BroadwayWorld.com Daylight Savings Time Book Report (Part 2)
By: Naomi Plume Mar. 29, 2007
Well, the weather's starting to get nice and it's a great time to take that book along with you to read during a break, over a lunch or on the subway. I finally got my notes together, so here's the second installment of BroadwayWorld.com's Daylight Savings Time Book Report. Part 3, coming in a couple of days, will be a tribute to people in the industry no longer with us, who wrote some books or have had some books written about them that I want you to know about, should you want to hunt them down. Part One, if you missed it, can be found here.
THE YEAR OF MAGICAL THINKING
By Joan Didion
Knopf (hardcover)
Vintage; reprint edition (paperback)
five stars (out of 5)
I couldn't stop crying as I read this book. Never have grief and loss been so clearly, honestly or candidly written about. The fact that this story has been adapted by its author for the stage and is being performed by Vanessa Redgrave is almost too much to imagine … but …. I will be there. This book is GIANT. To lose one's husband suddenly, at the dinner table, after having returned from the hospital visiting a daughter in a coma, is almost too much to comprehend or bear. The following year? Extraordinary …. And loaded with "magical thinking." Joan Didion is one of the iconic writers of our time, famously married to another writing talent - John Gregory Dunne. Sadly, their daughter Quintana, after some time of getting better, eventually died as well. Didion is unflinching in her feelings and expression in the "year" after Dunne's passing. This book is not a "self-help" or simple "fix" book laying out "feel good" Hallmark Card phrases. It is grief of the highest order and, as I read it, there were so many enormous thoughts, I felt I should have a hi-liter pen handy. But I didn't. I went for the ride … and am much richer for it. This is an amazing book that is beyond anything one could write to describe it.
RED CARPETS AND OTHER BANANA SKINS
The Autobiography
By Rupert Everett
(Warner Books)
four stars (out of 5)
Rupert Everett has a great gift for writing. This should be envied by others who have struggled with "co-authors" in making the effort to pen their memoirs or autobiographies. A respected actor who is openly gay, he takes us on quite a ride … and a gossipy one at that. Calling it as he sees it, he is not bitter, but always entertaining. This talented guy has traveled from Britain to Hollywood (on a fast track) and just about everywhere else a good looking thesp could get to. Don't forget he was also a rent-boy and a VERSACE model. His life has had its share of glamour and plenty of drama, too. Most of the American public know him from the Julia Roberts hit film, MY BEST FRIEND'S WEDDING … but, there's much more to this guy. MUCH more!
WILL POWER
How to Act Shakespeare in 21 Days
By John Basil
With Stephanie Gunning
(APPLAUSE Theatre & Cinema Books)
3 and a half stars (out of 5)
This book by John Basil, Producing Artistic Director and co-founder of the American Globe Theatre in New York City, could be "tricky business" in the wrong hands. One certainly can't discourage picking it up and paging through it, but one musn't believe they can conquer acting Shakespeare in 21 days, when the most skillful of actors work a lifetime to embody some of the greatest and most complex roles in history. For this reason alone, you will rarely find two productions of any Shakespeare play to be the same, as they are usually visionary approaches or interpretations taken by daring actors, innovative directors or traditionally based repertory companies.
That said – there is an informative approach here to the rehearsal "process", but there is no ONE WAY approach to anything – especially acting – and this seems a bit "text book" to me. Also a bit like Cliff Notes.
I'm not sure about this book, but you should decide for yourselves. Mr. Basil is certainly respected and has some impressive endorsements on this book from friends. Amazon.com reviews are mostly of a student nature.
TRUTH
Personas, Needs, and Flaws in The Art of Building Actors and Creating Characters
By Susan Batson
Introduction by Nicole Kidman
(Rugged Land Books)
five stars (out of 5)
Now …. HERE'S a really good book about acting … AND a FRESH approach. Like Stanislavski, Strasberg, Meisner, Adler, Berghoff, Hagen and Mamet, Batson now shakes many an acting myth.
It makes perfect sense, as the nature of the work of acting and the writing of plays, language, film and television change in format and style …. so should the approach. Otherwise you are caught in some sort of historical time warp.
This is an engaging and "practical" book heartily recommended for today's beginning actor and a "freshening" for those who have been in the business and continue to work and want to continue to grow.
Very informative and empowering for the actor.
WALT DISNEY
The Triumph of the American Imagination
By Neal Gabler
(Knopf)
five stars (out of 5)
With the DISNEY Company now firmly ensconced on Broadway, I wanted to read this book and, boy, am I glad I did. It is just amazing and so well researched. Gabler was apparently granted FULL ACCESS to the Disney Archives!
Clearly, Walt Disney is a cultural icon for all time. With that, of course, come ALL the complications one would expect from this man "obsessed with perfection" and an "iron will."
The book is a fascinating read and also, convincingly, debunks many myths we've all heard, read or somehow were alluded to, over the years.
I couldn't help thinking what Mr. Disney would make of all these musicals on Broadway. Sure, a company figurehead could say he'd be proud, but …. really …. What would HE think?
Pick this up!
GEORGE GERSHWIN
His Life and Work
By Howard Pollack
(University of California Press)
four stars (out of 5)
This book about George Gershwin is one of many that are out there, but takes a very different approach to the man and particularly pays attention to the music.
So much has been written about him, yet I always forget how young he was when he died. Howard Pollack seems to be extremely knowledgeable about all that has been documented or written, regarding Gershwin's work and life and, happily, you won't find a lot of silly gossip here.
The music is taken very seriously in this book. Also, it isn't a particularly "breezy" read and slight on narrative, but it IS chock full of information and a MUST for anyone interested in the career and accomplishments of this extraordinarily gifted and versatile composer.
Highly recommended as an addition to your collection or for any school or library.
THE GREAT AMERICAN MOUSICAL
By Julie Andrews Edwards and Emma Walton Hamilton
Illustrations by Tony Walton
(Julie Andrews Collection)
four stars (out of 5)
Well, theatre genes don't get better than this. The book is a family affair for young readers and the idea apparently came to Ms. Andrews Edwards while filming the PBS series BROADWAY: THE AMERICAN MUSICAL. It's the "mouse" version of Judy and Mickey (though subterranean) putting on a show!
Cute, Cute, Cute!
As a special treat, in honor of the book's publication, Julie Andrews returned to the recording studio to record a new song, "The Show Must Go On" which can be purchased online with a portion of sales going to Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS. Additionally, the book has an accompanying web game.
NOTEBOOKS by Tennessee Williams
Edited by Margaret Bradham Thornton
(Yale University Press)
five stars (out of 5)
An AMAZING record of a life! Ms. Thornton, a Williams scholar, has "meticulously" assembled decades worth of pencil scribbled notebooks into a cohesive mesmerizing affair that fans, historians, scholars and teachers will devour.
This book is huge in scope and undertaking .... and is annotated by. Ms. Thornton.
The contents are mind-boggling – and HONEST …. As HE wrote them.
This is the REAL DEAL!
ELIZABETH
By J. Randy Taraborrelli
(Warner Books)
half a star (out of 5)
O.K. How many books are out there about this truly amazing woman? J. Randy Taraborrelli (the King of UNAUTHORIZED Biographies) has done little to illuminate here.
The best thing about this book …. is the cover photo!
KATE
The Woman That Was Hepburn
By William J. Mann
(Henry Holt and Co. Publishing)
four stars (out of 5)
Katharine Hepburn is another star often written about and, if it were up to her, NOTHING would be written. But, luckily for us, that's not the case. Now, here's a book with great research, great writing … AND it's a GREAT read!
There's plenty of new stuff in here to keep you captivated.
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