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.
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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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