How to Stage a Catastrophe

by Rebecca Donnelly

Sidney plans to be the director of the Juicebox Theater when he grows up. For now, he handles the props, his best friend Folly works the concession stand, and his sister May hangs out in the spotlight. But the theater is in danger of closing, and the kids know they need a plan to save it and fast. When they join a local commerce club to earn money, Sid and Folly uncover some immoral business practices, and it gives them a great idea for saving the theater. That is, if you can call extortion a great idea. Hilarious and heartwarming, the mission to save a failing community theater unites a riotous cast of characters in this offbeat middle-grade novel.

Genres: Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Contemporary, Childrens, Theatre

258 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2017

Reviews

[Sandra]

Delicious characters stage a catastrophe in order to save their community theater. Entertaining story, with some twists and lots of info about theaters, actors, and stages. It is funny, sweet, and even touching. I am glad I read this book.

I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Sara]

This FAIRGOER #3 (Charlotte's Web) and behind-the-scenes gal loved this theater book. Lighthearted with a touch of sadness, HOW TO STAGE A CATASTROPHE is a fun read that had me laughing out loud several times. At one point, I actually gasped and said, "Oh no!" Not only is this a fantastic book for theater kids (and theater grown-ups), kids who aren't as familiar will learn the ins and outs of the stage. Memorable, funny characters and amusing scenes, and lots of little nuggets of wisdom.

[Casey Lyall]

"To read or not to read...is not even a question when it comes to How to Stage a Catastrophe. Enjoy your front row seat as Sidney Camazzola and his quirky cast put on the show of a lifetime. Funny and sweet - this Catastrophe's a hit! I loved the behind the scenes look at community theatre and the great relationships between the characters. Sid and his best friend Folly are a great team and I'd love to see more from this hilarious gang!

[Elle]

Unfortunately, I was unable to finish reading my copy of this book. I had a digital file and was only able to read it in a specific app on my computer. My computer, however, is fairly old, and decided that I no longer had any need to open that app. That was a few months ago, and still I do not have access to the aforementioned app.
I was able to read about 30 - 50 pages of the book before my computer wonked out on me. From what I was able to read, I loved the book!
The main character amused me, and his best friend seemed like a kid I would want to be friends with, so interested he was in business and money-making endeavors.
I enjoyed the way that the author set up the scenes and the plot of the novel. It was done in Acts, with the descriptions done as if it were a set on a stage.
I seem to remember there being a kind, elderly man in this novel. He was a neighbor of our main character, and was clever and good-natured. I love when books include characters like this. They're the adults who guide the children and encourage them in their fantasy. Its the elderly person who strikes up a close friendship with a child.
I love when I meet people like this, and I hope to be one when I get older.
I think that this book is very unique, and would make a fabulous read. A nice, easy one for adults, and an engaging one for children.

UPDATE:

The publisher just contacted me and offered to send me an ARC so I can finish the novel! I will update this review as soon as I finish the book. :)
Thank you, Capstone!

[Patricia]

Such a fun read! Hilarious and heart-warming, Sidney and company's quest to save the Juicebox Theater is a joy to read. The characters are fantastic - smart and funny and kind - but full of wild ideas just the same. Great for theater lovers, theater wanna-be's, and anyone who loves a good play (and a few chase scenes!), Donnelly's story will keep you reading and laughing and longing for the next performance. The creative design and chapter structure is just an added treat.

[Alexandra Ott]

HOW TO STAGE A CATASTROPHE is cute, funny, and heartwarming. It's one of the most unique MG books I've read in awhile, with an unforgettable cast of characters and a whole lot of charm. Definitely recommend for anyone looking for a MG contemporary with plenty of humor and heart.

[Linda Jackson]

This book is so cleverly written. Not only will kids learn about theater, but they will also learn a few business skills along the way. Not to say that the book sets out to "teach." That just happens to be a side benefit to a fun story. I love this book, and I highly recommend that teachers have it in their classrooms. Kids will love it.

[Greg]

For a kids book read for work, fun!

[Danielle]

The denouement was an absolute riot!

[Caitlin (thebookshire)]

What a fun little book! The narration is witty and the staging dynamic in this adorable Middle Grade read that’s set up like a play. Perfect for budding theater-geeks who want to learn more about the innerworkings of theater while also enjoying a hilarious tale of friendship and ingenuity. The cast is witty (Folly was by far my favorite) and their plan to save their local theater is just so adorable.

I definitely loved being able to follow along with their antics and revel in their mission, and I think this is a great choice for younger readers. The story is a bit slow at times, but the charms are plentiful enough that I think it will easily keep young readers engaged.

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Find me and my reviews on www.thebookshire.com and on instagram.

[Karina]

This is a sweet MG book about kids trying to save the Juicebox Theater. I'm not surprised it was chosen by the ABA as an Indie's Introduce pick, because the writing was relatable, engaging, and fun. It completely entranced my 9yo daughter (who read it three times).

[Bessie McAdams]

I think this book makes a helpful and useful introduction to meta-narrative to young readers. There's a little confusion about the numbering of chapter titles that stems from the fact they are named after the acts/scenes of a play....and then the numbering arbitrarily begins again. It's vaguely confusing, but only in that it destabilizes convention in a pretty light-handed way. I would definitely recommend a young reader takes some time to talk through this book with more advanced readers around them, but I think it's well worth the challenge.

My only hesitation comes from the fact that this book is less adept in plot than it is in meta-narrative. The narrator's level of sophistication in what he chooses to do with his story as he tells it is not matched by the other narrative elements. Still, those elements are not bad, they're just underwhelming in comparison. I still heartily recommend for young readers.

[American Mensa]

Theater is life to a sixth grade boy named Sidney. So when his kid-friendly theater is closing down, what does he do? With his business geared friend, crazy ideas, and the motivation to do almost anything, Sidney will go through difficult trials in hope to win his theater back.

I think it was really creative that the author used acts and scenes instead of chapters and sections. The reasons why it was not five stars is because the name of the theater, The Juicebox, kind of threw me off as something to call one's life. The other is because I've never really liked theater as much as Sidney, but it is easy to relate to his feelings at any time in the book. Ages 9-12 who think strongly for a hobby or place will enjoy this book.
Review by Madeleine L, age 11, Nebraska and Western Iowa Mensa

[Chris]

Christopher Tucker
12/28/17
How to Stage a Catastrophe
I enjoyed the book a bunch. It reminded me of how I built my new trampoline board invention. I would rate this book a 4-1/2 star because some parts were boring. I would recommend this book to 9 year old's and up. I thought of the main character was me and how I face challenges.

[Abigail]

Um no. I really disliked this book. It wasn't nearly as engaging as a book about children & theatre should be.

[Katy W]

It has a great title

[Cindy]

Great! Unique! I love how the narrator speaks directly to the reader. Lots of fun!

[Zo_crow]

Loved it! Hilarious 😆

[C. L.]

A sweet, light-hearted story about theater and friendship. The main character is lackluster, but the side characters are memorable enough to make up for it. Even if the book never quite achieves the slapstick comedic heights it aspires to, it's still a fun read. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Recommended.

[Joy_LovesBooks]

Ok, where to start. I will put it this way it's not good. In the entire book the main characters never really do anything except for think of ways to save the theater. At the end part was a bit better but i would say I was definitely disappointed. I just think there was a lot of potential. I would not recommend it. Nothing really interesting happens in the book. It wasn't engaging at all.

[Andréa]

Note: I received a digital review copy of this book through NetGalley.

[Jemima Pett]

Off-beat is what attracted me to it, and I was delighted with the result. This cranky and highly enjoyable book features the most delightful drawings and sketches in between the scenes, which are laid out in three Acts, with a play within the play towards the end. It sounds confusing, but you soon get into the quirkiness of it all. Sid, who is the would-be director and narrator, is an engaging character with plenty of faults, and a knack for seeing the worst in his sisters, and forgiving his friends, both adult and contemporary. It’s a marvellous collection of people, who can easily be imagined around anyone’s hometown, I would think.

I sometimes found it hard to follow, since the scene directions tended to merge with the dialogue itself, although it is possible it was a typographical issue in my copy from Net-Galley. However, overcoming that was the warmth of the individuals, the craziness of the situation, and the inventiveness of the participants. The obsession of Sid’s friend Folly with the most wonderful caricature of a high-hitting sales-training guru, which was absolutely spot-on, gave me even more giggles since I was exposed to their trickery in the 1990s. So true!

The idea that the kids can rally round and get into all sorts of scrapes while trying to raise money to save their children’s theater is something that will resonate with most young readers. It’s the first middle-grade novel of Rebecca Connelly, and it’s a tour de force. I hope her originality keeps flowing. More please!

[Bertha]

Geared to ages 9-12, Rebecca Donnelly's book is a fun read that is both amusing and interesting. The book is well written and easy to read.

[Anna]

This was a very fun and adorable middle grade book. The story follows Sidney Camazzalo, an aspiring director, who is desperately trying to save the children's theatre he loves (with the help of some absolutely ridiculous friends).
I enjoyed this book. It's been a long time since I read a middle grade book, so it was difficult for me to suspend my disbelief for some parts of the book. For an adult, that makes sense. For a kid, a ridiculous story like this one is a memorable adventure and makes complete sense.
The best thing about this story is the way it's told. Since Sidney wants to be a director, he formats the story like it's a play - with "Cast of Characters" pages, settings at the beginning of each chapter, and proposed scripts every time our heroes plot. The characters were also fabulous - each was very unique and distinct and each played an important part in the story.
I would highly recommend this to middle grade readers who love bizarre and ridiculous stories.

[Amanda Hosch]

Imaginative, heartwarming, and laugh-out-loud silly! HOW TO STAGE A CATASTROPHE tells the story of Sidney and company's madcap plans to save the Juicebox Theater. Wild ideas aside (and they are wacky ones!), the story structure and friendship make this a fun middle grade read. Highly recommended.

[Hope Irvin Marston]

Sharp readers with a sense of humor and an understanding of how three act plays are formatted will enjoy this novel.