David Bianculli

On Monday's show, a new book about Stephen Sondheim draws on archives and letters that offer new insights into his music, his relationship with his collaborators, and his often toxic relationship with his mother, including the letter she wrote to him that's known to Sondheim fans as The Letter.

We'll talk with the author, Daniel Okrent.

Join us.

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We're rolling out new videos with in-studio guests, behind-the-scenes shorts, and iconic interviews from the archive.

Fresh Air's executive producer is Sam Brigger.

Our senior producer today is Roberta Sharrock.

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Our interviews and reviews are produced and edited by Phyllis Myers, Anne-Marie Valdonado, Lauren Krenzel, Teresa Madden, Monique Nazareth, Thea Chaloner, Susan Yakundi, Anna Bauman, and Nico Gonzalez-Whistler.

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Nesper.

For Terry Gross and Tanya Mosley, I'm David B. Hooper.

American Classic is a hidden gem in more ways than one.

It's hidden because it's on MGM Plus, which is a standalone streaming service, which, let's face it, most people don't have.

And who wants one more streaming service?

But MGM Plus is available without subscription for a seven-day free trial on its website or through Prime Video and Roku.

But do find and watch American Classic, because it's an absolutely charming and wonderful TV jewel.

Charming in the way it brings small towns and ordinary people to life, as in Northern Exposure.

Wonderful in the way it reflects the joys of local theater productions, as in Slings and Arrows, and the American Playhouse production of Kurt Vonnegut's Who Am I This Time.