WEDNESDAY PUZZLE — Welcome to a thrilling exploration of Peter Gordon’s latest crossword masterpiece, his 129th puzzle for The Times, which has been captivating enthusiasts since 1989.

This puzzle is not just another grid; it’s a testament to Gordon’s incredible ability to weave together challenging clues with a fascinating visual theme—a hallmark of his extensive puzzle portfolio.

What makes today’s puzzle stand out?

The clever arrangement of answers at the puzzle's edges—10 unique entries—each encased in enticing gray boxes. While these clues may seem straightforward at first, they hold a secret that becomes more apparent as you delve deeper.

Today’s Theme

At first glance, the outer edges might catch your attention, but it’s the thematic coherence that will truly impress you. As you work your way through the puzzle, you’ll discover that these gray-boxed entries are all cleverly tied together by a common thread. Among the clues hinting at this theme are 30-, 36-, and 45-Across, which illuminate the puzzle’s core concept with surprising twist.

Let’s break it down: for 1-Across, "Update, as a kitchen" solves to REDO, while 5-Across, "It might be L-shaped," gives us SOFA. The grid also features a famous canine clue with 9-Across, where [Scottie in the White House in the 1940s] is none other than FALA, the beloved dog of Franklin D. Roosevelt—a staple of crossword lore since the 1940s.

Upon encountering SOFA next to FALA, you might notice a curious repetition of the letters "FA." It isn’t until you engage with the suggested theme clues that everything clicks into place.

The pivotal hints at 30-Across and 36-Across point us toward musical terminology: [Life-size ... or a hint to this puzzle's theme] leads us to FULL SCALE, while [Phone numbers? ... or a hint to this puzzle's theme] translates to RING TONES. And then, the elusive 45-Across, with the clue [Marginalia ... or a hint to this puzzle’s theme], reveals itself as SIDE NOTES.

Thus, the gray entries don’t just adorn the grid—they reveal themselves as NOTES! Conceived from the solfège syllables, these musical notes practically resonate with tunes from "The Sound of Music." For example, the top row reads like a melody: RE-DO-SO-FA-FA-LA. Interpreting the clues further, 19-Down, [Swampy ground] is both MIRE and MI-RE, while 49-Down, [Texas city on the Rio Grande] opens up as LA-RE-DO. It’s a theme that’s as harmonious to sing as it is to solve.

Tricky Clues

The delight of today’s puzzle lies not just in its theme, but in the clever wordplay and trivia that challenge even the most seasoned solvers. For instance, the [Icelandic poet Sturluson] featured in 22-Across is none other than SNORRI, a historical figure whose Prose Edda in the 13th century provides a rich tapestry of Norse mythology.

Another twist can be observed in the clue [Sees red?] at 59-Across. Although it often connotes anger, the question mark hints at a playful twist—this clue ultimately resolves to OWES, evoking the familiar imagery of red ink and financial obligations.

Prepare your pencils and your wits, as you dive into this intricate tapestry of clues, notes, and delightful surprises that await in today’s crossword challenge. Happy solving!