Come Play Wiz Me | Sondheim's Parties, Puzzles, Games & Ambivalence

About this episode

A rib-tickling whirlwind tour exploring how Stephen Sondheim’s passions for puzzles, games and parties reveal the man behind the myth. Steve’s glorious humour and skill are celebrated by Sondheim’s chum Martin Milnes and Steve’s first love Peter E. Jones, alongside Ronan Farrow, Mia Farrow, Patti LuPone, Adam Guettel, Jamie Bernstein, James Lapine, John Weidman and more. “What happens when two dames from Planet S come from Outer Space hit Earth? Your sides will explode with merry Martian marital mix-ups!” – Stephen Sondheim Discover how Patti bonded with Steve during Mia’s magical ‘Full Moon Parties’; Steve’s excitement over his and Ronan’s favourite video game; why Steve used pot while writing; and much, much more … including untold stories about ‘It’!    “He loved games because there are solutions. There are solutions that there aren't in real life. There's a way to get the answer. There's no bloody answer in real life.” – Maria Friedman CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Ronan Farrow: Steve & Video Games 02:46 - Games & Puzzles: Steve’s ‘Perspicacity’ 12:23 - Cryptics & Treasure Hunts 18:35 - Anagrams & Parlour Games 27:54 - Musical Parties: Steve, Hal & Lena 32:36 - ‘Full Moon’ Parties