Theatre Books

Transposed to England, with a few specifically Polish references removed, this is one of Witkacy's easiest and most entertaining plays. Like most of his best work, it's a lunatic parody; unlike some, it parodies only one genre, the "country house" drama of conflicts and secrets within a well-to-do family. Thus much of the dialogue takes the form of debates, with the mother's ghost, over tea and toast, over who her various lovers were and what they and her husband may or may not have done to her. The Geroulds' translation is as fluent as always, and there is a long and very fine introduction. An extra and unexpected bonus in this edition is the inclusion of several of the author's paintings and drawings, quite a few in colour. Like the play (and like most of the rest of Witkacy's work), they are grotesque, downright peculiar, and well worth a look.

This book celebrates the Rocky Horror Picture like only Sal Piro can. This book is great! As a Rocky virgin ( :( Yeah I know... how do I live?) this book lets you right into the world of Rocky Horror. It has an incredible group of pictures. Most of them are black and white but some are in full colour. This book lets you have the ultimate Rocky Horror experience, especially for those of us who haven't seen the show. It's like a glimspe into the Rocky cast and show. This book is not being printed anymore unfortunately but if you can find a copy buy it! It is the greatest book and a must for any Rocky Fan.

Lynn Nottage's work is a crucial contribution to American literature. She writes her plays with an intricacy, like a seamstress meticulously reweaving and tailoring an old wool suit for a new body. Referances to African American women playwrights who came before her, ie. Lorrainne Hansberry, Alice Childress, Adrienne Kennedy--are too easy. I think what Arthur Miller did for American theater, returning us to our backyards and digging up the soil to expose the roots, can easily be said of Nottage.

Forget Clive James the TV presenter (in the UK). This is what he is best at doing. A fabulous volume of TV criticisms from the British Newspaper The Observer in the 70's.
There is stuff in here that will make you cry with laughter, its so funny. One moment he's ripping apart the original Superstars TV series, and then its Grandstand or Ski Sunday (both sports programs on British TV).
Its not all funny stuff there are serious subjects as well and James writes well about these.
However, its the funny stuff that sticks with you, and you can go back and re-read these again and again and they are still laugh out-loud funny.

Though written as an exhibition catalog for a show that took place almost 70 years ago, Alfred H. Barr, Jr.'s Cubism and Abstract Art is still the most concise, yet at the same time penetrating analysis and explication of the various movements and history that contributed to the abstract art of the period before the Second World War. It is both a fine introduction to the topic and, at least in my opinion, among the best resources available to the serious student of modern art.

This is a funny collection of Culture Clash material. They are consistently funny as they point out the very real problems faced by Latino people in America. They mix history with serious satire with flat out goofiness. A great book for any thinking person.

Bradshaw gives a stunning perspective on Improvisational comedy.
A must read for any aspiring improv teacher or student.
Bradshaw, clearly, lives among the ranks of Improv diety.

Now let me say that just because my mom wrote this book, it doesn't mean that I'm raving about it because of that fact. Indeed, it is a great book that not many would think to read. It is part of a three volume set about the history of theater. Anyone who is interested in theater or acting would appreciate these works because of their rich content and beautiful photographs that take you to the beginning and through different cultures that all celebrate the arts and theater. It is aimed at high school students, although others may benefit from reading these works. All in all I think with all the time and research that was put into these books shows thoughout their pages.

A very worthwhile read. An extensive view of the American Theatre's straight and musical-theatre works of the period. This is an extensive book and very recommended.

Broadway Song & Story
Playwrights, lyricists, composers on theater: The inside story of a decade of theater in articles and comments by its authors, selected from their own publication, the Dramatists Guild quarterly

This is a very literate and intimate account of the early days of the arts in Dallas, Texas. The characters and the storyline portray a rarely seen side of Dallas. There are no loudmouth oilmen or cowboys like you are so used to seeing in stories about Texas. I found it to be very enjoyable.