Matching Minds with Sondheim: The Podcast

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