Dance Books

This is a wonderful book. The author has done her homework and her picks from the famous to the forgotten were excellent choices. If she couldn't confirm a rumor, rather than speculate, or worse yet, sensationalize, she plainly stated the answer would probably never be found.

I recommend this book for all lovers of the silent era. I only wish that Ms.Golden could do full length bios on these people.

Before I read Eve's books, I couldn't tell Buster Keaton from Michael Keaton. I kept confusing Anita Page and Doris Hill with Anita Hill. This woman knows more about Virgina Bradford than Bradford herself. Her book has opened my eyes to the wonderful genre that is The Silent Movie. Eve has taught me not to laugh at the name Richard Dix. She's explained that Charlie Chaplin doesn't wear that moustache and glasses because he's in the Witness Protection Program.

I could go on forever about this book, but I think I'll leave you all with a quote from my favorite silent movie: " ".

Eve Golden as always does her homework on her subjects, and then brings them to life wth insight and warmth. A great collection of Hollywood's known and lesser-known characters-- briskly written, it's a good read.

This book provides 4-5 page biographies of many silent film stars. Some are very familiar to film buffs such as Rudolph Valentino, the Talmadge Sisters, etc. but others are not as familiar such as Martha Mansfield, Milton Sills, etc. Golden's writing style is so easy to read and she has done a great deal of research. Many of the biographies left you wanting to read a great deal more about many of these people. I would recommend this for all silent film buffs!

This wonderful book contains 41 short (5-6 pages each) biographies of silent film actors and actresses. Some like Clara Bow, William Haines, and Rudolph Valentino have been covered more in-depth by other biographers. However, there is no other book that covers the life and careers of Marie Prevost, Milton Sills, Arthur Johnson, Clarine Seymour, Harrison Ford (not Indiana Jones), Pearl White, and Wallace Reid. Even famous personalities who just made a few film appearances like May Irwin and Ormer Locklear are covered. Many of these performers died before the silent era was even over, which is why they are virtually unknown today. These essays were originally written for CLASSIC IMAGES magazine, but have been updated for the book. Ms. Golden's bios are well researched and very easy to read. If you are interested in silent film performers, you will want this book!

From the opening description of an eager and silent arrival at a nameless milonga, through the loving details of historical and musical significance, and with a thorough and conscientious discussion of the mechanics of the dance, Alberto Paz and Valorie Hart present a beautiful and invaluable resource for lovers, and future lovers, of Argentine Tango.

Theirs is a methodical approach, gleaned from a tireless dedication to understanding and teaching the structure of this dance, and they hold the keys to unlock for their readers the passion and wonder that so many tangueros worldwide have been fortunate enough to find.

Their detailed and descriptive text is accompanied by diagrams, photographs, and an accompanying DVD, all of which contribute to their enlightening discussion of the mechanics of Argentine Tango. It is well-ordered, logical, and thorough. I found their discourse on the musical history of tango to be especially fascinating, as well. It left me wanting more--and I hope that they do plan to give us more.

Paz and Hart's text is voiced richly and fully by the historian, by the musical theorist, by the accomplished dancer, by the compassionate and skilled teacher, and ever by the dedicated lover of tango. We are exceedingly fortunate to have this timeless resource by master teachers Alberto Paz and Valorie Hart.

I agree with a previous reviewer that it should be "required reading" for any student and lover of Argentine Tango!

The Tango was a slightly salacious dance that had its origins in the barrios of Argentina and went on to achieve widespread popularity in the dance halls of Europe and America in the early decades of the 20th Century -- a popularity in ball room dancing that persists to this day. Profusely illustrated and with an accompanying DVD, "Gotta Tango: Argentine Tango Anywhere, Anytime" is the collaborative work of Tango experts and instructors Albert Paz and Valorie Hart. Offering (quite literally) a step-by-step instruction guide, "Gotta Tango" is the ideal do-it-yourself manual for men and women wanting to master and then excel in their performance of this Latin American dancing tradition. All of the concepts, techniques, flourishes and flairs associated with the Tango are covered in depth and in detail. This book/DVD combination is the perfect format and forum for instruction for the novice dancer (as well as a perfect brush up resource for even experienced Tango dancers coming back to the dance after an absence) and is enthusiastically recommended for personal, dance school, and community library instructional reference collections.

This innovative combination of text and DVD provides a unique resource for tango dancers at any level and for instructors as well. We have recommended it to our own students and have found it an appreciated gift to other teachers.

The well-organized information carries the reader/viewer from the most fundamental aspects of the dance into the realm of complex techniques and improvisation, while providing a thorough understanding of concepts and dynamics behind the techniques along the way.

After a first reading, don't put it away. Both the book and the video will be valuable, long-term references.

Gotta Tango (Book & DVD)
Compact, informative and fun, this integrated digital and print textbook should be "required reading" for all students of Argentine Tango. It is not another coffee-table Tango book. Myth-busters Paz and Hart concentrate the founding history, culture and traditions of the Tango in the initial chapters. They follow this with clear and concise explanations of all the core movements; the text integrates seamlessly with the DVD chapters. All material is representative of the essential elements of Tango covered in some of the most expensive and exclusive classes around the world. Unlike many other "master" teachers, this American-Argentine duo clarifies every term and movement with precision and elegance. Both novice and expert have much to learn from "Gotta Tango".

GOTTA TANGO (Book and DVD)

There are several excellent reviews that have already been written describing the contents of "Gotta Tango", and its long term importance as a tango resource.

What I want you to understand is something of its revolutionary significance and value as a teaching tool. Everyone knows the old adage `those who can, do, and those who can't teach.' In the case of Paz and Hart, it should read `those who can do, should do, and leave the teaching to someone who really knows how to teach!' They are among the few who not only understand and can effectively communicate the structure of the dance...their brilliance as teachers has allowed them to present the material in a variety of creative ways, so that it is accessible to students with varying learning styles.

There is first the written text, expressing an overview of the concepts being presented. Then there are step by step directions on how to properly execute the particular movements. There are diagrams (cleverly drawn from above) so one can grasp the pattern and flow of the movements, and there are photographs, allowing one to see the authors executing the steps. Each section of material also references the accompanying DVD, where one can see the movements in motion. The DVD has voice over as well as printed text-over so one can reinforce the visual concepts that way as well.

In short, if you read this book, you are going to dance better. If you don't yet dance, you are going to want to dance, joining the tangueros and tangueras of past and future times, sharing Valorie and Alberto's love and passion for the tango.

Jim Cox has done a wonderful job of recalling the most popular soap operas of radio's past. This book would make a great addition to any student's or collector's library of media related books. As an author, I fully appreciate the time and effort that went into this beautifully produced and informative book and congratulate everyone involved in its preparation.

Sometimes the truly good books are those that cover the aspects of network broadcasting that are not always best remembered. One obscurity is radio soap operas. And to think Jim Cox actually spent the time to compile information about thirty plus radio soap operas is magnificent. True documentation from an author who must love the OTR hobby. Sadly, the only thing going against it is the expensive price (obviously from McFarland who doesn't sell books at low prices for fans, only to University and College Libraries). This book, unlike many McFarland has put out, offers a neat photographic cover. One great thing I can say about this book (and you have to read it to understand what I'm saying), it was such an enjoyable read that I won't part with mine. You'll have to buy one of yoru own.

Okay. Soap operas on radio is not my strong point. In fact, I have very little in my collection. But I purchased a copy of this book (requested from a bookstore) and it's a must have. Cox is probably one of the best authors we have to document old-time radio and he digs into subjects we disregard. One thing I can really say this book did is make me order various cassettes from my favorite old-time radio dealer to listen to. More soap operas. That's exactly what a book should do. If you don't know much about this subject or want to hear some interesting stories, I recommend you add this to your collection. The cover is hardback trade, but with a glossy cover instead of cloth like most Mcfarland books. I like it.

This book is invaluable to the student of media as well as those who have memories of these wonderful programs. I have used the information in this book in teaching media classes to generate a better understanding of how entertainment forms came into being. This is also a great read in and of itself and a book to revisit often.

As the editor of an Old-Time radio club newsletter, I received a complimentary copy of "The Great Radio Soap Operas" from the publisher. While I was not a fan of radio soap operas, I decided to read and review this book.

Don't let the title keep you from seeking out this book. It is much, much more than a book on radio soap operas. Jim Cox has written a GREAT BOOK, including comprehensive histories of 31 of network radio's most durable soap operas. Don't be disappointed if one of your favorite "soaps" doesn't have its own chapter. Many others are also discussed in this book.

Each of the series covered in depth includes extensive information on casts, writers, production personnel, sponsors, ratings, dates on the air, and time slots. There is biographical information on many actors, producers, directors, & writers. Also, the opening lines for many soap operas are included. You'll also find interesting appendices and an excellent annotated bibliography.

Jim Cox manages to blend facts, entertaining anecdotes, scripting and plotting techniques, plot lines, and a generous portion of Radio history into a highly informative, readable, & enjoyable book. No small feat in deed! This book really captures the vitality of radio soap operas in such a way that the reader feels like the shows are still on the air. Even though the last radio "soap" went off the air over four decades ago, they live on in Jim's book. The love of his subject matter clearly shows through. "The Great Radio Soap Operas" is a book well worth adding to your Old-Time Radio library.

Once I finished reading the book and wrote the review, I turned the book over to the Club's Library. Then I placed an order with the publisher and purchased a copy of "The Great Radio Soap Operas" for my own.

I've always been interested in theatre and movies, but when I was a kid and even in my mid-thirties, even though I've published books, getting involved in movies seemed like suddenly wanting to become President of the United States. So I bought this book and refer back to it whenever aspects of producing an indie film seem daunting. This book's beautiful and great. GIRL DIRECTOR is another fun book (although originally for little girls). So you should buy this book if you can afford such a beautiful hard cover photograph book, and support the authors so publishers know we're out here and interested.

At first glance, it's a tasteful coffee table addition. Upon closer inspection, it gets intense. The photos, more than mere portraits, are actual tableaus of each subject acting out their careers (in all aspects of filmmaking) in a thought-provoking way. Either in a fantasy setting or an actual on-the-job setting-- sometimes whimsical, sometimes confrontational-- it's apparent that each subject worked with the photographer and author closely to create a unique representative visual statement. This, in union with the insightful written profiles and savvy graphical layout, make for a book that joyfully celebrates the previously little-known world and work of women in film production and the progress they will continue to make in the future.

I just can't say enough about this book. It's inspiring on so many levels. For some, it will give a glimpse into what it takes to make it in the movie business. For others, the photos will serve as a reminder that art and beauty are all around us! I love that the authors didn't just focus on celebrities (although there are several of those, too), but they found great women in a variety of interesting fields. The photos are breathtaking, especially the great shots of Jodie Foster--amazing! I highly recommend this book, as well as the previous book by these folks, "Screenwriters: America's Storytellers in Portrait."

As a woman who is about to embark on the exact same journey this book is all about, I found this text so encouraging. It has become my second Bible. Helena Lumme brings together a mix of inspiring women in tbe film industry. Their insight and experience in the film business is not only refreshingly honest, but inspirational as well. From the early days of film making to the present, women have been a major part of the moviemaking process. It makes me proud to not only be a woman but hopefully become a part of a wonderful legacy of a daring and courageous women. The information is all encompassing to the passion they each feel about not only their work but the journey they took to get there. Mika Manninen photography not only puts a face on most of these unseen women but also captures their very soul in the lens. My heartfelt thanks go to not only Lumme but the women she interviewed for this piece.

As a woman in film school at USC, I craved books like this. Usually what I found was dry text giving me a history lesson, accompanied by some poorly reproduced photos. I opened Great Women of Film and discovered something completely different. This is a book that wants to inspire its readers, through its variety of subjects, presented in bold and evocative portraits, with interviews chock full of realistic advice and lessons learned. There are no stories of nepotism or unearned breaks, each of these women took risks, worked hard and fearlessly dedicated themselves to their crafts. These are woman in front of and behind the camera, directors, writers, set decorators, producers, cinematographers, and special effects artists. As I read, I wished each woman could be my mentor, then I realized that's exactly what this book offers--the advice, wisdom, and can-do encouragement of accomplished women who want to see more of us out there with them. The film industry may still be a male-dominated world, but I would pay double to see a movie whose crew was made up solely of these Great Women of Film. Oh, and the book concludes with an index of resources, from schools to non-profits to guilds and unions that exist to help women in film.

This book happened to be published at a time when several of my friends were getting married and it makes an excellent bridal shower gift for the friend who loves old movies. This book is similar in set up to Schreier's other great book "Hollywood Dressed & Undressed" in that there are photos of movies with a bit of text and director and costuming credits. It is a simple set up, but it lets you view the fabulous wedding scenes in films through the years, such as "Haystacks and Steeples" (1916) or "Show People" (1928) up to newer films like "Where The Heart Is" (2000) or "Runaway Bride" (1999). Scattered throughout are photos of real celebrity weddings such as that of Norma Shearer and Irving Thalberg (1927) or Shirley Temple and John Agar (1945). Great book by this great fashion historian who owns the largest private collection of 20th century couture!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading the stories and studying the pictures. Hollywood Gets Married focuses on a very important aspect of the movies and movie stars-weddings and all the trappings that go with getting married and unmarried. You can enjoy the beautiful pictures of brides, but all along you know that the real stories are what happens to the people, both as film characters and in real life.
If you are a film buff, get this book. Its focus on Hollywood weddings is lively and informative. If you love movies, you will love the book.

What a wonderful book! I just loved all the pictures and the fabulous stories. And this is not a book about weddings, but about Hollywood...such fun! It is the perfect gift for anyone who likes to be entertained.

Sandy Schreier's "Hollywood Gets Married" is a delectable bon-bon of a book, and great reading for anyone who is either starstruck or interested in movie costume design. She admits in her foreword to being subject to those twin little girls dreams of a) being a movie star and b) being a bride, and her infectious enthusiasm for both subjects comes across brilliantly here.

Schreier offers us a delightful overview of Hollywood weddings here, with everything from silent films to modern-day set pieces to real-life Hollywood brides in both their Hollywood and their personal incarnations as brides. As you might expect, there are some omissions here (what, no Liza Minnelli? No Cher? No Lucille Ball? No Jane Fonda?), but for the most part, Schreier does a super job of hitting high points of Hollywood wedding lore including, of course, the much-married Elizabeth Taylor (who graces the front cover of the book and gets her own special section inside).

Aside from the terrific photographs--many of which I'd never seen, and I own entirely too many movie-oriented books--the eye candy is more than matched by the many anecdotes, like:

1) Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy's bridal gown designer was African-American;
2) "Bride of Frankenstein" actress Elsa Lanchester's bridal hairdo in the film was inspired by ancient profiles of Egyptian queen Nefertiti;
3) Olivia de Havilland kept her Dior costumes from the 1962 bridal picture "Light in the Piazza" and when she sold them later at auction, the successful bidder was the House of Dior, buying them for their collection;
4) Marilyn Monroe's gown from her first marriage (at age sixteen in 1942) was later worn, sans sleeves, by Monroe's niece on her first date.

This is a wonderful book and reading it is a completely pleasant way to spend an hour or two.

Hollywood Gets Married put a huge smile on my face! It's so exciting reading through all the funny antetodes and trust me, the Hollywood pictures are GREAT. I had read Hollywood Dressed & Undressed - Schreier's previous book - which I loved by the way, but this one I think is even better!

If you're a fan of Hollywood then you need to be a fan of Schreier's - buy the book.

I'll admit (and, probably, commit) the tediousness of many reviewers. Sanctimonious and certain, they often slash and burn their way across a landscape that they know only as outsiders. But now and then you find someone who understands a topic deeply, has experience in it, and a sharp and humane eye, all while being amusing. I'd place John Heilpern in this category if his work didn't do so itself.

Theater critic for the New York Observer, Heilpern is passionate about the topic, has seen his own plays produced, and has an unusually keep wit. Although his latest book is a biography of the British playwright, John Osborne, I came across How Good Is David Mamet, Anyway?, which came out in 1999, in a used book store. I'll confess to never having read Heilpern's work before - it was the title that got me, as I'm not the world's largest Mamet fan, at least in the non-fiction of his that I've read of late. And it's fairly unusual for someone in the theatrical community to take on a contemporary icon.

But take him on Heilpern did, as well as writers at the New York Times, American anglophilia, Disney Land (the new name for Broadway), and other topics. At the same time, he's anything but mean-spirited. Many of his pieces put praise where he thinks it's due and tries to analyze what is good and bad about productions. Many of his observations run from the droll to the uproariously funny. And where else can you get a delightful transcript of a lunch between Sir John Gielgud and Sir Ralph Richardson.

If you've any regard for theater, or for intelligent criticism of any sort, you should be tickled with this book. Now I'll have to get hold of a copy of his Osborne biography.

I read this book, found some of the most entertaining, informative and lively criticism I've ever encountered, and came to this page to see what others were saying about it. Reading the slams by Booklist and Kirkus made me wonder if I'd completely misunderstood "How Good Is David Mamet, Anyway?" But then I read the raves from Salon and Tony Kushner and other readers, and wondered who the heck is reviewing for Booklist and Kirkus. Booklist calls it "daily journalism," but then the NY Observer apparently is a weekly. It's amusing that Kirkus ends its review recommending a trip to the theater--if their writer got out more, he or she might notice on a theater marquee that it's NOEL Coward, not NOL. (Sorry, my keyboard can't make the little double dots to go with the correct spelling.) A howler like that basically nolifies the rest of the review. You won't be seeing the collected works of either of these critics appearing in bookstores anytime soon.

John Heilpern is without question the best critic of his generation, and his reviews in the weekly "New York Observer" can't be beat! Make plans to buy this collection from the most important living theater critic and England's best export since Archie Leach!

John Heilpern is without question the best critic of his generation, and his reviews in the weekly "New York Observer" can't be beat! Make plans to buy this collection from the most important living theater critic and England's best export since Archie Leach!

At last, readers beyond the subscription list of the New York Observer have the opportunity to read one of the most gifted--and funniest--writers around. As it happens, this book is a collection of his writing on theater (save for the non-theatrical, though rivetingly dramatic, account of Heilpern's struggle with a murderous roommate named Jack the Cat), but this work is a delight for anyone who appreciates finely tuned yet uproarious humor, a handsome prose style and a sensibility that is at once erudite, entertaining and inviting. How good is John Heilpern's "How Good Is David Mamet, Anyway?" anyway? Peerless.

This is a great book. Ellie and Denny really know their stuff. I've been an Agent, Manager and partner in [...] and this is one of the best books I've read on auditioning. Actors face an incredible amount of rejection in their careers, it's unfortunate but it's a fact of life in this business. This book arms the actor with the tools they need to maximize the potential for success in each audition.

Michael Packenham

As a talent agent, I've had the pleasure of dealing with Ellie directly and I can honestly say that she's someone who really cares about actors. And let's face it. If you want a book about casting, you should buy one that's written by a real casting director, not an out of work actor. This book gets a big thumbs up from me.

Ellie Kanner is an expert and experienced casting director. Denny Martin Flinn is a skilled and successful screenwriter. Kanner and Flinn combine their respective talents and insights in How Not To Audition: Avoiding The Common Mistakes Most Actors Make. This outstanding and "real world" based advice guide for earning that crucial role offers the aspiring actor a wealth of practical suggestions, illustrative examples, and a hard-won wisdom derived from long years of personal experience. How Not To Audition is a superb guide which is enthusiastically recommended for anyone with a serious interest in establishing themselves with a performing career in theater, film or television.

Ellie Kanner and Denny Martin Flinn's book is mandatory reading for any actor smart enough to realize that it all starts with the audition, and can just as easily end there. How NOT to Audition is the definitive insider's guide to successfully navigating the complicated maze of auditions and landing that all-important role in film, TV and theatre.

Kanner and Flinn detail the common errors that most inexperienced actors make when auditioning and help guide readers around the hidden pitfalls. How NOT to Audition gives details on proper etiquette during auditions and cold readings and includes strategies and techniques that will help any actor nail that part. While Kanner and Flinn can't guarantee actors a gig, they can guarantee that if they follow these simple guidelines, they will have a more successful auditioning experience.

Ellie Kanner has been a casting director for the past 14 years. She cast the pilots of Friends, The Drew Carey Show and co-cast HBO's Sex and the City, among others.

Very informative. It discusses everything from unions, resumes, headshots, production roles, audtion after-events, and everything in between.

When i first started reading this interesting magic book,i thought it would be about the magic tricks performed .It's really a biographical book about the magicians,whose magicial craftsmanship made them world famous.The book is packed with magicial history.The halls and theatres where they were staged,for the captivated and spellbound audiences.Seventeen chapters for the famous conjurers of yesterday and today.Five chapters for the development of our modern magic, based on the art from the ancient sorcerer-priests.There are many pages dedicated to diagrams,colorful artwork,photos,and illustrations.The book was written by the late magician Milbourne Christopher and collaborated upon by his wife ,Maurine Christopher.If you are enthralled by the feats,of the famous magicians of today and those from yesteryear,this book elucidates the lives of these fascinating mystifiers.Awesome book on stage magic history.

After seeing this book on several times at my local magic shop, I finally bought it here. The list price is (...), but I paid less (...) here and it was new in plastic wrap too. It is an absolutely fabulous book with very detailed illustrations and numerous color picture. Worth much more than they ask for! It's an invaluable reference also for magic lovers!

This is one of my favorite magic books. I have to go back and look at it from time to time. Great stories- great pictures. -Diamond Jim Tyler

This is not a book on "How to do Magic" but on the History of Magic and the expert conjurers and Illusionist of all times. It's extremely well written with detail accounts of parlor and stage magic stories. If you are a serious Magician, this is a most for your private collection. As a close-up Magician, I have learned many strateties, and this Book served me and inspired me to continue with my craft.
By, Rasputin

This book is full of all kinds of magical history and theory. Whether you are a practicing magician, a magic hobbiest or just enjoy reading an interesting historical story... this book is a "Must Read".

A very good look at stage craft management. Pleasingly
technical and to the point. Good stuff.

There are a few grammar and even mathematical mistakes in the book, but overall it does its job.

John Holloway's stagecraft textbook, "Illustrated Theatre Production Guide", is an excellent introductory text to basic scenery construction and stage work. The text is clear and succinct with carefully drawn illustrations providing instructions on the use and operation of stage equipment and the construction of useful scenic elements. Mr. Holloway's direct manner of writing makes the book very readable and easily accessible to students of theatre technology. The information included is thorough and very valid for any theatre program and the volume will prove to be a solid reference text for any technical theatre program. It has proven to be successful in the classroom and helpful to the beginning as well as the seasoned stage practitioner. The illustrations are particularly helpful in further clarifying scenery construction and operations. I recommend this text for any beginning or advanced stagecraft class.

Have you ever been interested in theatre production? Then this is one book you should definately read. It contains thorough instructions on the construction of modern scenery and discusses these topics with a wry humour. The topics of this book are broad and range from welding steel frames to the use of styrofoam forms to replicate stone structures. Holloway starts each section with an explanation of the tools that are commonly used and why. The "why" part of this book gives you the information necessary to synthesize your own new ways of construction and create anything you can imagine.

John Holloway's book Illustrated Theatre Production Guide is a great choice for any novice or skilled person wishing to take their creative ideas and put them on the stage. The practical advice provides a step by step guide to constructing the basic set pieces like platforms, flats, steps etc. Illustrated pictures of each step make the amateur or professional set designer able to construct their designs with little or no technical knowledge. It's the "Set Construction for Dummies" answer for the beginner and the "go to" book for the educated.
I was a theatre major in college 20 years ago and if I had a book with this kind of information, in a step by step, illustrated guide, it would have made my life so much easier! It is a book to own.

This book represents a life time of knowledge of practical technical theatre information. It doesn't treat you like you should already know this information. It is easy to read and spells out the smallest of details so that if you have never picked up a hammer you can use this to construct your design.

If I could only buy one book to instruct me as a "How to guide" this would be it.

"For theater lovers, this holiday brings books that should satisfy even the pickiest soul. My favorite is a gossipy portrait of Broadway over the past 60 years - IT HAPPENED ON BROADWAY, AN ORAL HISTORY OF THE GREAT WHITE WAY..... It's fun to browse in (lots of nice pictures), but addictive as a bag of potato chips."

IT HAPPENED ON BROADWAY: AN ORAL HISTORY OF THE GREAT WHITE WAY By Myrna Katz Frommer & Harvey Frommer

The Bloomsbury Review, November-December 1998

What better way to write a history of the last fifty years of Broadway theater than to get the information from those who made it all happen! The Frommers have compiled an oral history that is told by many of those wonderfully talented, hardworking people who spared no effort to create great hits and, yes, occasionally, flops. More than one hundred actors, directors, choreographers, producers, composers, lyricists, and playwrights as well as set, costume, and lighting designers, extras, and publicists have contributed to this deliciously enjoyable compilation of material about the great white way.

It Happened on Broadway is filled with background information about the Broadway shows of the last half century, and the successes, failures, struggles, and uncertainties of many personalities. Many interviewees have been household names for generations, others are just achieving recognition, and some names are not likely to mean much to most readers. Yet they all bring us some of the most interesting experiences and insights about the Broadway theater of recent years. One wonders how the Frommers managed to persuade so many luminaries to share their tales.

The first chapter "Broadway Calling," should be required reading for every theater student, aspiring actor, and budding theater professional. To hear Carol Channing, Jerry Herman, Betty Buckley, Manny Azenberg, Betty Comden and Adolph Green, Al Hirschfeld, Richard Kiley, Leslie Uggams, Louise Lasser, Charles Durning, Patricia Neal, Jerry Zaks and many more tell how they got started in their careers is an education in itself and makes for superbly entertaining reading as well.

Much of the book is devoted to musicals, since those were the majority of "name" Broadway shows of the last half century, but there are also stories of the Theater Guild, from Eugene O'Neill and Bernard Shaw to William Inge and Sean O'Casey and the last week of Clifford Odets, and about the extraordinary talents of Arthur Miller and Tennessee Williams and such performers as Marlon Brando and Tallulah Bankhead. Celeste Holm tells how her Broadway career began when she was cast by Lynn Fontanne in The Time of Your Life together with Gene Kelly and William Bendix. And there is talk about the groundbreaking impact of Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun.

In one chapter "Look, Look, Look Who's Dancin' Now," Gwen Verdon, Marge Champion, Donna McKechnie and others share stories about Agnes DeMille, Jerome Robbins, Gower Champion, Bob Fosse, and the creation of Chorus Line and Chicago.

Most new shows go through a difficult gestation period before they are ready to be presented to the public. In some instances, a late edition of a song or conversely, deletion of some material can turn a potential loser into a future hit. Backstage tales, candid comments on their own performances and those of their fellow actors, the roundabout ways in which producers obtained production rights, often after years of effort, all make for fascinating reading.

This book gives the rare opportunity to hear the comments of those who were involved in the creation of Guys and Dolls, Cabaret, Zorba, Wonderful Town, On the Twentieth Century, The Will Rogers Follies, Annie, Nine, Grand Hotel, Titanic, and many, many more.

To sum up, the Frommers have combined these interviews and stories into a rich, seamless, history that masterfully captures the essence of Broadway's last five decades in a most enjoyable fashion. _____ __

Paging through this book is like stepping back through those years in the mid to late 20th Century when Broadway was bursting with fresh talent and wonderous creativity. Fantastic photos (many of which I have not seen elsewhere) and the collected personal memories of an army of Broadway veterans. Instead of muddying these memories with reams of connecting text, the editors have grouped related anecdotes into chapters and let those who lived this history speak for themselves. A great read for anyone who loves the theatre -- Broadway in particular.

This is a one of a kind Broadway book. The stories, the photos, the whole feel . . .it is like table hopping at Sardi's.

The stars, both onstage and off, that have helped create the Broadway theatre of today have committed their lives to one of the most important and vital of all the arts. This book gives them their due in a way few others have. It Happened on Broadway is a very well-done book recording for posterity the fine tradition that is Broadway theatre, using almost entirely the words of the people that actually lived their lives there. It is funny, touching, englightening, and a must-read for anyone who loves Broadway and theatre as much as those in the book who gave their lives to it.