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The Untold Stories of Broadway, Volume 4
How have shows like Fiddler on the Roof, Falsettos, A Raisin in the Sun, and Hair fought for social justice through art? Who are the groundbreaking artists whose names have been forgotten but should be remembered? What are the funniest bloopers from Les Misérables and the craziest legends from Studio 54's days as a nightclub? What are the ways that American politics have affected theatre in the last century, from the Federal Theatre Project to satirizing presidents on stage? How has Broadway made it through tough times and remained the heart of New York City throughout it all? Originally published on the one-year anniversary of the 2020-2021 Broadway shutdown, hear from hundreds of theatre professionals about everything that makes Broadway essential.This is the fourth book in the multi-volume series that tells the stories of all of the Broadway theaters. This volume includes the Imperial, Jacobs, Studio 54, Minskoff, Friedman and six of our beloved Broadway houses, as well as the five Broadway theaters that were destroyed in 1982, changing the course of New York City history.
467 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 6, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
April 17, 2022
More Than I Expected
This was the first book in the series I read, but it was like finding a great treasure, so I will be reading the others, too. I was not sure what to expect, but it is so much more than I expected. It is almost more than I could have dared to hope. Yes, it is a history of several theaters, but it is also a history of all the shows presented in them, an explanation of all the positions of those who work in the theaters, and a history of Broadway itself. Along with Ms. Tepper's extensive research of the theaters' histories, she presents excerpts from an astonishing number of interviews of actors, writers, producers, designers, stagehands, wardrobe people, box office staff, etc.-- everyone involved in mounting a show or transferring a show to Broadway or between theaters. The interviewees range from the biggest names in the theater to the unsung craftsman & workers, but they all have stories that are essential to really understanding Broadway. In the end, what Ms. Tepper has created is a comprehensive encyclopedia of the theater, but please do not think it is a boring encyclopedia. It is not. You will laugh, be moved, be surprised & be amazed by what you read -- but, you will not be bored. The best part? You know when something is so good you don't want it to end? Well, this one ended, but I have other volumes still
to read. It is a gift that keeps on giving. It is brilliantly done!
This was the first book in the series I read, but it was like finding a great treasure, so I will be reading the others, too. I was not sure what to expect, but it is so much more than I expected. It is almost more than I could have dared to hope. Yes, it is a history of several theaters, but it is also a history of all the shows presented in them, an explanation of all the positions of those who work in the theaters, and a history of Broadway itself. Along with Ms. Tepper's extensive research of the theaters' histories, she presents excerpts from an astonishing number of interviews of actors, writers, producers, designers, stagehands, wardrobe people, box office staff, etc.-- everyone involved in mounting a show or transferring a show to Broadway or between theaters. The interviewees range from the biggest names in the theater to the unsung craftsman & workers, but they all have stories that are essential to really understanding Broadway. In the end, what Ms. Tepper has created is a comprehensive encyclopedia of the theater, but please do not think it is a boring encyclopedia. It is not. You will laugh, be moved, be surprised & be amazed by what you read -- but, you will not be bored. The best part? You know when something is so good you don't want it to end? Well, this one ended, but I have other volumes still
to read. It is a gift that keeps on giving. It is brilliantly done!
October 10, 2023
Another enjoyable book in the series with a good focus on older productions. My biggest problem with the book is it is way too long. I wouldn't want to cut anything, just divide the book into two. I felt like I was reading this book forever. By the time I got to the final thoughts and outtakes, I ended up skimming through them from theater fatigue.
November 15, 2021
Great History
As in every volume the author gives us some deep insights into what was actually happening at the theatres she covers. A must for everyone who loves Broadway.
As in every volume the author gives us some deep insights into what was actually happening at the theatres she covers. A must for everyone who loves Broadway.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews