BWW's 2008 Holiday Year-End Book Roundup
By: Robert Diamond Dec. 11, 2008
Hello everyone.
Well, here it is - the year end "holiday roundup" of books, which, by the way, make for a perfect gift...and an affordable one, that will last much longer than flowers, cookies or fruitcake (that no one wants anyway).
As an added incentive, we are putting, in this edition, "clicks" to Amazon.com, which seems to be offering the best pricing in comparison to "book publisher's list prices." This should make it very easy for you to find the perfect gift for the perfect person.
There's something here for everyone, in all price ranges, and at all age levels and level of theatre-loving...from young...to amateur...to professional.
Anyone would be happy to receive a book from you this holiday season. Also, click here to see other book reviews from this year that would make for more great gifts.
Wishing you the best holiday ever -- see you 2009!
How Does the Show Go On? - Introduction to the Theater
Updated Edition
Disney Books
by Thomas Schumacher and Jeff Kurty
five stars (out of 5)
If you remember, I went crazy with excitement when the first edition of this book came out. It is now in its Second Edition / First Printing and is still one of the best books that you can spend your hard earned dollar on...this time including the latest interesting information from Disney's The Little Mermaid on Broadway and Disney High School Musical, on tour. When I wrote the first review, which was also 5 out of 5 stars, I said "Schumacher's passion and association with the Disney organization and its resources combined to give us this extraordinarily generous cornucopia of a book. To open its front flaps is to open the doors to the magical world of the theatre and, in this case, the Disney musicals."Elaine Paige
Memories
Celebrating 40 Years in the Theatre
Foreward by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Oberon Books
3 and a half stars (out of 5)
This book explains that Elaine Paige "is the undisputed first lady of musical theatre." I would also like to add, "in London's West End." This is a career that could have only happened across the pond, and this book was obivoulsy released to tie in with her celebrating 40 years in the theatre, along with the CD that I reviewed earlier this month. Don't get me wrong, I love Elaine Paige, but she just hasn't translated to America, sort of like Robbie Williams. We love him, but because TAKE THAT, the pop group, which he came out of, was not part of our consciousness, he never broke here big, as a solo artist. But, I love Robbie Williams, too. In America, we have Justin Timberlake who broke out of a similar group, which was in our concsciousness, N'Sync.
That said, Paige hasn't stopped working since she first made a splash in HAIR in the West End. Since then, she's become an institution and a multiple award winner, playing such great roles as Eva Peron, Grizabella, Florence in Chess, Edith Piaf, etc. She tours regularly and had many radio hits and now has a popular BBC Radio 2 Show, Elaine Paige on Sunday, which gets heard by approximately 2 million listeners per week. For as big as the career is, the book is a little skimpy, but loaded with photographs. If you're an Elaine Paige fan, it's not available here in the United States yet (April 1, 2009), but it can be imported immediately from Amazon.co.uk. Click Here to Purchase from Amazon.com! The Phantom of the Opera
The first year backstage 1986 - 1987
by Marcus Tyler
five stars (out of 5)
I was very happy to receive a copy of this book as our Editor-in-Chief, Robert Diamond, is and always was an enormous fan of The Phantom of the Opera and its original star, Michael Crawford. This book, which could be described as a "trade paperback" is, in actuality, intended as a catalogue for high quality prints available from the author, who started work in the costume department in September, 1986, approximately 2 weeks before the opening night (an odd job for a pop photographer).It can be purchased at Dress Circle in London and is very generously illustrated with over 220 rare photographs from the author. It's very special indeed and would be more than welcome by anyone who loves the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical. The pictures are plentiful and any picture in the book is available to order in high-quality print, via the author.
The book was first published in Great Britian in 2007 and is lovingly dedicated to the memory of Steve Barton, the musical's original Raoul, who died suddenly, in an apparatent suicide in 2001. The chapters are cleverly divided into segments and the book is thoroughly enjoyable. All the photos are in black & white. This book, was published with the consent of the Really Useful Group and Cameron Mackintosh. Purchase Now from DressCircle.co.uk!
THE STORY OF 42nd STREET
The Theatres, Shows, Characters and Scandals of the World's Most Notorious Street
By Mary C. Henderson and Alexis Greene
Back Stage Books
five stars (out of 5)
This book is FANTASTIC! The title says it all and it's LOADED with info., stories and over 100 years of photos, many never before seen. Full of fast-paced, page-turning storytelling, history and yes, even "scandals." "Naughty, Bawdy .. Forty-Second Street!" It's a handsomely assembled book and beautifully printed. Almost encyclopedic. With a list price of $40.00 (and well worth it), but you can click here and go to amazon .... It's a BARGAIN and a must-have! A GREAT gift! Click Here to Purchase Now on Amazon.com!
DIVAS!
The Fabulous Photography of Kenn Duncan
From The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts
By Stephen M. Silverman
With Foreword by Bette Midler
Universe Publishing
five stars (out of 5)
I wish this book didn't have the word DIVA in the title, but no matter. Kenn Duncan was one of the great photographers of an era in New York that was captured in his photographs that everyone got to know through AFTER DARK Magazine and DANCE Magazine. Gorgeous portraits, sexy poses ... and particularly Black & White work.
I'm so happy this book happened. It was tied into a retrospective exhibition of Duncan's work, FOCUS ON THE 70s: THE FABULOUS PHOTOGRAPHY OF Kenn Duncan at New York Public Library this past summer and fall.
Theyr'e all here: Peters, Lansbury, Sarandon, Kitt, Tomlin, Twiggy, Midler .. and so much more. A particular "stunner" is the famous photo of Anita Morris from NINE... a "classic."
The writing accompanying some of the photographs, I found to be a bit inappropriate and bad "biography" work. When Duncan took these photos, they spoke for themselves, in a particular time, and didn't have future chapters of the stars' career as any subtext or part of their story.
A fantastic addition to any collection and another great gift. A Publisher's price of $55.00. But, again, click here, and it's a STEAL at amazon.com.
SEATS
New York 3rd Edition
presented by Theatermania
Jode Susan Millman
Introduction by Peter Filichia
Limelight Editions
5 stars (out of 5)
This is a great reference book and a terrific value for having 180 listings of all the Concert halls, theatres, stadiums, etc. at your fingertips, since many of us by tix online these days. You can find out EXACTLY what you're buying and where you'll be sitting. Also maps, directions, transportation and parking advice. Nice. Click Here to Purchase from Amazon.com.
PUT ON A HAPPY FACE
A Broadway Memoir
Charles Strouse
Sterling Publishing
five stars (out of 5)
How can it be that Charles Strouse has managed to NOT be jaded? What a refreshing book and great guy. I first saw him on Theatre Talk on Ch. 13 when the book first came out, but hadn't read it yet. This is a great book, with plenty of fun stories from the guy who gave us BYE, BYE, BIRDIE, ALL-AMERICAN, APPLAUSE, ANNIE, GOLDEN BOY, RAGS and NICK AND NORA. A Grammy, Tony and Emmy Winner and someoNe You could see even Michael Riedel had high esteem for. This book is a winner and if you are truly interested in how it used to be done and just how much has changed on the Broadway scene ... this book will make you wish you were around "in the day." Click here to Purchase from Amazon.com.
BEST PLAYS THEATER YEARBOOK 2006-2007
Edited by Jeffrey Eric Jenkins
Limelight Editions
These YEARBOOK releases date back to "1920, when Burns Mantle founded the annual series on United States theater." They are encyclopedic and a fantastic read, in addition to the featured plays chosen, themselves. Collectible...for sure! If you love theatre, so do the people who "slave" over this annual edition: an editorial board consisting of Robert Brustein, Tish Dace, Christine Dolen, Sylviane Gold, Robert Hurwitt, John Istel, Chris Jones, Charles McNulty, Julius, Christpher Rawson, Alisa Soloman. Jeffrey Sweet, Anne Marie Welsh, Linda Winer and Charles Wright - quite an assembly of credentials. Also many essayists. This is a real "smart" and "intelligent" affair with writing. The plays in this edition are just as impressive as the handsome book itself: THE COAST OF UTOPIA, BLACKBIRD, THE SCENE, DYING CITY, Spring Awakening, FROST/NIXON. THE CLEAN HOUSE, THE PAIN AND THE ITCH, PASSING STRANGE, RADIO GOLF. Need I say more? Photos too! A whopping 560 pages which also detail all the plays produced on Broadway, Off-Broadway, Off-Off-Broadway, prizes, awards, etc. !!!! Click here to Purchase from Amazon.com.
RENT
The Complete Book and Lyrics
Of the Broadway Musical
Jonathan Larson
APPLAUSE
five stars (out of 5)
Plain and simple .. handy size full libretto of the defining musical of an era. This 2008 printing comes with an introduction titled RENT IS REAL by Victoria Leacock Hoffman. Hoffman was a collaborator with Larson and produced his TICK ... TICK ... BOOM! She is also on the board and a founder of the Jonathan Larson Performing Arts Foundation. Click Here to Purchase from Amazon.com.
DEFYING GRAVITY
The Creative Career of Stephen Schwartz
From GODSPELL to WICKED
By Carol de Giere
Applause Theatre & Cinema Books
five stars (out of 5)
Stephen Schwartz has every right to sing the Sondheim anthem "I'm Still Here." He has watched the theatre landscape change a number of times and, somehow, didn't become a "dinosaur roaming the earth." This is a fantastic book, scrapbook, story and photo collection. The release of this book was well-timed with the 5th Anniversay on Broadway of WICKED and the anticipation of a new production of GODSPELL, which got canceled, due to economics (was the official statement). The author has a tremendous sense of respect and admiration and celebration for Schwartz and the subject still LOVES what he does .... politics and all. There's a lot of "craft" in this book ... which I loved ... and GREAT pix.Buy it ... GIVE it!!!!! Click Here to Purchase from Amazon.com.
THE BEST AMERICAN SHORT PLAYS
2004-2005
Edited by Barbara Parisi
Applause Theatre & Cinema Books
five stars (out of 5)
Another outstanding entry in a series of books, is this one - Best American Short Plays (2004-2005) - having been around for more than 60 years. An always welcome addition to the shelf, it is available in both hard cover and paperback ... perfect for reading on the subway. Always diverse in the choices, this is a particularly interesting group of plays, many written by playwrights that will be unknown to you, in addition to Pulitzer-prize winner David Lindsay-Abaire. Parisi is the new editor of The Best American Short Plays. Click Here to Purchase from Amazon.com.
THE MUSICAL WORLD of BOUBLIL and SCHONBERG
by Margaret VermetteApplause Theatre & Cinema Books
three stars (out of 5)
I love Boublil & Schonberg and this book was timed with the arrival of the ill-fated THE PIRATE QUEEN. It's a handsome book with beautiful color photos and plenty of interviews, BUT (and it's a big "but") there is so much missing to the story. The writer is British and the story is so Euro-slanted that the part America played (or Canada, for that matter) ... Hello? The Mirvishes built The Princess of Wales Theatre to house MISS SAIGON? The Chicago theatre scene was turned around by LES MISERABLES??? The extended runs of LES MIZ all over America changed the entire landscape of "the road!" It's a good book .. but could have been GREAT .. with a bit more thought. Hardly definitive. Click Here to Purchase from Amazon.com.
David Mamet
a life in the theatre
by Ira Nadel
palgrave macmillan
five stars (out of 5)
This book is an AMAZING read! Just FANTASTIC! And, before I forget ... if you haven't seen SPEED-THE-PLOW ... GO! This writer knows his shit and DEFINITELY did his homework. It also brings with it, praise from fellow-author Neil LaBute and Gregory Mosher, who worked on more than 20 Mamet plays. It's all here: directors, actors, stories, etc. Mamet is a fantastic writer, with a wild life ... and Nadel did him justice. Click Here to Purchase from Amazon.com.
HITMAN
Forty Years Making Music, Topping Charts & Winning Grammys
The Memoir of Legendary Music Producer David Foster
With Pablo F. Fenjves
four stars (out of 5)
O.K. .. if you don't know the name David Foster, then I don't know what to say. For all the accomplishments and the "Who's Who" list of top-drawer stars with which he's worked, the guy is aging really well and still has a full head of hair! You even see him semi-regularly on OPRAH, with a superstar or a newly-groomed somebody. The release of this book is timed with a PBS Special and a DVD/CD release. You can't argue with success. I will write about the DVD/CD in another piece, but the book is enjoyable and not too long and not so brilliantly written, BUT they ARE his stories .. and we'll "take ‘em!" Click Here to Purchase from Amazon.com.
RICKLES' LETTERS
Don Rickles
Simon&Schuster
five stars (out of 5)
This guy is FUNNY, FUNNY, FUNNY! AND still around!!! A medical miracle. Last year HBO did a special focusing on his life and it won an EMMY - just fantastic!
THIS is NOT a BIO ... it's just a bunch of HILARIOUS (and made up) letters to people ... FAKE, REAL, DEAD ... ALIVE ???!! Get it ?!
Click Here to Purchase from Amazon.com.
Leonard Bernstein
The Infinite Variety of Music
Amadeus Press
five stars (out of 5)
With all the celebrations of Leonard Bernstein in the air, this is the perfect time to re-visit this extraordinary book, a paperback re-issue of the same book published in hardcover, in 1966. Style, wit, expertise and using his musical knowledge to illuminate in ways not thought possible. This was his magic with the public, in how he communicated about music, in addition to his drive, famed complexity, ambition and genius. You won't be sorry if you buy this book. Click Here to Purchase from Amazon.com.
CLARK GABLE
Tormented Star
By David Dret
Carroll & Graf Publishers
one half star (out of 5)
This book is VILE! I don't even know where to begin .. it's so vulgar! I love a juicy gossip book as much as the next person, but you've got to be kidding me .... So much supposition, innuendo, guesswork. NO WAY!
Click Here to Purchase from Amazon.com.
JULIE! JULIE! JULIE!
HOME
A Memoir of My Early Years
By Julie Andrews
Hyperion
four stars (out of 5)
An Intimate Biography
By Richard Stirling
St. Martin's PressJulie Andrews
two and one half stars (out of 5)
The word "memoir" has now started to make me laugh, ever since .. that million little pieces guy .... Anyway .... Julie Andrews will NEVER go out of style and has graced the stage and screen and television with memorable performances .. my person favorite is THE AMERICANIZATION OF EMILY. Neither of these books are you what you might hope for or expect. That said, the story is somewhere in between the two of them. Her book is succinct, polite, direct and seems "guarded" .. going only just so far. The Stirling biography supplies plenty of facts, etc. Julie Andrews grew up in an extraordinary time and came into the business in a most interesting time as well. A story like hers couldn't happen again. The same can be said for Martin, Merman, Kitt, Streisand and others ... even Elaine Stritch, Polly Bergen, Shirley MacLaine and Barbara Cook.
Click Here to Purchase HOME from Amazon.com.
Click Here to Purchase An Intimate Biography from Amazon.com.
To read more reviews, click here!
Videos