Today's Gramophone Podcast takes us through the world of Stephen Sondheim in the company of musical theatre expert Edward Seckerson and Editor of Musicals magazine, Sarah Kirkup. Exploring the power of newer musicals and how to be a successful musical theatre writer, the contemporary world of musical theatre comes alive through discussions, stories and musical excerpts, including Wicked, SIX and The Secret Garden. Gramophone's sister publication, Musicals, will become a bi-monthly publication from March.

You can listen to the Podcast above. To hear other Gramophone podcasts, or to subscribe for free to new editions, search for 'Gramophone' in your Podcast App of choice, or visit Gramophone's page on Apple Music podcasts. 

Excerpts are taken from the following recommended recordings:

'Lily's Eyes' from The Secret Garden by Lucy Simon performed by Robert Westenberg and Mandy Patinkin taken from the 2001 Original London Cast Recording on Sony. This recording was used by arrangement with Sony Music Entertainment.

'The Carousel Waltz' from Carousel by Rodgers and Hammerstein performed by the John Wilson Orchestra, taken from the album The best of the John Wilson Orchestra on Warner Classics.

The Balcony Scene leading to 'Tonight' from Bernstein's West Side Story, featuring Carol Lawrence and Larry Kert. This was from the original 1957 Broadway Cast Recording on Sony Columbia, used by arrangement with Sony Music Entertainment.

Two iconic Elphabas performing 'Defying Gravity' from Wicked by Stephen Schwartz. The first excerpt was performed by Idina Menzel and taken from the original Broadway cast Recording on Decca Broadway. This excerpt was used courtesy of Verve Records under license from Universal Music Operations Limited. The second excerpt was performed by Rachel Tucker taken from the album, The Reason on Big Hand recordings.

'By The Sea' from Stephen Sondheim's Sweeney Todd, performed by Angela Lansbury, taken from the original Broadway Cast Recording on Masterworks Broadway. This recording was used by arrangement with Masterworks Broadway, a label of Sony Music Entertainment.

'Sunday' from Sondheim's Sunday in the Park with George performed by the company of the Original Broadway Cast Recording on Masterworks Broadway, again used by arrangement with Masterworks Broadway, a label of Sony Music Entertainment.

'Ex-Wives' from SIX by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, taken from the 2022 Original Broadway Cast Recording on Loudmouth Music, SIX Live on Opening Night.