Matching Minds with Sondheim: The Podcast

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

Matching Minds with Sondheim: The Podcast in an open invitation into the puzzle-loving, game-designing mind of Broadway legend Stephen Sondheim. Based on the acclaimed book by Barry Joseph, each episode uncovers the hidden world of Sondheim’s lifelong passion for treasure hunts, cryptic crosswords, parlor games, and more. Join Barry and his guests—puzzle-makers, game designers, and Sondheim aficionados—as they explore how Sondheim's playful designs delivered moments of clarity and connection for friends, colleagues, and anyone who's ever been captivated by his genius. Whether you’re a musical theater fan, a puzzlehead, or just Sondheim-curious, this series invites you to match minds with Sondheim. Make sure to get the book everywhere books are found, or click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices