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John Kenrick

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Born
in Astoria, NY, The United States
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February 2015

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John Kenrick combines a passion for entertainment history with the practical know-how earned working on stage productions at every level from amateur to Broadway. This Queens native pulls back the curtain and introduces audiences and students to the fascinating people behind show business legends. Every month, his website Musicals101.com introduces thousands of visitors to the history of stage and screen musicals. His book Musical Theatre: A History is used in colleges worldwide. He has appeared on PBS, Biography, the BBC, National Public Radio and the SyFy Channel, and currently teaches at the New School University and NYU, where one of his students recently evaluated his course by writing, “He didn’t just make me laugh – he made me care.”

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John Kenrick I avoid writer's block by always stopping my day's writing at a point where I still know (more or less) what the next few sentences will be. That way,…moreI avoid writer's block by always stopping my day's writing at a point where I still know (more or less) what the next few sentences will be. That way, when I return to writing the next day, I have somewhere to go.(less)
John Kenrick Write what you care most deeply about. I think musicals are a rich and fascinating subject -- I never tire of the subject.
Average rating: 3.85 · 158 ratings · 20 reviews · 61 distinct worksSimilar authors
Musical Theatre: A History

3.85 avg rating — 152 ratings — published 2008 — 15 editions
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The Complete Idiot's Guide ...

3.83 avg rating — 6 ratings — published 2006 — 8 editions
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A Biographical Memoir of th...

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An essay on primaeval histo...

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Biblical Essays. 1. The Gos...

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“Collector’s Edition” Ancie...

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“Collector’s Edition” Roman...

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“Collector’s Edition” A bio...

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Ancient Egypt under the Pha...

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Phoenicia 1855 [Leather Bound]

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History of the Wo...
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Buzz by Jeffrey Spivak
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Miracle on 34th Street by Jeffrey Paul Thompson
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Great story behind a classic film

Great research shoes throughout this well written look at how Miracle on 34th Street came to the screen. Fans of the film will love it, as will anyone with an interest in the Hollywood studio era. Far more detail than
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Too Darn Hot by Hannah Thuraisingam Robbins
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A magnificent accomplishment

Robbins offers mountains of information about this classic musical. For a musical theater enthusiast like me, it's fascinating. Rarely references sources back up every thing mentioned. If you seek backstage dish, there is
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Louis B. Mayer and Irving Thalberg by Kenneth Turan
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Wonderful read!

The two men who made MGM the greatest studio of Hollywood's golden age are here in all their glory. A fresh and delightful look at their lives, careers, and the differences that inevitably drove them from friendship to ruthless rivalry
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John Kenrick rated a book really liked it
The Merchant Prince of Poverty Row by Bernard F. Dick
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A studio history, not really a biography

The author gives a robust history of Columbia Pictures under its founder Harry Cohn - and gives that admittedly fascinating story far more coverage than he gives to Cohn's life. Whole chapters make barely pass
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Kids, Wait Till You Hear This! by Liza Minnelli
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A great read

Liza's fans, and anyone who loves theater and film, will have a ball reading this. Liza tells many truths, some for the first time. Sadly, she will never speak honestly about her father. But her frankness here about herselfvis refreshing.
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Talk Like TED by Carmine Gallo
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Solid Gold Standard

This book .is packed with essential guidance for any speaker, presenter, or educator. If you want to offer memorable, inspiring talks, this is everything I (a longtime teacher and lecturer) would suggest, laid out in an accessible
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Gigi by Colette
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Delicious

LIke many, I gmcame to know Gigi through the MGM musical film version. Reading Colette's original short story is delicious fun - much of the story is the same, but the differences are many and fascinating. A truly delightful read!
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Mainly on Directing by Arthur Laurents
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A grand book from a nasty man

Arthur Lauren's was a sometimes brilliant screen and stage writer, and a mediocre stage director who needed a lifetime and multiple productions to figure out his own masterpiece, the libretto to Gypsy. Overheard him once
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Elizabeth by Gyles Brandreth
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Heartfelt and fascinating

Brandteth is a fine writer, and that coupled with his lifelong connection to the royal family make this a genuinely intimate and exceptionally charming look at Elizabeth II and her long reign. It's affectionate and frank, bo
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More of John's books…
25x33 Book to Musical Lovers — 6 members — last activity Nov 07, 2016 03:15PM
If you've ever wanted to delve into the stories behind you favorite broadway musical, then this is the book club for you! Think about some of the bigg ...more
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