#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