Theatre Books

Alfred Hitchcock wrote to the author about the first edition (1976) of this book: "I...find it extremely clever in the analyses of the filmmaker and the audience."

The following abstract appeared on p. 304 of the February 1977 issue of Psychological Abstracts published by the American Psychological Association: "Presents a theory of audience reaction to film and the psychological processes which make screen events look like real happenings. Definitions of suspense and views of how it is generated are also examined."

Charles Derry who devoted almost a whole chapter to this book in his 1951 book The Suspense Thriller: Films in the Shadow of Alfred Hitchcock wrote: "Because this fascinating book is almost impossible to obtain, I will take this opportunity to outline Loker's rather complex position in some detail."

How many of you have been fired? C'mon lets be honest now here!

I think we all have. When I heard the first audio of Fired from LA THEATRE Works, I thought there has to be more stories to tell. Lo and be hold, a year later, there is another audio collection filled with stories of how people lost their position in life. These short narratives are usually from entertainers of all sorts.

The ringmaster of this audio mayhem (intelligent and funny mayhem, I may add) is actress Annabelle (Tv's Dinner & a Movie) Gurwich, She was fired from a Woody Allen play, because Woody re imaged the character in the play.

Annabelle, who is also a known comedy writer for TV, did not get mad . . . she got even! She wrote about her being fired and why. She also had other friends write about i.heir being fired from an acting/preforming job. The idea spawned a hit play in LA, a book, a movie (now on DVD) and two audio presentations. And who said revenge against a former employer isn't sweet?

This collection just like the first Fired collection is a keeper. You will savor the stories of unemployment and being canned. This collection seems slightly uneven from the first group of stories, but do not let that hamper your enjoyment to listen to this collection

So Annabelle, when is collection three coming out?

This is a compact A to Z on many aspects of the American Theatre, opinionated and very readable with many illustrations.

Better Foot Forward: The History of American Musical TheatreAll That Glittered: The Golden Age of Drama on Broadway, 1919-1959
Rodgers & Hammerstein
Coming up Roses: The Broadway Musical in the 1950s
The American Theatre

First Black Actors On The Great White Way tells the stories of the actors, critics and others involved in the production of Three Plays for a Negro Theater in the early 1900s, examining changing race relations and perceptions in light of both wartime and theater production of the times. An intriguing survey of black acting's changes in an early period of American rights issues just emerging.

The First Folio of 1623, our most important single source for Shakespeare's plays, is now available in this attractive volume at a price that individuals can afford. Doug Moston has written a fine and informative introduction to this reprint, mainly from the vantage point of the needs of today's actors. But scholars and Shakespeare lovers will want to have this book, too, since the First Folio is of major importance for the establishment of Shakespeare's texts, and for checking the conjectures of generations of editors who have tried to "fix" readings in the text that they thought were misprints. This is an essential reference and a fun book to browse, too

Heather Henderson's Flip Side II provides a collection of sixty original monologues for teen actors which focus on issues of identity and presentation. From humorous issues to historical figures and fantasy, these very different monologues provide a fine variety of topics and acting skills. Both are recommended picks.

Boy, do these plays ever pack a bunch. With sex, secrets, family betrayal, homosexuality, incest, and a bevy of other topics, there's no telling how anyone could place these plays down. Machado is one of the best Cuban comedy writers I've read in ages. I've never laughed so much about the Bay of Pigs or Fidel Castro. I never thought I would. I really do hope these were supposed to be comedies, because each play makes me think of I Love Lucy - but with the edge of a soap opera. If these are not supposed to be comedies - well, I can't even begin to think that way. They simply have to be. There's no doubt about it!

A beautifully illustrated and informative book. What a great idea! Mrs.Tirabassi is a talented storyteller and teacher. She skillfully weaves the joy of the theatre experience and all its magic with facts and memorable information. Children will love the story and I learned many concepts about one of my favorite places on earth....the theatre. Throw in a few fairies and, well, you have a perfect book for all ages. Buy it, you will love it.

This book looks like it just came off the printing presses. Immaculate shape and the arrival time was weeks earlier than quoted. I would absolutely use this buyer again.

Forever Fog is that perfect one-act play that quickly draws you in and delivers a satisfying and surprising ending. This story about two sisters who are collaborating on a novel is perfect for community theater and aspiring actors looking for a sophisticated role with plenty of wit.