The Secret Life of the American Musical: How Broadway Shows Are Built
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | 4.18 (518 Votes) |
| Asin | : | 0374536899 |
| Format Type | : | paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 336 Pages |
| Publish Date | : | 2016-01-11 |
| Language | : | English |
DESCRIPTION:
"Fascinating" according to Jon Hunt. Jack Viertel's new book, "The Secret Life of the American Musical" is a stunningly informative book about the structure and success (or lack thereof) of modern day musicals. In a compelling style, the author takes us through a performance from "Overture" to "Curtain Call" and describes in great detail how every aspect of a musical works. His experience in the world of musicals gives him credence that f. Love of the theatre permeates every page! Jack Viertel knows his shstuff. As a teacher of musical theatre technique and musical theatre history for more than 30 years, I can see through the charlatans who write books like this. And there are a good number of them. Therefore, it was a total joy to read the real goods from someone who has been a part of that very history for decades. Without being overly anecdotal and chatty, as some of these bo. Loved it! I'm a big Broadway fan and go to theater often. The Secret Life of the American Musical was a great read. It's obvious that Mr. Viertel really knows and loves his subject matter. It's written in a conversational tone and I found myself having to limit myself to a chapter a day because when I first received the book I was afraid I would finish it in two-three days and I wanted to really savor it because
By simultaneously (and brilliantly) embracing and deconstructing a beloved American art form, he brings us back to our most innocent selves, and all we can do is be grateful to him for reminding us of who we used to be.” Scott Rudin. ‘It’s boffo!’ as they say on the Rialto.” John Lahr, author of Tennessee Williams: Mad Pilgrimage of the Flesh“This is unfair: no one who knows so much should be able to write so well. Miller, Library Journal (starred review)“Viertel is wel
Americans perfected musicals. The Secret Life of the American Musical makes you feel as though you’ve been there in the rehearsal room, in the front row of the theater, and in the working offices of theater owners and producers as they pursue their own love affair with that rare and elusive beastthe Broadway hit.. Americans love musicals. It often begins in childhood in a darkened theater, grows into something more serious for high school actors, and reaches its passionate zenith when it comes time for love, marriage, and children, who will start the cycle all over again. A New York Times BestsellerFor almost a century, Americans have been losing their hearts and losing their minds in an insatiable love affair with the American musical. In the process, he invites us to fall in love all over again by showing us how musicals happen, what makes them work, how they captivate audiences, and how one landmark show leads to the nextby design or by accident, by emulation or by rebellionfrom Oklahoma! to Hamilton and onward.Structured like a musical, The Secret Life of the American Musical begins with
He was the Mark Taper Forum’s dramaturg and the drama criticand arts editor of the Los Angeles Herald Examiner, and he has spent a decade teaching musical theaterat the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University.. He has also helped shepherd six of August Wilson’s plays to Broadway. He has been involved in dozens of productions presented by Jujamcyn since 1987, includi