February 21, 2006
To get what you wish
Dean has been working on a book about crosswords, and recently he interviewed Stephen Sondheim for it. Now, if you don't know why it makes sense to interview Sondheim for a book about crosswords, I shall explain -- you see, Sondheim used to construct cryptic crosswords for New York magazine, and I believe he was basically the guy who popularized British-style crosswords here in the U.S. His puzzles were collected in a book -- which is now out of print, but which I own. Dean wanted a copy of the book to refer to in the interview, so I lent him mine (after not being able to find it for ages, which caused me a certain amount of agita).
Anyway, I asked Dean if he'd mind trying to finagle me an autograph, if Sondheim was amenable to the idea. You can see the result for yourself:
Too fab. A nice capper to an already-good week.
Posted by Francis at 12:15 AMNeat! Did Sondheim know that you were a fellow composer/puzzler, or did Dean have to tell him?
Posted by: Ellen at February 21, 2006 12:47 AMOh, here's the topper, which I forgot to tell you: he recognized your name.
Posted by: DO at February 21, 2006 08:29 AMWhoa! Even better! He'd seen me in Games magazine, probably?
Posted by: Francis at February 21, 2006 08:49 AMOMG OMG OMG!!!
That is awesome!
(sorry, just a little fan girl squeeing)
Posted by: michelle at February 21, 2006 08:53 AMWell, of COURSE he recognized your name *grin*. So here's a new puzzle: does he not self-identify as a composer/lyricist/puzzlist? Was he just saving space by omitting the word "lyricist?" Or is he indicating that "lyricist" is synonymous with "puzzlist?" And if so, why would he be reticent about drawing a connection between musical theatre writing and crosswords? "Why look for answers where none occur?"
Posted by: Lorinne at February 21, 2006 10:14 AMThat made me all tingly....
Posted by: Mona Buonanotte at February 21, 2006 11:12 AMAnd to think I knew you when...
(Although, technically, I've never met you.)
Posted by: Orange at February 21, 2006 11:24 AMwow. *drool*
Posted by: Rob at February 21, 2006 02:41 PMWhat a great acquisition! I'm jealous!
Posted by: Todd at February 21, 2006 03:01 PMNow that Sondheim's in your posse, maybe he'd be amenable to settting Holy Tango to music.
Couldn't hurt to ask.
Posted by: Rich at February 21, 2006 03:26 PMThat is SO cool!
Posted by: saphir at February 21, 2006 03:49 PMOooooooooooooh!
Now you just need to get a collection of Richard Maltby puzzles signed (or maybe your script of "Baby" or "Song and Dance") and you've got what's probably the complete collection of Tony-winning cryptic composers!
Posted by: Lance at February 21, 2006 04:02 PMLorinne: Maybe he ommitted "lyricist" because he doesn't consider Francis one!
Posted by: Matthew Sachs at February 22, 2006 02:30 PMWell, that would show he knows my work well enough to dislike it, which would be interesting in its own way. But it seems more likely that I simply have to kill you now, Matthew.
Posted by: Francis at February 22, 2006 02:49 PMYay Francis!
Is this a safe space to admit I have never listened to any Sondheim? Where does one start?
(I assume not with the puzzles.)
Posted by: Erin at February 22, 2006 06:46 PMI believe Matthew's comment was addressed to ME...show some decorum, Francis! Hmm...A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Decorum...
Erin-no Sondheim at all? *raises eyebrows disbelievingly* I suggest you rent or borrow the DVDs of "Sweeney Todd" or "Into The Woods" (the original 1982 or 1987 videos), or, for a softer start, the movie "Dick Tracy"...he wrote some lovely songs that were only slightly mangled by Madonna.
I just realized that I could TOTALLY teach a Sondheim course. *happy dance*
Posted by: Lorinne at February 23, 2006 09:10 AMWell done, Francis!
Hmm. Perhaps that's too much of a compliment to you. I mean, Stephen Sondheim is a reliable cryptic puzzle-friendly star, given his excellent past efforts. But, I admit, receiving a personalized autograph from one of -- no, THE -- best lyricist and composer of our generation really, truly, rocks.
All right, I'm going to give up pretending I'm not starstruck. Francis! You got an autograph from Stephen Sondheim! I am so envious that I am greener than a pine tree! If I might say the word: Urrrrgh!
You rock. You so rock. You so, so rock. (Iterate.)
Oh, and lest I forget: OMG! OMG! OMG!
I'm a little late to the party; oops! I was just invited by Orange due to a comment I made on my blog. The comment was about feeling like Sondheim because my life seems to be centering around music and crosswords lately. Would that I might one day write a tune or craft a lyric as exquisite as "Johanna" or "Barcelona"! Congrats on the signing, even at this late a date.
Posted by: Patrick at April 18, 2006 07:16 PMActually, I've been looking for a copy of the
Sondheim puzzle book, to give as a gift, for my partner who is both a Sondheim and cryptic crossword fan. I know you would not be interested in giving up your copy, but if you know where I could buy a copy I would be forever grateful. It doesn't have to be pristine new, really, all I want are the puzzles themselves. Any help is appreciated, and thanks!