the names of Sondheim songs will especially enjoy playing from home. Then in my final appearance, I get to relax and turn the tables on them. I found a number of Sondheim's own puzzles from crosswords and treasure hunts, and challenged both AJ and Greg to try and solve them. Give it a shot at home and see if you do a better job than they did at… matching minds with Sondheim. Make sure to get the book everywhere books are found, ⁠⁠or click here⁠⁠. 00:00 Introduction to the Puzzle Concept 05:07 Introducing Steven Sandheim 05:26 The Twist: One Letter Changes Everything 05:40 Example: West Side Stork 06:06 Explaining the Puzzle Format 06:13 First Puzzle Challenge Special Links: Colm Molloy Ann Morrison Mateo Chavez Lewis The Wonderful World of Words Weekend The Hello Puzzler Podcast Thanks to everyone who contributed behind the scenes to this episode, specifically the musical stingers composed by Mateo Chavez Lewis, and the theme song to our podcast with lyrics and music by Colm Molloy, and sung by the one and only Ann Morrison, who created the role of Mary in Merrily We Roll Along. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What. An. Episode! This one focuses on Stephen Sondheim's relationship with video games... sort of. This episode is hard to describe. The audio from today comes from a podcast I was a guest on by Dennis Hensley called Dennis Anyone? So is this just a re-podcast? Well, no. This is my own edit of that episode. See, this is what happened: Dennis invited me onto his podcast, then about an hour in his friend joined us. His name is also Dennis. So this episode could be called A Tale of Two Dennis. Let's call him Dennis 2. It turns out Dennis 2 was friends with Sondheim for around 35 years playing digital games with him. In fact, Sondheim would fly Dennis 2 out from LA just for weekend marathon play sessions of games like Myst and Oxyd. The thing is, Dennis 2 had never spoken publicly about his relationship with Sondheim. Even when Sondheim sent his biographer Meryle Secrest in the nineties to interview him. He never spoke about his relationship with Sondheim until this podcast episode, and it was pretty remarkable. Dennis 1 invited me to be both guest and host, so I got to interview Dennis 2 as well. As you know, my book is based on conversations with and information from over 120 people. But other than John Weidman, no one else spoke with me about playing digital games with Sondheim and how it framed their relationship. And no one shared photos with me. Until Dennis 2. It has been quite a trip! so please join me as we revisit it  together. Make sure to get the book everywhere books are found, ⁠⁠or click here⁠⁠. 00:00 The Mysterious Invitation 00:43 Introduction to the Episode 01:21 A Tale of Two Dennis 01:32 Sondheim's Gaming Obsession 12:22 The Myst Experience 28:24 Sondheim's Humble Beginnings 30:10 The Last of Sheila: A Lifelong Bond 32:14 Games and Mentorship 35:49 Creative Criticism and Friendship 38:49 The Doctor is Out: A Critical Review 40:55 Sondheim's Puzzle Legacy 45:09 Reflections and Final Thoughts Special Links: Colm Molloy Ann Morrison Mateo Chavez Lewis "Dennis Anyone?" podcast Video of Oxyd in Sondheim’s issue of Games Magazine: https://youtube.com/shorts/A-fnPWuzU0U?feature=shareThanks to everyone who contributed behind the scenes to this episode, specifically the musical stingers composed by Mateo Chavez Lewis, and the theme song to our podcast with lyrics and music by Colm Molloy, and sung by Ann Morrison, who created the role of Mary in Merrily We Roll Along. And SPECIAL thanks to both Dennis Osborne and Dennis Hensley! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special event at the New York Public Library for Performing Arts, Barry Joseph launches his new book, Matching Minds with Sondheim. The session dives into Stephen Sondheim's intricate world of puzzles and games, enriched by anecdotes from Joseph's extensive research, emphasizing the roles of research institutions in the development of the project. Attendees participate in an interactive game inspired by Sondheim, and hear from guest speakers including Richard Maltby Jr. (director and producer, lyricist, and screenwriter) and Daria Begley (writer for The Sondheim Society). Joseph shares insights into Sondheim's creative process, his love for puzzles, and his method of creating clarity and connection through games, offering a unique perspective on the Broadway legend. This event was recorded at The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. All rights reserved. Make sure to get the book everywhere books are found, ⁠⁠or click here⁠⁠. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:15 Introducing Barry Joseph and His Book 02:11 Acknowledgements and Special Thanks 03:00 Interactive Audience Participation 04:04 Honoring Those Who Contributed 05:37 Exploring Sondheim's Puzzles and Games 09:24 Sondheim's Unique Card Game 12:47 Sondheim's Board Games for Bernstein 19:30 Playing Sondheim's Murder Game 22:08 Insights from Richard Malty Jr. 29:17 Sondheim's Jurassic Treasure Hunt 32:07 Daria Begley's Winning Experience 36:10 Sondheim's Puzzle Philosophy 37:25 Book Release and Q&A Special Links: Colm Molloy Ann Morrison Mateo Chavez Lewis Richard Maltby American Museum of Natural History Michelle King Lost for Words: A Party Card Game of Untranslatable Feelings The blog post about this event, with photos (including the one with Daria, her T.rex, and the audience).  Thanks to everyone who contributed behind the scenes to this episode, specifically the musical stingers composed by Mateo Chavez Lewis, and the theme song to our podcast with lyrics and music by Colm Molloy, and sung by Ann Morrison, who created the role of Mary in Merrily We Roll Along. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us as we unpack the 1973 murder mystery film The Last of Sheila, written by Stephen Sondheim and Anthony Perkins. The discussion features guest James McCusker, a 45-year fan of Sondheim and a college composition professor. They explore the movie's origins, the unique parlor games that inspired the screenplay, and its impact on pop culture. Additional insights are provided by David Leopold from the Al Hirschfeld Foundation, highlighting Hirschfeld's unique promotional artwork for the film. The episode concludes by examining the film's game design elements and how they reflect Sondheim's creative mind. Make sure to get the book everywhere books are found, ⁠⁠or click here⁠⁠. 00:00 Introduction to The Last of Sheila 01:26 Meet the Hosts: Barry and James 02:39 Origins of The Last of Sheila 05:02 Sondheim and Perkins: A Creative Partnership 13:52 The Games in The Last of Sheila 23:41 Exploring the Mysteries in Sheila 31:13 Clinton's Game and the Broken Pattern 32:23 The True Purpose of Clinton's Party 34:59 The Promotion and Press Book 36:23 Al Hirschfeld's Contribution 48:31 The Impact of 'The Last of Sheila' 53:53 Sondheim's Puzzle Design Values 57:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Special Links: Colm Molloy Ann Morrison Mateo Chavez Lewis The Al Hirschfeld Foundation Hirschfeld's Sondheim: A Poster Book Animation from Sondheim’s notes at the Library of Congress that create a crossword grid of the actor’s names. The Last of Sheila production short Thanks to everyone who contributed behind the scenes to this episode, specifically the musical stingers composed by Mateo Chavez Lewis, and the theme song to our podcast with lyrics and music by Colm Molloy, and sung by the one and only Ann Morrison, who created the role of Mary in Merrily We Roll Along. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In It's Puzzling: The Power of Crosswords and Games, host Natan Last, author of the cultural history of crosswords, Across the Universe, moderates a discussion at the Brooklyn Book Festival with Barry Joseph, game designer and author of Matching Minds with Sondheim, and Juliana Pache, the creator of Black Crossword. The conversation delves into the cultural significance of games and puzzles and how they reflect history and community. Barry shares insights from his book while Juliana discusses the creation of Black Crossword and how it connects the African diaspora through daily mini puzzles. They explore themes such as the joy of solving cryptic crosswords, the social dynamics of community-based puzzles, and the personal impacts of puzzling on their own lives. The episode also introduces listeners to the intricacies of cryptic crosswords and how Sondheim popularized them in America. Make sure to get the book everywhere books are found, ⁠⁠or click here⁠⁠. 00:00 Introduction and Book Tour Updates 01:54 Brooklyn Book Festival Panel Introduction 02:49 Meet the Panelists 04:20 The Cultural Significance of Games and Puzzles 09:05 Creating Black Crossword 11:58 Sondheim's Fascination with Games 13:38 The Intersection of Puzzles and Culture 20:00 Challenges and Innovations in Crossword Puzzles 25:55 The Everything Bagel Crossword Controversy 26:25 The Art of Clue Writing 28:38 Community and Crosswords 30:32 The Power of Black Crosswords 34:42 Cryptic Crosswords Explained 37:08 Sondheim's Puzzle Legacy 41:42 Personal Stories and Puzzle Connections 44:26 Closing Thoughts on Crosswords and Community Special Links: Colm Molloy Ann Morrison Mateo Chavez Lewis Natan Last Juliana Pache Brooklyn Book Festival Locavore Variety Store Recent talk: Interview and book reading at The Drama Book Shop Recent talk: Playing and Composing with Graduate Students at NYU Recent talk: Sondheim Week at the New York Public Library for The Performing Arts Matching Minds with Sondheim: The Exhibit Thanks to everyone who contributed behind the scenes to this episode, specifically the musical stingers composed by Mateo Chavez Lewis, and the theme song to our podcast with lyrics and music by Colm Molloy, and sung by the one and only Ann Morrison, who created the role of Mary in Merrily We Roll Along. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Barry Joseph and guests walk through Sondheim’s final treasure hunt. Guests Kellian Adams Pletcher, a game designer at FableVision Studios, and Robert Lee, a faculty member and current chair of NYU's Tisch School of the Arts Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program, join Barry to analyze and discuss Sondheim's love for treasure hunts. Together they explore his design of the 2013 City Center Treasure Hunt and the engaging experiences created for friends. The episode features anecdotes from participants in the 2013 City Center treasure hunt (Marty Granoff, Erin Ortman, Alexander Gemignani) highlighting Sondheim's genius in creating these immersive and fun-filled games. It also features analysis from those Joseph brought together to solve them for his book ( Andrew Parr, Jess Butler, Michael Mitnick, Mark Halpin, Richard Malty Jr.) in a half-day “re-staging”. Listen to learn more about Sondheim's playful side, his intellectual generosity, and the intricate puzzles that made his hunts legendary. Make sure to get the book everywhere books are found, ⁠⁠or click here⁠⁠. 00:00 Introduction to Matching Minds with Sondheim 01:15 Meet the Guests: Kellian Adams Pletcher and Robert Lee 02:28 Robert Lee's Journey with Sondheim and Games 06:19 Kellian's Early Love for Treasure Hunts 07:56 Stephen Sondheim's 2013 City Center Treasure Hunt 11:38 The Mechanics of the Treasure Hunt 20:51 Reflections on Sondheim's Puzzle Design 34:28 Exploring Ballroom Game Formats 34:55 Debating Sondheim's Puzzle Intentions 36:50 Diving into the Clues 38:16 The Thrill of Solving Puzzles 39:49 Sondheim's Puzzle Design Philosophy 41:32 The Grid and Grill Puzzle Challenge 43:17 Inclusivity in Puzzle Design 44:37 Solving Clue Number 12 48:57 Reflecting on Sondheim's Legacy 59:35 Final Thoughts and Farewell Special Links: Colm Molloy Ann Morrison Mateo Chavez Lewis Thanks to everyone who contributed behind the scenes to this episode, specifically transcription and text editing by Jenny Westfall, the musical stingers composed by Mateo Chavez Lewis, and the theme song to our podcast with lyrics and music by Colm Molloy, and sung by the one and only Ann Morrison, who created the role of Mary in Merrily We Roll Along.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Barry Joseph and guest Andrew Parr page through Stephen Sondheim's passion for puzzle and game magazines. From Sondheim's early fascination with cryptic crosswords to his last major interview about puzzles, this episode uncovers how these collections provided inspiration for his works. Discover how Sondheim managed and preserved his assemblage, hear contributions from renowned puzzle creators, and explore the generational impact of Sondheim's puzzling endeavors. Make sure to get the book everywhere books are found, ⁠⁠or click here⁠⁠. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:42 Introducing Tonight's Episode 01:56 Meet Andrew Parr 03:43 Andrew's Puzzle Box Journey 05:22 Connecting with Sondheim 08:13 Sondheim's Puzzle Collection 13:56 The Doyle Auction Experience 23:13 Unboxing Sondheim's Collection 25:34 Stephen Sondheim's Quest for Eye-Witness 26:41 The Significance of Games and Puzzles Magazine 28:29 Games Magazine and the 4-Star Puzzler 29:36 Stephen Sondheim's Puzzle-Solving Habits 36:55 Sondheim's Markings and Interests in Games 42:58 The Impact of Sondheim's Collection 47:08 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections Special Links: Results from Sondheim auction Andrew Parr’s True North Puzzles Dr. Nicholas Phillips’ AffineCreations Games World of Puzzles magazine The Strong Museum of Play Colm Molloy Ann Morrison Mateo Chavez Lewis Thanks to everyone who contributed behind the scenes to this episode, specifically transcription and text editing by Jenny Westfall, the musical stingers composed by Mateo Chavez Lewis, and the theme song to our podcast with lyrics and music by Colm Molloy, and sung by the one and only Ann Morrison, who created the role of Mary in Merrily We Roll Along. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us as we revisit the historic, jaw-dropping June 18th, 2024, Doyle Auction featuring items from the collection of Steven Sondheim. The episode explores the special day through interviews by Barry Joseph with guests Grace O'Keefe, Michael Mitnick, and Pat D’Amico, who share their experiences and emotional journeys related to Sondheim memorabilia. The discussion covers the auction's catalog, its exhibit, the auction day, and the aftermath. Highlights include personal stories, bidding wars, and the unique community of Sondheim enthusiasts that emerged, spreading the iconic artist’s legacy in meaningful ways. Make sure to get the book everywhere books are found, ⁠⁠or click here⁠⁠. 00:00 Introduction to Matching Minds with Sondheim 00:52 Meet the Guests: Grace, Michael, and Pat 02:36 The Auction Overview: Catalog, Exhibit, Auction, Aftermath 03:37 Chapter One: The Auction Catalog 12:22 Chapter Two: The Exhibit 18:57 Chapter Three: The Auction Begins 23:26 The Auction Room Buzz 23:59 Bidding Stories and Experiences 24:37 Online Bidding Challenges 25:47 Winning and Losing at the Auction 28:03 The Long Auction Day 29:10 Grace's Mission for Tarot Cards 31:23 The Auction's Grand Finale 32:59 The Aftermath and Community Spirit 41:17 Personal Reflections and New Beginnings 45:22 Closing Remarks and Future Plans Special Links: Pat’s Estate Sale 2: For the Rest of Us Results from Sondheim auction Full pdf of the Dolye auction lots Thanks to everyone who contributed behind the scenes to this episode, specifically transcription and text editing by Jenny Westfall, the musical stingers composed by Mateo Chavez Lewis, and the theme song to our podcast with lyrics and music by Colm Molloy, and sung by the one and only Ann Morrison, who created the role of Mary in Merrily We Roll Along. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Barry Joseph embarks on an insightful dialogue with Richard Schoch, author of How Sondheim Can Change Your Life. The conversation delves into the emotional and intellectual processes behind writing books about Stephen Sondheim, reflecting on the personal connections and lessons drawn from his works. Both authors discuss the creation and significance of their book titles and covers, emphasizing the importance of engaging readers in meaningful ways. Richard shares poignant moments about Sondheim, including a touching story from an escape room that highlights Sondheim's desire for connection. The episode underscores Sondheim's profound impact on life and art, revealing the harmonious connections found through diverse lenses of his musicals and puzzles. Make sure to get a copy of Matching Minds with Sondheim everywhere books are found, ⁠⁠or click here⁠⁠. 00:00 Podcast - Richard Schoch 00:00 Cold Open 00:44 Introduction to the Podcast 01:18 Guest Introduction: Richard Schoch 02:13 Discussing Book Titles 04:35 Writing About Sondheim 09:02 Research and Interviews 13:01 Exploring Sondheim's Games and Puzzles 21:21 Book Covers and Design 23:41 Inviting You into Sondheim's World 24:16 Designing the Perfect Cover 24:16 The Story Behind the Cover 26:13 Engaging with the Community 34:00 Introducing Our Books 41:45 The Emotional Journey of Writing 52:06 Final Thoughts and Farewell Thanks to everyone who contributed behind the scenes to this episode, specifically transcription and text editing by Jenny Westfall, the musical stingers composed by Mateo Chavez Lewis, and the theme song to our podcast with lyrics and music by Colm Molloy, and sung by the one and only Ann Morrison, who created the role of Mary in Merrily We Roll Along. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Barry Joseph explores the profound connection between Stephen Sondheim and jigsaw puzzles. Joined by guests Michael Mitnick, an ardent collector of Sondheim memorabilia, and David Spira, co-creator of roomescapeartists.com, the trio delves into Sondheim's metaphorical view of puzzles in relation to art. The discussion spans from the unique jigsaw puzzles in Sondheim's collection, including promotional puzzles for his film 'The Last of Sheila,' to the custom-made puzzles he gave as opening night gifts for his Broadway shows. Through anecdotes and historical insights, this episode reveals how jigsaw puzzles reflect Sondheim's intricate mind and his attention to detail in both life and art. This is the promised link to the photo discussed in this episode of Sondheim's wall of jigsaw puzzles in his Danbury CT home. Make sure to get the book everywhere books are found, ⁠⁠or click here⁠⁠. 00:00 Introduction to Matching Minds with Sondheim 00:57 Sondheim's Philosophy on Jigsaw Puzzles 01:30 Meet the Guests: Michael Mitnick and David Spira 02:04 Exploring Sondheim's Jigsaw Puzzle Collection 03:26 The Gold Boxes: The Last of Sheila 09:08 The Blue Boxes: Stave Puzzles 14:25 The White Boxes: Customized Stave Puzzles 17:38 Sondheim's Legacy and Personal Reflections 35:23 Conclusion and Credits Thanks to everyone who contributed behind the scenes to this episode, specifically transcription and text editing by Jenny Westfall, the musical stingers composed by Mateo Chavez Lewis, and the theme song to our podcast with lyrics and music by Colm Molloy, and sung by the one and only Ann Morrison, who created the role of Mary in Merrily We Roll Along.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Barry is joined by Mark Eden Horowitz, a senior music specialist at the Library of Congress, to explore the lesser-known aspects of Sondheim's gaming legacy that can be found in their collections. The conversation spans the new Sondheim archives recently acquired by the Library, including his music and lyric sketches, manuscripts, and rare items like personal scrapbooks. Mark shares anecdotes about Sondheim's unique board games created for friends, like The Great Conductor Hunt and Stardom, and his involvement in digital games, emphasizing his lifelong passion for puzzles and games. The episode includes an analysis of an extremely rare recording from 1968 created by Sondheim for his friend and colleague Leonard Bernstein. The episode also includes an analysis of a mysterious, unsolved manuscript from the collection, urging listeners to explore it further. This engaging dialogue offers new insights into Sondheim’s creative genius, showcasing his meticulous work ethic and multifaceted interests, and the importance of publicly-accessible research collections. Make sure to get the book everywhere books are found, ⁠⁠or click here⁠⁠. 00:00 A Moving Experience with Sondheim 00:46 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 01:45 The State of Sondheim Archives 03:47 Exploring the Library of Congress 06:15 The Leonard Bernstein Collection 09:26 Mark's First Meeting with Sondheim 13:08 Creating 'Sondheim on Music' 16:57 Sondheim's Board Game Designs 27:07 Sondheim's Fascination with The Fool's Errand 28:53 Sondheim's Potential Career Shift to Game Design 30:23 Sondheim's Love for Video Games 33:30 Sondheim's Board Game Design for Leonard Bernstein 43:12 Exploring Sondheim's Unsolved Mysteries 45:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Thanks to everyone who contributed behind the scenes to this episode, specifically transcription and text editing by Jenny Westfall, the musical stingers composed by Mateo Chavez Lewis, and the theme song to our podcast with lyrics and music by Colm Molloy, and sung by the one and only Ann Morrison, who created the role of Mary in Merrily We Roll Along. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dive deep into how puzzles and games serve as leitmotifs throughout Stephen Sondheim's musical works with host Barry Joseph and co-host Gail Leondar-Wright in this second of two parts. Joined by a panel of Sondheim scholars and enthusiasts, including Doug Reside, Julie Klausner, Ben Rimalower, and Natalie Gerber, they explore key productions such as 'Into the Woods,' 'Putting It Together,' 'Road Show,' and Sondheim's final work, 'Here We Are.' The discussion highlights Sondheim's intricate play with word puzzles, musical motifs, and the structure of his shows. From examining the metaphorical use of poker in 'Road Show' to the surreal, game-like elements of 'Here We Are,' this episode offers a fresh lens through which to appreciate the genius of Sondheim's craft. Make sure to get the book everywhere books are found, ⁠⁠or click here⁠⁠. 00:00 Cold Open 00:47 Exploring Puzzles and Games in Sondheim's Musicals 01:32 Introducing Co-Host Gail Leondar-Wright 01:57 Discussing the First Episode and Gail's Insights 03:08 Guest Introduction: Doug Reside 04:05 Guest Introduction: Julie Klausner 06:34 Guest Introduction: Ben Rimalower 09:09 Guest Introduction: Natalie Gerber 10:04 Diving into 'Into the Woods' 13:57 Sondheim's Influence from Computer Games 21:54 The Puzzle of Sondheim's Wordplay 29:22 Spinning the Sondheim-O-Matic 29:53 Exploring 'Putting It Together' 32:32 Sondheim's Self-Parody and Playfulness 33:36 The Intricacies of 'Putting It Together' 36:50 Exploring 'Road Show' and Its Themes 38:07 The Game of Capitalism in 'Road Show' 43:23 Sondheim's Final Work: 'Here We Are' 44:54 Surrealism and Puzzles in 'Here We Are' 46:50 The Ambiguity of Sondheim's Endings 59:37 Reflections on Sondheim's Legacy Thanks to everyone who contributed behind the scenes to this episode, specifically transcription and text editing by Jenny Westfall, the musical stingers composed by Mateo Chavez Lewis, and the theme song to our podcast with lyrics and music by Colm Molloy, and sung by the one and only Ann Morrison, who created the role of Mary in Merrily We Roll Along. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dive into Stephen Sondheim's love for escape rooms, examining the cultural intersections between theater and interactive games. Featuring immersive theater creator Kellian Adams Pletcher, escape room enthusiasts Lisa and David Spira, and game studies expert Nicholas Fortugno, the discussion centers on Sondheim's love for this new medium. The episode includes anecdotes from escape room designers (Michael Counts, Taylor Myers) and players who experienced games with Sondheim (Jonathan Marc Sherman), illuminating his passion and commitment to the craft. The conversation also explores the broader cultural acceptance of escape rooms as legitimate art forms and their evolutionary journey from traditional puzzles to intricate immersive experiences. This episode will also ask: Do you know what time it is? Make sure to get the book everywhere books are found, ⁠⁠or click here⁠⁠. 00:00 Introduction to Matching Minds with Sondheim 01:11 Guest Introductions 07:19 The Evolution of Escape Rooms 13:29 Taylor Myers on Paradiso and Immersive Theater 23:53 Michael Counts: The Intersection of Theater and Escape Rooms 29:46 Sondheim's Hidden Treasure Hunt 31:39 The Art of Game Design 36:56 Sondheim's Escape Room Adventures 43:09 Reflections on Escape Rooms and Art 47:44 Sondheim's Thoughts on Escape Rooms 54:12 Final Thoughts and Farewell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Explore the recurring theme of games and puzzles within Stephen Sondheim's work. Barry Joseph is joined by guest producer Gail Leondar-Wright and experts Eric Henwood-Greer, Mark Halpin, and Natalie Gerber, as the discussion delves into how Sondheim's love for games influenced his musicals. The episode covers various shows including 'Evening Primrose,' 'Company,' 'Merrily We Roll Along,' 'Pacific Overtures,' 'Sweeney Todd,' 'Sunday in the Park with George,' and an intriguing, lesser-known TV special, 'The Fabulous Fifties.' Each segment highlights Sondheim’s clever use of wordplay, musical motifs, and structural innovations. The episode provides a deep dive into the parallels between Sondheim’s approach to games and his meticulous craftsmanship in theatre, offering listeners a fresh perspective on his artistic genius. Make sure to get the book everywhere books are found, ⁠or click here⁠. 00:44 Special Episode and Guest Introduction 02:24 Crowdsourcing Sondheim's Games and Puzzles 02:54 Introducing Guest Hosts 06:22 Exploring Evening Primrose 20:35 Diving into Company 25:56 Merrily We Roll Along: Games and Structure 36:21  Puzzles vs. Games: A Battle of Wit 39:13 Merrily We Roll Along: Audience Challenges 43:44 Pacific Overtures: East Meets West 48:01 Sweeney Todd: A Darkly Comedic Duel 55:25 Sunday in the Park with George: Artistic Creation 01:03:21 The Fabulous Fifties: Playground Games and Parodies 01:09:04 Final Thoughts and Farewell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices