The Street Where I Live: A Memoir

by Alan Jay Lerner, John Lahr (foreword)

The Street Where I Live is at once an intimate biography of three great shows—My Fair Lady, Gigi, and Camelot—and a candid account of the life and times of Alan J. Lerner, one of America’s most acclaimed and popular lyricists. Large-hearted, humorous, and often poignant in its reverence for a celebrated era in the American theater, this is the story of what Lerner calls "the sundown of wit, eccentricity, and glamour." Try as he might to keep himself out of these pages, Lerner reveals himself to be a man of great talent, laughter, and love. Along the way, we meet a sensational supporting cast: Moss Hart, Fritz Loewe, Julie Andrews, Richard Burton, Rex Harrison, Cecil Beaton, Louis Jourdan, and Maurice Chevalier, to name a few. They are seen in moments of triumph and disaster, but all are professionals at the creation of theater. And the creation of theater is the matrix of this wonderful book. Included are the complete lyrics to My Fair Lady, Gigi, and Camelot.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Biography, Theatre, Autobiography, Plays, Music

325 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1978

About the author

American playwright and lyricist Alan Jay Lerner wrote a number of musicals, including Brigadoon (1947) and My Fair Lady (1956), with the composer Frederick Loewe.

This librettist in collaboration created some of the most popular and enduring works of theater of the world for the stage and on film. He won three Tony awards and three academy awards among other honors.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alan_Ja...

Reviews

[Richard Derus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3 grudging stars of five

The Book Report: A memoir of life in the American musical theater by one of its brilliant practitioners. Lerner uses the history of three of his most famous musical plays, two with longtime creative partner Frederick Loewe, one without, to muse on the state of the creative arts, the nature of a long-term love for a friend, and to reflect on what (if anything) it means to be uniquely yourself, damn the consequences.

My Review: Camelot. Gigi. My Fair Lady.

Really, that list right there should tell ya everything you need to know about the author, lyricist of these three epoch-defining musicals. He wrote "The Night They Invented Champagne" and "I Could Have Danced All Night" and "If Ever I Would Leave You." Egads! Gadzooks! Forsooth! So what the heck else is there for a man whose resume has those little bagatelles depending from it to say for 254pp of text?

Not a helluva lot.

No nasty, salacious gossip?! Nuh-uh. No cruel-to-be-kind character assassinations of his friends?!? pffft So is this book a complete yawn-fest? Almost.

I found Mr. Lerner's explication of the writing, adapting, and collaborative processes illuminating and useful. I thought his stories of life behind the scenes as a Broadway neophyte were funny. But I would never suggest to you, o budget-conscious book consumer, that you seek this book out and pay good coin for it. If you run across it at the charity shop or a yard sale, snap it up! Search AbeBooks? Oh hell no. Best of all, those of you in roughly my age bracket (say, oh twenty-one for the thirty-first time and up), go rooting in Mom's books and see if she got one back in 1978, thinking she'd wile away a few hours with a martini and a gossipy tell-all.

Betcha you'll know immediately where she gave up and moved on to dirtier fields...the spine'll crackle as you turn that page.

[ALLEN · Rating 4 out of 5]

To steal a line from Lerner and Loewe's most successful Broadway musical, MY FAIR LADY, "Everyone who should be here is here." I had high expectations when first I picked up THE STREET WHERE I LIVE, lyricist Alan Jay Lerner's autobiography of his peak creative years, when he and composer Frederick (Fritz) Loewe gave the world the musicals MY FAIR LADY and CAMELOT, and the movie musical GIGI (MGM, 1958). Those expectations were happily met, and then some. Like its author, THE STREET WHERE I LIVE is witty, chatty, compulsively readable and just plain fun.

Not all autobiographies and even fewer "as told to" life stories are entertaining; this one is pretty much the standard for what such a book should have. You will learn something about the creative process these two talents enjoyed, and even more about the backgrounds of these great shows' creations, as well as the other talents who helped in their success. I strongly recommend this book to anyone curious about 20th-Century musical theater or that elusive concept, "American Songbook," to which Lerner and Loewe contributed so much with songs like "I Could Have Danced All Night," "The Night They Invented Champagne," and "If Ever I Would Leave You."

TRIVIA NOTE: Meetings of the "Sally Fowler Rat Pack" in Whit Stillman's movie METROPOLITAN (1990) were filmed inside the old Alan Jay Lerner mansion in Manhattan.

[Stuart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Witty, self-deprecating, and a thoroughly fun discussion of three musicals: My Fair Lady, Gigi and Camelot. Would be 5 stars if Lerner included his early musical struggle and failures as those are often my favorite memoir bits. Alas. But a wonderfully urbane slice of "the golden age" of Bway (which is just a BS designation for a golden age of a specific type and time of theater...one could argue there was another in the 70s, 80s, 2000s etc.)

*It does contain a smidge of homophobia and misogyny sometimes inherent for something written in '78 - eg: Hart was homosexual because he couldn't attract women being 4'10 lol

[Jonathon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! Wonderful memoirs from a fantastic, poetic writer. Loved reading about the personalities, the deadlines, and the day-to-day working habits that went into making "My Fair Lady," "Gigi," and "Camelot." In fact, I wish there was a bit more about how the sausages were made, but still a very entertaining read.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This had its limitations, but it was charming and well worth reading. It is framed as a memoir, but it’s really a memoir of three shows (My Fair Lady, Gigi, and Camelot) rather than of Lerner himself. Overall he was an engaging narrator who kept most of his storytelling on a quippy, cocktail party level. I felt like I had a good vision of the personalities involved in each show, or at least of the funny and clever things they said or did. He had some insight into the more psychological side of his relationships and the more intellectual side of his writing, but it was often fairly limited insight. Mostly he was enchanted by people who were “charming” and “classy” and couldn’t understand the appeal of anyone who wasn’t those things. I felt he showed his age most in some of the attitudes he had - I found myself having to “forgive” them like you would with an older relative who just didn’t quite understand how things had changed, where you would be offended if anyone else had those attitudes. I suppose it’s not surprising that someone who was married eight times just can’t see the problem with Rex Harrison’s frightening misogynist outbursts, and I suppose a lyricist who found most of his success in the 1950s could be expected to be grumpy about “Rock and roll,” but those types of things did make Lerner seem less than insightful. Based on my reading of Act One by Moss Hart, I think his admiration of Hart felt very genuine and I liked being able to see Hart and other giants of the theater through someone’s (slightly biased and skewed) eyes. A good addition to my shelf of theater history.

[Carla]

The only problem with this elegant witty memoir is that it ended. Any theater lover will feel the same.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy autobiographies that give an insight into genius. Lerner was as good a playwright as he was a lyricist.

This out-of-print book may be a little hard to get a hold of, but it's worth it.

[Susanne Noble · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the old school theatre lovers

[Kelly Sedinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderful book! I had actually read this before, but it's been fifteen years or so and I didn't remember much of it. Lerner's memoir focuses on one decade of his remarkable career, the decade that produced the beloved musicals MY FAIR LADY and GIGI, and then the not-quite-so-beloved CAMELOT, along with composer Frederick Loewe. I often think that were Doc Brown's Delorean given to me for one night, I'd take it back to 1950s NYC so that I might witness Broadway at its height. Lerner was there for both the "decline" of Broadway and the decline of Hollywood's studio system (and with it, the Hollywood musical), and he writes of his experiences with vigor, wit, and charm (a quality he specifically finds lacking in the world as he wrote this book).

Lerner's attitudes must be kept in their temporal context, as there are times when period sexism creeps through. But it's still fascinating to read about how these particular shows came to be and the various struggles that each encountered (such as Rex Harrison suddenly not being able to remember a speech in MFL when he learned that Lerner, rather than George Bernard Shaw, wrote it). There are times when Lerner is outright wrong in his appraisal of his own work, which is an affliction common to most artists, in my experience. (At one point he specifically castigates the director of THE LITTLE PRINCE for screwing everything up, calling him "a guy named Stanley Donen.")

If musical theater is any kind of interest of yours, you really should read this book. It's a testament to a bygone era, and the book tells us not to let it be forgot...that once there was a spot....(sorry, couldn't resist).

[Vikki VanSickle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this witty, somewhat dishy yet also heartfelt behind-the-scenes look at the making of three iconic musicals, My Fair Lady, Gigi and Camelot. History and especially musical lovers will eat up the descriptions of cast rehearsals, the nail-biting"the show must go on" scenarios, and off-stage drama. Lyricist Alan Lerner obviously loves his work, and this passion shines through. There are some very poignant moments and observations amid the gossipy and dramatic parts as well. This memoir made me deeply nostalgic and I can't wait to see a big Broadway show again.

[Grace Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are a fan of classic musical theater read this book. Lerner discuss the process of writing a musical and moving all three of his greatest hits into musical movies. More info could easily have been included to complete the book. It felt like many facts were skipped over, and the book itself was short, much of it devoted to the lyrics of these musicals. Yet, this was a good quick read to inform on some of the best musicals of the 50s-60s.

[Dyan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming, delightful memoir of Alan Jay Lerner’s history and process of writing the lyrics for and being involved in the Broadway and/or film productions of My Fair Lady, Gigi, and Camelot. Wonderful tales of his relationships with Fritz Loewe, Moss Hart, Arthur Freed, Richard Burton, Julie Andrews, and Rex Harrison, among others. Entertaining read.

[Philippa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would say this is less of a memoir and more three case studies around Lerner's writing and creation of My Fair Lady, Gigi, and Camelot. Not to say it's not interesting - it was - and provides some insights into the making of a Broadway musical (many things are still the same today, though some have moved on). His working style with Loewe was particularly interesting to read about.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lerner is perhaps an unreliable narrator, but as read by David Case, it's like having a private, dishy bitch-sesh with one of Broadway's greatests, and I love it. I was a little disappointed that Lerner chose to cover only his three biggest hits – My Fair Lady, Gigi, and Camelot – but I’m glad we at least got that much from him.

[Pollypollack · Rating 4 out of 5]

I jusr re-read this after many years and still find it
charming. Of course it says nothing about his addictions and other subjects that would add a lot to the story, but he comes across as likeable and almost humble, considering his remarkable achievements

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and think anyone who enjoys the music of Lerner and Loewe, as well as the era of the 50's / 60's in musical theater, will also.
It is not a great work of literature. But it is a wonderful, easy, endearing, read.

[Betsy Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alan Jay Lerner explained what he did by saying “I write musicals - every word spoken or sung from curtain up to curtain down.” This book is about the making of his three greatest - My Fair Lady, Gigi, and Camelot. And it’s dedicated to the composer of those three great works - Frederick Loewe.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely fun, readable, and gossipy

[Liz marx · Rating 3 out of 5]

Little slow in the beginning then started skipping around and found some more interesting parts. Liked reading about Richard Burton in Camelot.

[Ryan Kenney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lerner just barley lives to tell the tale of how the theatre almost killed him and thank god it tried

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely wonderful. If you are a fan of classic musical theatre I highly recommend this!

[Maiya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wouldn't have minded another, say, hundred pages, on the early days.

[Derek Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very funny, admirably indiscrete and insightful regarding the artistic process and the travails of putting on a Broadway show.

[Sarah Salisbury]

Thoroughly delightful.

[Maryellen Cyr · Rating 5 out of 5]

As you might expect, lyrically written memoir from the man who gave us My Fair Lady, Brigadoon, Gigi, Camelot, Paint Your Wagon, and more. Included are loving remembrances of some of the greats of musical theater and some poignant reflections of his relationship with Fritz Loewe. Indeed, there were many brief shining moments.

[Debra Pawlak · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an enjoyable read! In this memoir, Alan Jay Lerner detailed the makings of three projects: 'My Fair Lady', 'Gigi' and 'Camelot'. How these plays/movies came to be was nothing short of fascinating, and in some cases, a miracle. From the music to the casts, Lerner explained how it all came together and the result? Magic! He glossed over most of his personal life and concentrated on his work. Anyone who loves the theater or movies, should read this book. You will walk away with a whole new appreciation of what it takes to produce a blockbuster. The music is just a part of a larger process. Lerner made one observation that I had to agree with. He explained that musicals did not fall out of favor with Hollywood or with audiences, but sadly, there are no longer any powerhouse performers who can pull off that genre. Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, Judy Garland, Julie Andrews, etc. were/are mega-talents and unfortunately no one has come along to fill their shoes. Thankfully, we have their past performances captured on film and we had songwriters like Lerner and Lowe who penned the classics like 'I Could Have Danced All Night', 'Thank Heaven for Little Girls' and 'If Ever I Would Leave You'. It makes me smile just thinking about it.

[Reed Grubbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Getting to learn about the history of three of Lerner and Loewe’s greatest works is such a joy and treasure to have. Especially with shows that are near and dear to my heart. Learning about the relationships they all had with each other was also very fun.

[Frieda Vizel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lerner's house is right down the block from mine. I read this book because I was interested in the process of writing My Fair Lady, as it happened on my block, and because I'm interested in the lives of writers.

Lerner has a great dry sense of humor. I loved it. The problem is he recounts every little detail and it's hardly possible to get the story out when the reader is barraged with so much detail. At the same time this means that if you're looking for particular information about show business (or in my case about a neighborhood) you're likely to find some excellent gems. As I did.

--
From "My Fair Lady"

"I have often walked down this street before;
But the pavement always stayed beneath my feet before.
All at once am I several stories high.
Knowing I'm on the street where you live."

[Hila · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book because Stephen Fry talked about its insights in "The Fry Chronicles", and how they helped him in his efforts as the writer of a musical's book. It turns out that those insights, at least the ones specifically mentioned by Fry, are not a very big part of it - they are mentioned briefly as specific principles AJL abides by, or the very briefly noted in no detail at all solutions to problems he experienced.

However, it is a captivating description of the creation process of two of my favorite musicals, with both technical explanations of how the theater runs and the juicy gossip about all its stars. The third musical, Camelot, is one I was not familiar with but the events and the people are involving enough at that point to get by without knowing the scenes or songs that are being referenced. AJL's style of writing is fun and flows. All in all, it is a treat.

[Jenny Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this in our library's stacks and enjoyed it heartily. I was a huge fan of My Fair Lady and Camelot when I was a kid, listening to the albums and learning all the songs. My mom took me to see Richard Burton and Julie Andrews in Camelot on Broadway because my dad wasn't fond of musicals. What fun!

So it was fascinating to learn what it was like to write and produce these landmark productions. There are quite a few very funny things in this book. Lerner scrupulously avoids revealing anything truly personal, though the few hints he drops suggest that his life was far from idyllic, despite his success.

Must reading for anyone who enjoys classic musicals.