Explore every episode of the podcast Matching Minds with Sondheim: The Podcast

This episode looks at how Matching Minds with Sondheim is used as a college textbook. Eric Zimmerman describes integrating the book’s design-principle lists into a puzzle unit at New York University where students build puzzles under constraints, while former student A. Raph Corwin explains how Sondheim’s principles shaped her narrative puzzle work and led to founding Pigeon’s Path Games, creating location-specific outdoor puzzle game books such as A Haunting in Greenwich Village. 00:00 Scam Warning Intro 09:56 Episode Setup and Guests 12:19 Eric Class Breakdown 14:55 Puzzle Unit in Practice 17:03 Sondheim Meets Game Design 18:29 Teaching with Principles 22:15 Rules Literacy and Humor 24:14 Design Principle Spotlight 25:25 Workshops to Business 28:47 Pigeons Path Games Launch 30:32 Praise and Viability Lessons 33:35 Wrap Up and Credits Special Links: Eric Zimmerman A. Raff Corwin and Pigeon Path Games NYU’s Game Center Colm Molloy Ann Morrison Mateo Chavez Lewis Thanks to everyone who contributed behind the scenes to this episode: the Musical Stingers composed by Mateo Chavez Lewis, our line producer Dennis Caouki, and the theme song to our podcast with lyrics and music by Colm Molloy and sung by the one only Anne Morrison, currently on the road starring in Kimberly Akimbo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our latest episode focuses on welcoming NYU Game Center co-founder Eric Zimmerman to discuss Stephen Sondheim’s board game designs as experience-forward, theatrical “art pieces.” Barry and Eric examine Sondheim’s 1953 game Stardom (or The Game of Camp), inspired by a Hollywood stars’ homes map and featuring rituals, hidden goals, props, and a climb through stardom by secretly “sleeping with” assigned actresses; Joseph shares Sondheim’s letter registering the rules and stating intent to market the game, plus notes on possible re-skins. They also discuss Sondheim’s birthday game for producer Hal Prince (Producer/The Game of Hal Prince), using hand-typed cards with gossip, critics, and Broadway’s economic systems, and Sondheim’s three-game 50th-birthday set for Leonard Bernstein, The Great Conductor Hunt—Diploma (with recorded “chance” audio), Itinerary, and the Lucite mazed Podium (two designed by Milton Glaser). 00:00 Theater Meets Games 00:49 Meet Eric Zimmerman 03:23 Games as Art Culture 05:58 Trivia and Ritual Start 07:26 Stardom Camp Hollywood 14:35 Rules Hidden Goals 19:22 Props and Commercial Plans 23:31 The Game of Producer for Hal Prince 27:42 The Great Conductor Hunt for Leonard Bernstein 35:40 Stars are shining bright! Special Links: Eric Zimmerman NYU’s Game Center Colm Molloy Ann Morrison Mateo Chavez Lewis Thanks to everyone who contributed behind the scenes to this episode: the Musical Stingers composed by Mateo Chavez Lewis, our line producer Dennis Caouki, and the theme song to our podcast with lyrics and music by Colm Molloy and sung by the one only Anne Morrison, currently on the road starring in Kimberly Akimbo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s a mash-up! Producer Dennis Caouki weaves together audio from two recent interviews—one with mathematician Art Benjamin (via the National Museum of Mathematics’ Starring Math webinar series) and one from Shoshana Greenberg’s Scene to Song podcast—into a single conversation. The combined interview explores Sondheim’s connections to math, puzzles, and games; cryptic crosswords; design values like misdirection and accessibility; and how those ideas appear in Sondheim’s work (including Into the Woods, A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd, Company, and Pacific Overtures). The discussion also touches on Schmigadoon! season two’s Sondheim-inspired mashups, Hadestown, The Last of Sheila, and the Knives Out films as modern homages.   00:00 Podcast Updates Ahead 00:27 Audiobook Booth Stories 03:05 Two Interviews One Episode 05:35 Meet Barry Joseph 08:49 Hadestown As Ritual 10:10 Sondheim And Math Roots 11:45 Math In A Little Night Music 15:28 Into The Woods London Take 19:50 CD-ROM Game That Never Was 22:58 Sondheim Puzzle Design Values 26:15 Treasure Hunt Phone Puzzle 27:58 Puzzles For Anybody 29:13 Matching Minds Explained 29:59 Inside Sondheim’s Mind 31:18 Bernstein Puzzle Rivalry 32:49 Lyrics as Game Design 37:38 Cryptic Crosswords Explained 39:54 Solving a Clue Live 43:27 Games in the Shows 45:57 Knives Out Homages 47:41 Schmigadoon Mashup Magic 53:15 Broadway Hopes and Farewell Special Links: Scene to Song with Shoshana Greenberg Art Benjamin - ThatMathShow.com Colm Molloy Ann Morrison Mateo Chavez Lewis Thanks to everyone who contributed behind the scenes to this episode: the Musical Stingers composed by Mateo Chavez Lewis, our line producer Dennis Caouki, and the theme song to our podcast with lyrics and music by Colm Molloy and sung by the one only Anne Morrison, currently on the road starring in Kimberly Akimbo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our latest episode focuses on Stephen Sondheim’s fascination with puzzle boxes, featuring guest David Staller, founding artistic director of the Gingold Theatrical Group. Staller describes his Shaw-inspired connection to Sondheim through Hermione Gingold, their friendship and correspondence, and Sondheim’s attraction to puzzles as finite, controllable structures that offered relief from the chaos of human relationships and creative pressures. The episode includes rare audio from Sondheim’s Games Magazine interview about collecting and admiring puzzle boxes, plus excerpts from Barry’s interview with puzzle-box designer Kagen Sound (on learning Sondheim was a client and seeing his boxes in the film Six by Sondheim). Staller recounts gifting Sondheim puzzle boxes (including Japanese artisan-made boxes), treasure-hunt parties and movie-themed murder mysteries, a final unopened birthday box returned after Sondheim’s death, and finding a hidden note during the 2024 Doyle auction. He also describes Sondheim’s love for, and association with the boy-star of, the comic strip Calvin and Hobbes.  00:00 Everything Is A Puzzle 01:44 Meet Guest David Staller 02:55 Shaw Connection To Sondheim 05:11 Why Games Felt Safe 07:54 Discovering Puzzle Boxes 08:46 What Puzzle Boxes Are 10:37 Sondheim On Puzzle Boxes 12:47 Voice Memories And Boxes 16:59 Japanese Artisan And Last Box 19:40 Opening The Box Onstage 21:53 What Was Inside The Box 23:25 Treasure Hunts And Movie Trivia 26:04 Thin Man Roleplaying Games 26:44 Movie Roleplay Mystery 28:34 Home Treasure Hunt 30:30 Sondheim Grammar Patrol 32:16 Puzzle Boxes Meaning 33:49 Kagen Sound Spotlight 36:04 Boxes On The Piano 38:04 Auction Hidden Note 39:42 Objects And Legacy 42:22 Calvin And Hobbes 47:31 Life As A Puzzle Special Links: David Staller Gingold Theatrical Group Kagen Sound Andrew Parr Colm Molloy Ann Morrison Mateo Chavez Lewis Thanks to everyone who contributed behind the scenes to this episode: the Musical Stingers composed by Mateo Chavez Lewis, our line producer Dennis Caouki, and the theme song to our podcast with lyrics and music by Colm Molloy and sung by the one only Anne Morrison, currently on the road starring in Kimberly Akimbo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Barry Joseph and guests David Spira (Room Escape Artist) and Rachel Allen Duncan (Watson Adventures) to explore why Stephen Sondheim designed treasure hunts for decades, focusing on two with related names: the 1973 A Little Night Music Treasure Hunt at the Shubert Theatre and the 2011 A Little Jurassic Treasure Hunt at the American Museum of Natural History. Performers George Lee Andrews and Marti Morris recall the Shubert cast-party hunt co-devised with Anthony Perkins, where puzzle-photo team formation led to lyric-based clues hidden around the theater. Event producer Brigid Walsh describes producing the 2011 fundraiser hunt hosted by Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick for Friends In Deed, including wax-sealed packets, team coordinators, dinosaur-hall clue cards, a meta-puzzle, and a final reveal involving a freight elevator, toy dinosaurs, and a hidden prize. Make sure to get the book everywhere books are found, ⁠⁠or click here⁠⁠. 00:00 Sondheim Human Touch 01:43 Meet The Guests 03:24 Two Little Hunts 04:55 Show And Memories 06:43 Cast Interview Begins 11:19 Shubert Hunt Story 15:49 Ice Cream Interlude 17:12 Design Takeaways 24:35 Clue Sheet Breakdown 30:43 Weddings And Hunts 32:48 Wedding Puzzle Talk 33:47 Sondheim Museum Hunt Setup 35:47 Designing the Venue 39:20 Watching Players Lose It 41:55 Why Museums Work 43:46 Dino Hall Game Ideas 46:03 Inside the Hunt Packet 50:49 Rules and Meta Puzzle 55:55 Clues and Cheating 58:44 Spoilers Final Solve 01:01:37 Prizes and Reflections 01:04:15 Sondheim Takeaways 01:06:31 Plugs and Signoff Special Links: Room Escape Artist Reality Escape Pod Watson Adventures AMNH Dinosaurs Colm Molloy Ann Morrison Mateo Chavez Lewis Thanks to everyone who contributed behind the scenes to this episode: the Musical Stingers composed by Mateo Chavez Lewis, our line producer Dennis Caouki, and the theme song to our podcast with lyrics and music by Colm Molloy and sung by the one only Anne Morrison, currently on the road starring in Kimberly Akimbo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A conversation about Matching Minds from the Dr. Broadway podcast with Dr. Tracey Brent-Chessum and Dr. Kristin Stultz Pressley, focusing on researching Sondheim’s lifelong puzzle-and-game design—from cryptic crosswords and treasure hunts to Atari sessions with John Weidman, escape rooms, puzzle boxes, and antique board-game collecting—and on Joseph’s methods, interviews, archival work, publishing journey with Applause/Bloomsbury, and ongoing efforts to place materials in institutions like NYPL, the Library of Congress, and the Strong Museum. Make sure to get the book everywhere books are found, ⁠⁠or click here⁠⁠. 00:00 Podcast Welcome  03:01 Introducing Dr Broadway 06:14 Barry’s Sondheim Journey 07:25 Games For Change Background 09:35 Atari And Game Mechanics 11:36 Sondheim Designed Games 13:18 Walls Of Antique Boards 15:03 Research Methods Archives 16:18 Pandemic Timeline Interviews 16:43 Tracking Memories Ephemera 17:04 Unlocking Interviews 18:06 Honoring Emotional Memories 18:53 Documenting And Archiving 20:49 Publishing Puzzle Theater Hybrid 23:18 New York Times Breakthrough 25:27 Research Rigor And Impact 26:52 Biggest Sondheim Revelation 28:12 Questions For Sondheim 31:21 Ongoing Projects And Farewell Special Links: Dr. Broadway Podcast Colm Molloy Ann Morrison Mateo Chavez Lewis Thanks to everyone who contributed behind the scenes to this episode: the Musical Stingers composed by Mateo Chavez Lewis, our line producer Dennis Caouki, and the theme song to our podcast with lyrics and music by Colm Molloy and sung by the one only Anne Morrison, currently on the road starring in Kimberly Akimbo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Okrent visits Matching Minds for his FIRST interview (woot! an exclusive) about his highly anticipated biography “Sondheim: Art Isn’t Easy” (pub. March 17). Okrent explains the project evolved from a short biographical essay into a thematic, research-heavy contemporary biography, drawing on extensive archives and interviews (including 38 people, many close collaborators), with early praise from John Weidman and James Lapine. They discuss why a new Sondheim biography is needed since Meryle Secrest’s work, why James Lapine described it as “The best that has been written about Steve,” the value of Secrest’s Yale interview tapes, and new Library of Congress material clarifying Sondheim’s account of his mother’s letter (“guilt” vs “regret”). Okrent connects Sondheim’s alcoholism, inhibition, revenge themes (notably in “Sweeney Todd”), and life arc from alienation to connection. Finally, Okrent and Barry reflect on their unusual, and quite remarkable, multiyear relationship with each other and with Michael Mitnick that supported both Art Isn’t Easy AND Matching Minds with Sondheim.  Make sure to get the book everywhere books are found, ⁠⁠or click here⁠⁠. 00:00 Art From Demons 00:55 Meet Dan Okrent 02:00 The Name Game 03:35 From Essay To Biography 07:39 Why Another Sondheim Book 09:26 Alcohol And Inhibition 12:23 Secrest Tapes At Yale 16:12 Sweeney Todd And Revenge 19:30 The Mother Letter Revisited 25:36 Password And Lee Remick 29:08 Writing For Insiders 29:40 Finding Your Reader 30:15 Writing for Insiders 31:43 The Missing Five Years 33:52 Procrastination or Passion 34:56 Alienation to Connection 36:13 Musicals That Connect 39:20 How Their Books Shaped Each Other 40:17 Archive Treasure Hunts 42:33 What Writing Revealed 43:53 A Collaborative Email Trio 49:53 The Creative New York Blob 51:20 Hopes and Farewell 53:23 Final Thanks and Signoff Special Links: Dan Okrent Colm Molloy Ann Morrison Mateo Chavez Lewis David Armstron’s Broadway Nation Thanks to everyone who contributed behind the scenes to this episode: the Musical Stingers composed by Mateo Chavez Lewis, our line producer Dennis Caouki, and the theme song to our podcast with lyrics and music by Colm Molloy and sung by the one only Anne Morrison, currently on the road starring in Kimberly Akimbo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this excerpt from David Armstrong’s Broadway Nation podcast, recorded at a studio overlooking the theater district, Barry and David compare their distinct, Broadway-themed, research-driven books, shared educator backgrounds, and surprising overlaps in their Sondheim publishing journeys.  Make sure to get the book everywhere books are found,⁠ ⁠⁠or click here⁠⁠⁠. 00:00 Welcome and Setup 05:09 Hammerstein and Play 06:26 Carousel Treasure Hunt 07:10 Books in Conversation 09:12 Cover Photo and Publisher 10:49 Teaching and Podcast Paths 13:39 Hidden Puzzles Revealed 15:07 Puzzle vs Game Explained 17:20 Sondheim Video Games 18:46 Sondheim Plays Myst 19:21 Distraction Or Fuel 20:58 Cryptic Crossword Legacy 21:37 West Side Thursday Ritual 23:03 Treasure Hunt Vs Scavenger 25:06 1968 Hunt Cast 26:37 Lyrics As Puzzles 28:00 Cinerama Anagram Mind 30:54 Murder Game Origins 32:30 Finishing The Hat Link 34:06 Appropriately Obsessive 35:02 Closing Thanks And Tags Special Links: ⁠Colm Molloy⁠ ⁠Ann Morrison⁠ ⁠Mateo Chavez Lewis⁠ David Armstron’s ⁠Broadway Nation⁠ Thanks to everyone who contributed behind the scenes to this episode: the Musical Stingers composed by Mateo Chavez Lewis, our line producer Dennis Caouki, and the theme song to our podcast with lyrics and music by Colm Molloy and sung by the one only Anne Morrison, currently on the road starring in Kimberly Akimbo. And, of course, David Armstrong. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Come with Matching Minds to BroadwayCon in New York City during a frigid snowstorm! This episode features special guests and Broadway stars Etai Benson, George Lee Andrews, and Marty Morris, sharing their connections with Sondheim's puzzles and games. Etai recounts receiving a custom, personalized jigsaw puzzle from Sondheim for his role in Company. George and Marty take us back 53 years to share memories of the Sondheim/Perkin’s Shubert Theater treasure hunt for the cast of A Little Night Music. The audience participates in live trivia rounds (play along from home) and a reenactment of Sondheim's famous Murder Game. And suffer through our attempt at a podcast theme-song sign-a-long… Make sure to get the book everywhere books are found, ⁠⁠or click here⁠⁠. 00:00 Introduction to Matching Minds with Sondheim 00:05 Experiencing BroadwayCon in New York City 00:28 Diverse Activities at BroadwayCon 01:00 Sondheim's Puzzles and Games 01:28 Special Guests: Broadway Performers 02:41 Sondheim's Multifaceted Career 03:03 Sondheim's Influence and Legacy 04:16 Interactive Trivia and Games 05:41 Exploring Sondheim's Puzzles 09:47 Special Guests: George Lee Andrews and Marty Morris 17:26 A Visit to Steve Sondheim's House 18:05 Round Three: Word Puzzles 19:25 Round Four: Mechanical Puzzles 19:57 Special Guests: Etai Benson 25:46 Round Five: Parlor Games 26:34 The Murder Game 30:44 Conclusion: Matching Minds with Sondheim Special Links: Colm Molloy Ann Morrison Mateo Chavez Lewis Etai Benson George Lee Andrews Marti Morris BroadwayCon Thanks to everyone who contributed behind the scenes to this episode: the Musical Stingers composed by Mateo Chavez Lewis, our line producer Dennis Caouki, and the theme song to our podcast with lyrics and music by Colm Molloy and sung by the one only Anne Morrison, currently on the road starring in Kimberly Akimbo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s topic: Stephen Sondheim’s passion for cryptic crosswords. Joined by guests Natan Last, Katie Grogg, Ben Zimmer, and Galen Fott, the conversation explores Sondheim's 1968 stint as the puzzle editor for New York Magazine, his influence on the American cryptic crossword scene, and the connections between his musical works and love for puzzles. Through reflections on prior interviews with Richard Maltby, Jr., Will Shortz, Colm Molloy, and, yes, Sondheim himself, the episode highlights Sondheim’s legacy in both theater and the world of wordplay. Make sure to get the book everywhere books are found, ⁠⁠or click here⁠⁠. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Today's Topic 01:51 Meet the Guests: Crossword Enthusiasts and Experts 05:28 Discussing the New York Times Crossword Puzzle 07:51 Defining Cryptic Crosswords 10:30 Stephen Sondheim's Influence on Cryptic Crosswords 14:57 The British Cryptic Crossword Scene 22:29 Sondheim's Connection with British Crossword Constructors 32:39 Sondheim's Cryptic Crossword Journey Begins 33:33 American vs. British Crosswords: A Cultural Clash 34:41 Sondheim's Essay and Its Impact 35:44 Criticism and Parody in New York Magazine 41:34 Richard Maltby Jr. Takes Over 48:56 Sondheim's Cryptic Crossword Legacy 56:17 Modern Cryptic Crosswords and Sondheim's Influence 01:03:06 Final Thoughts and Reflections Special Links: Colm Molloy Ann Morrison Mateo Chavez Lewis “This Time It’s Crosswords (Not Cross Words) That Surface From Sondheim” New York Times, 2011. Galen Fott’s Blog Natan Last Ben Zimmer Katie Grogg Minute Cryptic Thanks to everyone who contributed behind the scenes to this episode: the Musical Stingers composed by Mateo Chavez Lewis, our line producer Dennis Caouki, and the theme song to our podcast with lyrics and music by Colm Molloy and sung by the one only Anne Morrison, currently on the road starring in Kimberly Akimbo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Name ten tracks by Sondheim that highlight his love of games and puzzles. That was the challenge posed to me by Donald Feltham, who invited me back to his streaming Broadway Radio Show. We discussed songs like “10 Years Old,” an unproduced gem from the 1960s, “When?” from the TV musical Evening Primrose, “Poems” from Pacific Overtures, and “No More” from “Into the Woods.” We explore Sondheim's attempts to incorporate puzzle elements in his work, including an educational CD-ROM for Into the Woods, and highlights his personal life through the backdrop of his love for parlor games. The closing track, “Finishing the Hat” from Sunday in the Park with George, underscores the intersection of Sondheim's musical genius and his passion for intricate puzzles. Come join our rollcking conversation.  Make sure to get the book everywhere books are found, ⁠⁠or click here⁠⁠. 00:00 Introduction and New Year Greetings 00:33 Special Episode Announcement 02:30 Opening with Donald Feltham 03:24 Exploring Sondheim's Unproduced Song 06:36 Evening Primrose: A Hidden Gem 09:24 Pacific Overtures: Cultural Exchange 11:42 Book Promotion and Feedback 15:35 Into the Woods: Musical Puzzles 20:22 Road Show: Life as a Game 22:15 Putting It Together: Parody and Games 28:07 Finishing the Hat: The Creative Process 30:54 Conclusion and Future Plans Special Links: Colm Molloy Ann Morrison Mateo Chavez Lewis Sondheim's 2002 Into the Wood opening night jigsaw puzzle Hear all the Sondheim songs at The Broadway Radio Show Thanks to everyone who contributed behind the scenes to this episode: the Musical Stingers composed by Mateo Chavez Lewis, our line producer Dennis Caouki, and the theme song to our podcast with lyrics and music by Colm Molloy and sung by the one only Anne Morrison, currently on the road starring in Kimberly Akimbo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do we really need another book on Sondheim? That’s the driving question behind Barry’s recent appearance at the venerable Drama Book Shop in New York City. For the 20th episode of the Matching Minds with Sondheim podcast, explore the book-ey-ness of Matching Minds. Michael Mitnick interviews Barry in front of a live audience where together they discuss the creative challenges and the biographical insights gained during its writing.  Make sure to get the book everywhere books are found, ⁠⁠or click here⁠⁠. 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Milestones 04:36 Drama Book Show Commentary 05:04 Sondheim's Love for Puzzles 08:19 Barry Joseph's Presentation 12:43 Audience Q&A and Research Insights 26:15 The Last of Sheila: A Real-Life Inspired Murder Mystery 26:42 Sondheim's Custom Puzzle for Games Magazine 28:38 Sondheim's Influence in Glass Onion 30:16 Sondheim's Treasure Hunts and Puzzle Designs 31:36 Sondheim's Cryptic Crosswords Legacy 33:14 The Emotional Impact of Sondheim's Work 36:35 Recreating Sondheim's Games for Research 38:23 Sondheim's Board Games and Auctions 41:03 Sondheim's Influence on Musical Theater 45:47 Final Reflections and Audience Questions Special Links: Colm Molloy Ann Morrison Mateo Chavez Lewis Sondheim's 2002 Into the Wood opening night jigsaw puzzle The Bookworm Sculpture at the Drama Book Shop Matching Minds: The Exhibit The Drama Book Show Podcast Thanks to everyone who contributed behind the scenes to this episode: the Musical Stingers composed by Mateo Chavez Lewis, our line producer Dennis Caouki, and the theme song to our podcast with lyrics and music by Colm Molloy and sung by the one only Anne Morrison, currently on the road starring in Kimberly Akimbo. Of course, I'd also like to thank the staff of the Drama Book Shop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join the audience at the Museum of the City of New York as Joseph guides them on a tour of How Stephen Sondheim Gamified New York City. The talk explores the unique ways Sondheim incorporated the city into his games and puzzles. Through various anecdotes and historical references, Joseph highlights Sondheim's creative process, from his early board games to intricate treasure hunts and escape rooms. The presentation is enriched with clips from Sondheim's musicals, showcasing how his playful lens extended beyond the stage and into the real-world geography and culture of New York City. The episode emphasizes Sondheim's dual passion for theater and games, inviting the audience to experience New York City anew as an interactive playground. Make sure to get the book everywhere books are found, ⁠⁠or click here⁠⁠. 00:00 Introduction and Presentation Setup 02:26 Welcome to the Museum of the City of New York 03:15 Barry Joseph's Introduction 04:14 Sondheim's New York City Musicals 09:11 Sondheim's Treasure Hunts 12:29 Sondheim's Board Game for Hal Prince 15:32 A Little Night Music Treasure Hunt 17:26 Sondheim's Escape Room Experience 23:24 Sondheim's Cryptic Puzzles 27:57 Jurassic Treasure Hunt at the Museum of Natural History 29:11 Stephen Sondheim's Treasure Hunt Adventure 29:40 Exploring Iconic New York Locations 30:17 Challenges and Decisions in the Library 31:01 Natural History Museum: The Perfect Venue 31:27 Designing the Dinosaur Hall Puzzle 34:29 The Star-Studded Event 35:39 The Murder Game: A Meta-Puzzle 38:05 Sondheim's Puzzle Legacy 41:36 Q&A: Uncovering Sondheim's Hidden Treasures Special Links: Colm Molloy Ann Morrison Mateo Chavez Lewis Museum of the City of New York Thanks to everyone who contributed behind the scenes to this episode: the Musical Stingers composed by Mateo Chavez Lewis, our line producer Dennis Caouki, and the theme song to our podcast with lyrics and music by Colm Molloy and sung by the one only Ann Morrison, currently on the road starring in Kimberly Akimbo. Of course, I'd also like to thank Nick Martinez and the whole crew at MCNY. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From an interview with Donald Feltham on his Broadway Radio Show, join Barry on his journey writing a book on Stephen Sondheim's love for puzzles and games, spurred by birthday gifts from his wife. Barry shares how interviewing over 120 people, many of whom were Sondheim's friends and game enthusiasts, helped paint a comprehensive picture of this multifaceted Broadway legend. The episode concludes with a plug for Barry's book and podcast, encouraging listeners to explore these resources for a deeper understanding of Sondheim's playful genius. Make sure to get the book everywhere books are found, ⁠⁠or click here⁠⁠. 00:00 Introduction to the Episode 01:34 Donald Feltham's Broadway Radio Show 02:29 Discussing the Book: Matching Minds with Sondheim 03:06 Barry Joseph's Background and Inspiration 03:21 The Influence of Stephen Sondheim 04:43 The Genesis of the Book 05:13 Exploring Sondheim's Life and Work 10:48 The Ludological Lens 11:21 Structure of the Book 16:43 Sondheim's Playful Side 18:11 Research and Interviews 23:16 Sondheim's Treasure Hunts 26:51 Engaging Everyone at the Party 27:04 The 2013 Treasure Hunt 29:02 Recreating the Treasure Hunt Over Zoom 31:37 The Famous Murder Game 38:36 The Last of Sheila: From Game to Movie 43:57 Sondheim's Challenging Jigsaw Puzzles 48:32 Conclusion and Podcast Invitation Special Links: Colm Molloy Ann Morrison Mateo Chavez Lewis The Broadway Radio Show with Donald Feltham Thanks to everyone who contributed behind the scenes to this episode: the Musical Stingers composed by Mateo Chavez Lewis, our line producer Dennis Caouki, and the theme song to our podcast with lyrics and music by Colm Molloy and sung by the one only Anne Morrison, currently on the road starring in Kimberly Akimbo. Of course, I'd also like to thank Donald Feltham both for interviewing me and letting me rebroadcast our interview. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve is Love: Merrily We Play Along Celebrate the upcoming cinematic release of Broadway’s Merrily We Roll Along with this special episode, including an interview with Maria Friedman, the show’s innovative director. Maria shares insights into Sondheim's work, his love for puzzles and games, and how her production managed to solve the notoriously challenging musical. The episode also includes reflections on the autobiographical nature of Sondheim's writing, the role of games like Hostilities in his life and work, and excerpts from the upcoming proshot film release of Merrily We Roll Along. Make sure to get the book everywhere books are found, ⁠⁠or click here⁠⁠. 00:00 Cold Open 00:14 Barry's post-theme opening 05:24 Trailer for Proshot of Merrily 07:03 Barry Interstitial 08:25 Maria Friedman interview: Part 1 15:21 Barry Interstitial 18:56 Excerpt from Podcast 1 analyzing Merrily 25:47 Barry Interstitial 26:04 Maria Friedman interview: Part 2 36:09 Barry's final interstitial Special Links: Colm Molloy Ann Morrison Mateo Chavez Lewis Merrily We Roll Along (movie) Thanks to everyone who contributed behind the scenes to this episode: the Musical Stingers composed by Mateo Chavez Lewis, our line producer Dennis Caouki, and the theme song to our podcast with lyrics and music by Colm Molloy and sung by the one only Anne Morrison, currently on the road starring in Kimberly Akimbo. Of course, I'd also like to thank Maria Friedman and the full PR team that made her accessible for my interview. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Let me give you more to hear! A bonus episode. Revisit my interview with Richard Schoch, author of How Sondheim Can Change Your Life, exploring how Sondheim's works and different analytical lenses bring out varied interpretations. Dig deeper into the promotional jigsaw puzzles for the The Last of Sheila. Listen to anecdotes from my experience with the first-ever alternative reality game, The Beast. We’ll end with reflections on publishing a new book, sharing poignant advice for aspiring authors from Richard Schoch, and highlighting how the release of my book has resonated with readers and fans alike. Make sure to get the book everywhere books are found, ⁠⁠or click here⁠⁠. 00:00 The GIve Us More episode (Podcast) 01:57 1. Richard Schock and Anyone Can Whistle 07:53 2. The Last of Sheila's Promotional Jigsaw Puzzles 33:05 5. Richard Schoch, Puzzle Boxes, and Advice to Authors with Upcoming Books 47:37 7. Broadway Radio Show Recommendation 48:14 8. Katz JCC Q&A Special Links: Colm Molloy Ann Morrison Mateo Chavez Lewis Reality Escape Pod Richard Schoch The Last of Sheila production short Bernie De Koven’s The Well-Played Game Matthew Farber and Tracy Fullerton’s The Well-Read Game The Grammar Girl Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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