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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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