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Jack & Louisa #3
Jack & Louisa: Act 3
A show-stopping middle-grade series about life in and out of the spotlight from Broadway stars and Internet sensations Andrew Keenan-Bolger and Kate Wetherhead.
Two weeks at Camp Curtain-Up is just what Jack and Louisa need to fuel their passion for theater: Broadway musical sing-alongs, outdoor rehearsals, and tons of new MTNs (musical theater nerds) to meet... maybe even a special someone. It almost feels like fate when the two friends return home to find local auditions for "The Sound of Music." But as Louisa fantasizes about frolicking in the Alps, Jack gets tempted by a student-run drama competition that would reunite the two with their camp friends. Will Jack get Louisa to skip an audition? Can Lou handle Jack as her director? And will someone finally get a big, Broadway happy ending?
Two weeks at Camp Curtain-Up is just what Jack and Louisa need to fuel their passion for theater: Broadway musical sing-alongs, outdoor rehearsals, and tons of new MTNs (musical theater nerds) to meet... maybe even a special someone. It almost feels like fate when the two friends return home to find local auditions for "The Sound of Music." But as Louisa fantasizes about frolicking in the Alps, Jack gets tempted by a student-run drama competition that would reunite the two with their camp friends. Will Jack get Louisa to skip an audition? Can Lou handle Jack as her director? And will someone finally get a big, Broadway happy ending?
256 pages, Hardcover
First published January 31, 2017
3 people are currently reading
333 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
March 6, 2017
I loved the previous two books. They were a delight and I read them each in a jiff.
Unfortunately, this third book fell short of the expectations set high by the previous two. There was too much movement and not much substance; a lot of chaos and not much depth. The book felt too busy and not personal. Even the musical aspect felt contrived, unsincere and empty, serving merely as a backstage prop. The relationship between the two main characters fell to a supporting role camouflaged by introspections and self-doubts which are understandable for the middle-grade age group but which distracted and hurt the charm of the duo.
I am disappointed. I am glad I borrowed this from the library instead of purchasing it.
Unfortunately, this third book fell short of the expectations set high by the previous two. There was too much movement and not much substance; a lot of chaos and not much depth. The book felt too busy and not personal. Even the musical aspect felt contrived, unsincere and empty, serving merely as a backstage prop. The relationship between the two main characters fell to a supporting role camouflaged by introspections and self-doubts which are understandable for the middle-grade age group but which distracted and hurt the charm of the duo.
I am disappointed. I am glad I borrowed this from the library instead of purchasing it.
August 30, 2018
**I received a copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway**
As a big MTN (Musical Theater Nerd) myself, I was familiar with Jack and Louisa's previous adventures, and I was excited to get my hands on a copy of their newest. Act 3 follows the duo as they attend Camp Curtain Up one summer and make two new friends, Teddy and Kaylee, who encourage them to try their hand at Ghostlight, a youth theatre festival in which various schools present their own spins on classic musicals.
With Jack determined to see Teddy again to explore some confusing feelings and Louisa determined to take the first place trophy to break another school's winning streak, the pair decides to not participate in the Shaker Heights Players' production of The Sound of Music and, instead, Jack takes the helm on a production of The Fantasticks. But things soon turn rough when Jack becomes convinced they need a "concept" to win, and he cuts their production so much it becomes almost unrecognizable.
This book was a fun, quick middle-grade read, although I'm not sure I enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed the others in this series. Keenan-Bolger seems to be asked to do all of the heavy lifting here, as so much of the story revolves around Jack that Louisa almost becomes an afterthought. Even the chapters from Louisa's point of view (written by Wetherhead) become about Jack, such as the one in which she (SPOILER) has to talk to Jack about his feelings for Teddy.
As a big MTN (Musical Theater Nerd) myself, I was familiar with Jack and Louisa's previous adventures, and I was excited to get my hands on a copy of their newest. Act 3 follows the duo as they attend Camp Curtain Up one summer and make two new friends, Teddy and Kaylee, who encourage them to try their hand at Ghostlight, a youth theatre festival in which various schools present their own spins on classic musicals.
With Jack determined to see Teddy again to explore some confusing feelings and Louisa determined to take the first place trophy to break another school's winning streak, the pair decides to not participate in the Shaker Heights Players' production of The Sound of Music and, instead, Jack takes the helm on a production of The Fantasticks. But things soon turn rough when Jack becomes convinced they need a "concept" to win, and he cuts their production so much it becomes almost unrecognizable.
This book was a fun, quick middle-grade read, although I'm not sure I enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed the others in this series. Keenan-Bolger seems to be asked to do all of the heavy lifting here, as so much of the story revolves around Jack that Louisa almost becomes an afterthought. Even the chapters from Louisa's point of view (written by Wetherhead) become about Jack, such as the one in which she (SPOILER) has to talk to Jack about his feelings for Teddy.
June 2, 2021
Jack and Louisa: Act 3, in my opinion, was better than Act 2 but still not as good as Act 1. Cool to see Jack branching out into directing, but the pacing here wasn't the best. I wish the whole thing had been set at camp!
Notably, in this seemingly-final installment, both main characters now have romantic arcs. That might not be a bad thing on its own, but it does mean that the friendship between Jack and Lou is no longer the focus. Unfortunately, I didn't love either romantic arc-- and
Also, a "Shakespearean accent" is mentioned a couple times. What does that even mean? A British accent? Received/"BBC" pronunciation as we know it was definitely not around in Shakespeare's time!
Notably, in this seemingly-final installment, both main characters now have romantic arcs. That might not be a bad thing on its own, but it does mean that the friendship between Jack and Lou is no longer the focus. Unfortunately, I didn't love either romantic arc-- and
Also, a "Shakespearean accent" is mentioned a couple times. What does that even mean? A British accent? Received/"BBC" pronunciation as we know it was definitely not around in Shakespeare's time!
October 9, 2017
Remaining true to most trilogies, this one is the best yet! Jack and Louisa are in 8th grade now, and they are starting to deal with some more complex situations. They are faced with more complicated situations and characterizations and they still are a joy to read. Following some fast friendships at Camp Curtain Up, a sleep-away camp for kids who love musical theater, they now must figure out whether they stick with the status quo in their local community theater or strike out on their own. As I write that, it sounds terribly banal, but it's actually quite engaging, made all the more rich by their own budding romantic feelings for potential love interests. Lou is left pondering if a one-time bully is worthy of her affections, while Jack grappled with strange feelings he's having for another boy. The latter is of course an important focus in the world of young adult literature, captured well here with the alternating first person narrative, which provides an opportunity for Louisa to explore how best she can support a friend who is coming to terms with sexuality more slowly than she is. My whole family loved this one!
May 1, 2018
This was a super cute story to possibly finish the series. (though I hope this isn’t the end!) I like that this time Jack was directing and Lou was acting. It wasn’t the same story for a third time with both in a show and something happens.
The added storyline of Jack going through the process of having his first crush on Teddy was cute and great for the age group that this book is intended for.
The only thing I wish was the story took place more at camp and not during the school year. Camp is legit two chapters long then off to school and to the competition.
The added storyline of Jack going through the process of having his first crush on Teddy was cute and great for the age group that this book is intended for.
The only thing I wish was the story took place more at camp and not during the school year. Camp is legit two chapters long then off to school and to the competition.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2023
I started this book years ago, but couldn’t bring myself to finish it. Jack and Lou have been my best friends for around 6 years, so finishing this book felt like losing them. The book itself was wonderful. It’s beautifully portrayed the emotions and thought-processes of actors and directors, while also hitting home on real emotions. Wonderful book, and now I have to cry and reread the whole series again.
July 26, 2020
Five stars for what it is - a heartfelt book for late elementary/middle school theatre kids, especially anyone starting to have with questions about sexuality. Extra points for tying the book’s plot to the show within the show plot, and cramming in a million musical theatre references.
April 21, 2018
This was an amazing book that is great for all theater nerds. Not the best book if you are against being gay. Great read though!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2021
Aw jeez,
Finishing Act 3 of the Jack & Louisa series really does feel like bidding my high school years goodbye. These books have provided me endless joy.
Finishing Act 3 of the Jack & Louisa series really does feel like bidding my high school years goodbye. These books have provided me endless joy.
May 28, 2017
Cute series.
April 6, 2017
I don't generally read middle grade books, so I'm not used to how fast these go. I'm sad it's over! Act 1 is still my favorite of the three, but Act 3 is so adorable. Definitely a close second. I'm glad Jack got to do new things, but I also missed his stage presence which was so great in the first two acts. This series is just so fun.
December 22, 2018
As an adult reading a book intended for middle schoolers: 3.5 stars. As middle school Katie: 5 stars. I wish this series existed when I was growing up and was a real musical theater nerd. I would have been obsessed with these books.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews