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John Kenrick

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John Kenrick

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Born
in Astoria, NY, The United States
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Member Since
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: 3.83 · 157 ratings · 20 reviews · 57 distinct worksSimilar authors
Musical Theatre: A History

3.83 avg rating — 151 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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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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An introduction to Greek pr...

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More books by John Kenrick…

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History of the Wo...
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Getting Grounded:...
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John’s Recent Updates

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Five Lessons by Neville Goddard
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Valuable reading for Goddard students

Anyone interested in Goddard's teachings will find this well worth reading. He offers further insight into the law of assumption and living in the wish fullfilled.
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The Heir Apparent by Jane Ridley
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Loved this book!

Jane Ridley appears in many documentaries on royal history, and her command of facts and gifts as a story teller make this biography of Edward VII a fascinating and exceptionally enjoyable read. She debunks unfounded legends, and does
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Thunder at Twilight by Frederic Morton
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Magnificent and engrossing

I loved Morton's 'A Nervous Splendor,' and this sequel is every bit as brilliant, weaving together a tapestry from seemingly unrelated people and events to shed fresh insight on the events that ignited World War I. The autho
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Victoria by A.N. Wilson
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Brilliant

A detailed and exquisitely written biography. Wilson offers a fresh and insightful look at a queen who defined her era and shaped the world that came after her. Both sympathetic and frank, the author debunks common myths and deals honestly w
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History Hiding Around Broadway by Teale Dvornik
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Too many factual errors

This author may mean well, but why bother writing a book about history when you evidently couldn't be bothered to do basic research. We are told Rent was the first Broadway show to advertise in the NYC subways. In fact, such ad
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The Letters of Noel Coward by Noël Coward
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What a mess

Noel's letters are delightful, but the Kundle edition is flooded with literally hundreds of typos and misspellings. Shame on the publishers - it's a disgrace to put out a full price book with evidently NO ATTEMPT AT PROOFREADING. You take
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Joan Crawford by Scott Eyman
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Simply Magnificent

Scott Eyman is my favorite Hollywood biographer, and he is on top form here, giving us what is by far the best book ever on the life and career of Joan Crawford. Sympathetic, flawlessly researched, beautifully written, with refresh
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The Comedians by Kliph Nesteroff
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Great book but big chunks missing

I learned a lot, but the author effectively ignores most of the women of comedy. Imagine.discussing SNL but only the men? No mention of Gilda Radner? The women of late 20th and early 21st century stand up are not her
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Making Mary Poppins by Todd James Pierce
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Excellent fun

An informative and highly entertaining look at how a beloved film came to be. Thoroughly researched and a pleasure to read. I wish this author would do more on the Sherman Brothers and Disney musicals.
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The King is Dead, Long Live the King! by Martin Williams
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Delightful

Loved this! Puts the death and mourning for Edward VII in the context of his life and times, with sometimes surprising appearances by future icons of politics, literature, etc. Beautifully written, packed with fascinating details. Highly re
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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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