Dive deep into how puzzles and games serve as leitmotifs throughout Stephen Sondheim's musical works with host Barry Joseph and co-host Gail Leondar-Wright in this second of two parts. Joined by a panel of Sondheim scholars and enthusiasts, including Doug Reside, Julie Klausner, Ben Rimalower, and Natalie Gerber, they explore key productions such as 'Into the Woods,' 'Putting It Together,' 'Road Show,' and Sondheim's final work, 'Here We Are.' The discussion highlights Sondheim's intricate play with word puzzles, musical motifs, and the structure of his shows. From examining the metaphorical use of poker in 'Road Show' to the surreal, game-like elements of 'Here We Are,' this episode offers a fresh lens through which to appreciate the genius of Sondheim's craft.

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00:00 Cold Open

00:47 Exploring Puzzles and Games in Sondheim's Musicals

01:32 Introducing Co-Host Gail Leondar-Wright

01:57 Discussing the First Episode and Gail's Insights

03:08 Guest Introduction: Doug Reside

04:05 Guest Introduction: Julie Klausner

06:34 Guest Introduction: Ben Rimalower

09:09 Guest Introduction: Natalie Gerber

10:04 Diving into 'Into the Woods'

13:57 Sondheim's Influence from Computer Games

21:54 The Puzzle of Sondheim's Wordplay

29:22 Spinning the Sondheim-O-Matic

29:53 Exploring 'Putting It Together'

32:32 Sondheim's Self-Parody and Playfulness

33:36 The Intricacies of 'Putting It Together'

36:50 Exploring 'Road Show' and Its Themes

38:07 The Game of Capitalism in 'Road Show'

43:23 Sondheim's Final Work: 'Here We Are'

44:54 Surrealism and Puzzles in 'Here We Are'

46:50 The Ambiguity of Sondheim's Endings

59:37 Reflections on Sondheim's Legacy

Thanks to everyone who contributed behind the scenes to this episode, specifically transcription and text editing by Jenny Westfall, the musical stingers composed by Mateo Chavez Lewis, and the theme song to our podcast with lyrics and music by Colm Molloy, and sung by the one and only Ann Morrison, who created the role of Mary in Merrily We Roll Along.