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.
All content for Matching Minds with Sondheim: The Podcast is the property of Barry Joseph & Broadway Podcast Network and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
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.
#01 - Puzzles and Games in the Musicals of Sondheim, Part One
Matching Minds with Sondheim: The Podcast
1 hour 14 minutes
2 months ago
#01 - Puzzles and Games in the Musicals of Sondheim, Part One
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
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.
