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:

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  Colm Molloy

  
  


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  Ann Morrison

  
  


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  Mateo Chavez Lewis

  
  


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  Richard Maltby

  
  


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  American Museum of Natural History

  
  


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  Michelle King

  
  


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  Lost for Words: A Party Card Game of Untranslatable Feelings

  
  


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  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.

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