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.
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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
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