5 comments about August: Osage County.

1. If some fans of this play want an interesting opposite view of Osage County take a look at Pawhuska Kid's Stuff by Stevie Payne. This is the Osage County I remember growing up there.
   
   Cheers...................... ;-)Pawhuska Kids' Stuff: Memories of Pawhuska and Friends



2. The thought of giving up three or more hours to sit in a dark theater can make me depressed. Until something like this comes along! Just finished reading this play and so hope that I can get to NY to see it. I'm so glad this won the Pulitzer and so glad it premiered in Chicago at the Steppenwolf, as this is a play and a theater that truly deserve the recoginition.



3. August: Osage County is the best new American play I have seen in years. I saw the production on Broadway with the original cast and I was blown away! The characters are so raw and the humor and heartache so biting. I loved every minute of it and the three hours-plus zipped by in a flash. Anyone who did not like this show has to have their head examined or perhaps they are pretentious blow-hards...My husband and I found it to be absolutely riveting. We would see it again in a heartbeat. And I bought the script just so I could read it and absorb whatever may have been lost during the performance. I highly recommend this show and this script.



4. August: Osage County, is, quite simply, the best new American play in years. Brilliantly executed, and if you get a chance to see the original cast, brilliantly performed.
   
   Letts will most certainly win the Pullitzer mere days from now, and we can all hope that Morton will win the Tony for her amazing performance as Barbera, the eldest daughter of the Weston clan.



5. This play is without a doubt the best thing on Broadway this season---and it has been a season of brilliant plays. If this doesn't win the Tony and the Pulitzer, there is no jusitce. It reads almost as well as it plays on stage. Get thee to NY and see this gem. If you can't get to NY, then read it NOW!!

5 comments about WICKED: THE GRIMMERIE, A BEHIND-THE-SCENES LOOK AT THE HIT BROADWAY MUSICAL.

1. Wicked, the "true" story of the witches of OZ! What a wonderful concept and the play is so marvelous in making the story so believable. The book helps you see the underlying story in the Frank Baum, Wizard of OZ. If you haven't seen the play, the book will intrigue you enough to want to see it, again and again. If you have seen the play, then this book is a wonderful companion. While it has the usual pictures and glossy prints, it also has the script which is superb. The ending is missing from the script, so the play is a must see!!!



2. My 11 year old daughter saw Wicked in December 2007, and was immediately hooked! Soon after she saw the show, she found this book in our local chain bookstore, but decided not to buy it when she saw how much of her Christmas money she would have to spend. So, she patiently waited, until one day she saw it on Amazon for 1/3 less (plus free shipping). She bought it immediately, and has looked at it dozens of times since she got it. **I've looked at it a couple of times myself...** ;-)



3. I really wanted this book. But I did not want to pay the big bucks. So I was so glad that I got an e mail when it was at a lower price.
   
   Thank you



4. Great showcase for the show for those that have seen it or love the soundtrack. I liked how they showed how the stage was set up and they adapted it step by step. I wish there had been more of a libretto and more on what was going on in the story. But, if you carefully read some of the hints, the ending becomes pretty clear.



5. I've enjoyed this book very much. I read the WICKED novel, and then a heard about the Broadway Musical. I' ve seen some videos,but this book gave me a lot of interest in watching it live, although in it will be quite dificult in spain.

No comments about Balanchine Variations.

5 comments about Anything Goes.

1. john talks about the love he has for his partner Scott, family, and all of humanity it is funny and sad at times. all in all well worth the read feel rather sorry for some of these reviewers.



2. A FANTASTICALLY fun read! It would be worth it for the hilarious footnotes and pictures alone, but his stories of a life well lived are what make you want to hear more. I highly recommend the audiobook as well, even though it is abridged. After hearing him tell his own story, it just makes the unabriged book that much more enjoyable!
   
   Yes, Mr. Barrowman has an ego, and rightfully so. Why shouldn't he? He won the gene pool lottery hands down! He's an exceptional entertainer, which by definition requires a larger than life personality and he's boldly breaking all the stereotypes. The whole point of an autobiography is to give the reader the unvarnished truth and this book accomplishes that with great warmth and humor.
   
   Like he says. . . his ending is not yet written. I'm most definitely staying in my seat for the second act!



3. This autobiography makes him appear trite, petty and self-obsessed. Too bad since he's an enjoyable performer. Maybe that's all there is. By the end of the book, I thought, "Who cares?"



4. I was horrified by this egomanical performer and his Champagne-Lifestyles view on life. His anecdotes regarding his demand for brewed coffee and a tale of himself and that other monstrosity-Shirley Bassey are not for the faint-hearted.
   This book was not my cup of tea,to put it calmly.



5. A wonderful and charming book! I was laughing from page one. John talks about his family (I think the insanity is genetic), his coming out to his parents, singing as a little boy in Scotland and moving to the US when he was a child. Lots of stories of how he dealt with school bullies and even college bullies. Behind the curtains, insider secrets such as why it's bad luck to speak of the "that Scottish play" on a stage, and John's own superstitious phobias.
   
   I think what I liked best was that he was open and honest about himself, right down to humiliating moments. There was no catty gossip about other people, only a great love of his family, his partner, friends, and life itself. The pictures are great, too.
   
   It's a quick read, so spend a few hours with Barrowman. It'll make you feel good.

5 comments about Wicked - Piano/Vocal Arrangement.

1. I love the Broadway show and adore listening to the CD. But the music in this book is very difficult to play and enjoy. I'm an advanced intermediate who just plays the piano for fun, and so far, this hasn't been fun! I'll keep practicing - maybe it will become more enjoyable.



2. Many a time has this book come in handy. It is perfect for a recital or review type performance. If you have the talent and skill to actually play these pieces, kudos to you!



3. If you love the music from the musical, then you've found the right book. While some of the songs have teeny differences between the recording and what's written, it's not enough to make it awful. The range is simple weather you're a contralto or a first soprano. The accompnament is a bit of a challenge, but easy to overcome with practice.



4. Pieces seem to be very true to the original score. Four and Five sharps or flats is common. Multiple changes in time signature within the pieces. Great if you're comfortable playing difficult music.



5. I'm loving this book! The arrangements are a great difficulty level- challanging, but not impossible. No One Mourns the Wicked, Defying Gravity, Dancing Through Life, and What Is This Feeling are edited, but not that bad, and Thank Goodness is reduced to Glinda's solo, I Couldn't Be Happier.
   There's really no substitute for this book. The arrangements and the chords themselves are too complicated to pick up by ear. I'd encourage anyone who loves this musical and knows piano to invest in this book. It's a real keeper.

5 comments about Romeo and Juliet (Folger Shakespeare Library).

1. First of all, before I begin actually talking about the story itself, I congratulate Folger's edition for providing summaries in the beginning of each act and definitions of some words. You see, this edition is rather helpful as the story is located on the right pages and definitions and plot synopsis is on the left. This is for the people who cannot understand old English!
   
   Anyways, this was the first Shakespeare book I have ever read, and it is probably the same for all high school students. Obviously I know everyone knows that this is about a love story, so I won't bother mentioning that. I will add, however, that Shakespeare is a master at writing tragic dramas. He was also somewhat witty. It seems that if one pays close attention and reads the prologue, one will find out all that will happen in the plot. An explanation could be because that this was a play and people actually acted his stories out. Well, considering the times, it would not be presumptuous to say that during those times, the more talkative people would still be talking after the play begins, he uses the prologue to hush his audience, and naturally nobody would ever really pay attention to the prologue.
   
   Set around the Renaissance and in northern Italy, the play begins rather comically with sexual allusions and a big ruckus. You have to remember, that not only was Shakespeare's goal to write, but to entertain and make people laugh. He has many intended puns weaved into his story, which are really quite funny, if one reads hard enough.
   
   Shakespeare's forte is weaving a lot of imagery and figurative language in his dialogue. He would paint Juliet as the beautiful, but strong and determined woman bordering between the age of child and adulthood, a teenager. One can see that she is a rather rational thinker, whereas Romeo is impulsive and rash acting only on his emotions and disregarding the consequences. This was the thing that bugged me the most, Romeo's character, although he is a protagonist, I found it impossible to like him, rather I liked his best friend the most, Mercutio. He is the witty prankster who has to die because of Romeo's impulsive thinking, he seems to be the mediator between Romeo and his irrational love, always keeping him in check.
   
   This book is not very long, but the contents are quite deep, there is so much going on in each of Shakespeare's rhythmic sentences, that one just needs to stop and admire how much he can cram into just one sentence, it is just amazing. This makes for a very high re-readability.
   
   Anyone who has not yet read this book is simply deprived, and anyone who has chosen not to read it has sinned! (don't take this too seriously, I am just exaggerating so you guys get my point) So what are you waiting for? Enlighten yourself and discover the poetry in Shakespeare's iambic writing.



2. I can't review this item because it never made it to me. I received an email a few days later saying the money would be credited back to me (which it was). However, I have never had a problem with receiving shipments at my address. The seller claimed that my address was not found. I received something from a different seller just 2 days before though. I am not sure what address they tried to send it to, but it was not the one I gave. Unfortunately I had to find this book somewhere else. The book is a great find, however, and I am very pleased with it.



3. This was my first Shakespeare and it certainly won't be my last. While some people dislike this book for the "love at first sight" "stupidity" of the two, I think you need to try to get past that. I definitely agree that Romeo and Juliet are morons, but it makes for a nice story. Would you really want to watch a play about two people who court each other for years, get married to the happiness of their families, and have prosperous children? I sure wouldn't.
   
   So what if know in their right mind would ever act like? The play is written beautifully and it doesn't lag.



4. Romeo and Juliet is a beautiful story, and it is a marvellous play to introduce young people to the beauty of Shakespeare. Who doesn't like to read or hear about star-crossed lovers? Who hasn't already heard the legend? The play is easy to read as the plot moves along rapidly, and it's beautifully written. Romeo and Juliet are so tragic in their love, and the silly feud between their two families is so destructive and senseless. Read it for the story, but enjoy it for the beautiful prose.



5. Romeo and Juliet was an epic story the meaning of the story to me was two lovers with parents keeping them away from each other. I personally really liked the book because it tells people how you can't hide true love because then it would just make things worse for the both. What I don't like in the story how they have to argue over stupid reasons if there in love then there in love let it be forget about all those problems you used to have and think about how good the future could be. Then again why did the families start arguing in the first place to start of with? Both of the families are alike they got money and they also have many family members looking after them but they get in things there not suppose to. The whole theme of the story took place in Verona Italy that's were the two lovers grew up and have been there most of there lives. So therefore both of them end up seeing each other all they want is there family to just get along and they wont have to worry about them having to sneak out to see each other in the middle of the night so if I had to rate this story I would give it a 10 because it teaches you to never hide your love for some one and I agree with that.

5 comments about Sock and Glove: Creating Charming Softy Friends from Cast-Off Socks and Gloves.

1. I found this book very helpful in creating stuffed animals. The instructions are simple and easy to follow. There are also many various animals to choose from. I recommend it highly.



2. I love this book! The pictures are so whimsical. I have recommended it to several other crafty people that I know.
   The directions are very clear and the product - well, now I can create my own "folk art"!! At Easter time all the little people that I know got these zany looking rabbbits made from gloves...



3. This is the first japanese style craft book I have ever bought and it made me go out and buy several others, The projects are super cute and easy enough for a beginner such as myself. They only reason why I gave it a 4 was the title and the wording on the back cover and the "story" made it seem like these projects could be made with 1 sock or glove. All the projects require a set of gloves or socks. To me "cast off" means one random sock or glove missing it's partner. But no big deal- other than that really cute book.



4. This is really a neat book. I found out about it from an episode of Martha Stewart and had to get the book because the creatures are so adorable. The book has a storyline that introduces you to the dozen or so characters that you can make, and each character image shows you if you need a sock or a glove to make it.
   
   The instructions in the back are clear to follow and easy to read. It also says that you can do all the sewing by hand and I believe it.
   
   I can't wait to make a bunch of these as gift!



5. Great book! I made the dog and then the zebra (which turned out so adorable). Now I'm working on a bunny out of very soft, light blue gloves. I even made scarves for my dog and zebra. I can't wait to do the Panda and Elephant next. The pictures are too cute and the instructions along with graphics are easy to follow. If my bunny turns out as cute as the other animals I've made, I'm going to make a bunny (for Easter) for each of my nieces and nephews.
   
   If you're looking for easy-to-do and fun craft projects this is the book for you. It's easy and inexpensive and the project goes fairly quickly. I did most of the sewing by hand but it can easily be done on a machine if you want to speed up the process. I watched television with my family while I was making them and they turned out just perfect.
   
   I'm thinking about getting the other book by this author as well. Go ahead and give it a try - I think you'll love it!

5 comments about Film Directing: Shot by Shot: Visualizing from Concept to Screen (Michael Wiese Productions).

1. This is a book about all the types os shots, but it has a serious problem. The writer doesn't explain the emotional meaning of all those shots. If you read this book, you will know the positions and angles that a cameraman uses; but you won't know nothing about when and why employ this angles. Katz doesn't talk about the art of direction and the connection between the script and the camera shots.
   
   If you want to learn the complicated art of the direction you must read other more interesting books, like "Film Directing Fundamentals" by Nicholas Proferes. Also you can analyze an Hitchcock's movie "shot by shot". Any movie of Hitch is a master class.



2. I think this book is for frappe latte mocha double half calf drinkers. Lots of flowery exposition. If it's the only book you've ever seen on the subject, it'll teach you something (in a very confusing way). But if you've ever shot anything, or read another book on camera setups, etc., this will not add much to your knowledge.
   
   I even read it a 2nd time to see if I was just "overwhelmed" by info the first time--nope...there are other books that get to the nuts and bolts and practical info much better.



3. its easy to read, lots of info and hints. especially very helpful for camera moves and shooting angels. pictures are great and makes real easy to understand.



4. I have used this book numerous times for my teachings in which students go through the process of making a short film with certain limitations being imposed. It is part of a process that I call "fast filmmaking". I like the examples that Katz presents, specifically that it is not the quality of the drawing, but how the drawing communicates the director's vision to the rest of the crew. I will usually have a student "explain" their storyboard to the class, and it is amazing how a few chicken scratches can give as much details as a fully detailed storyboard. Kudos to Katz for explaining the creative aspect of directing, and Michael Weise Productions for publishing these types of books.



5. as a long-time reader of videographer's magazines, I didn't find much of interest in this book. If I were new to the trade, I'd probably have found it more useful. For that reason, I gave it a rather high rating of 4 stars

2 comments about Hiding in Plain Sight: The Secret Life of Raymond Burr.

1. I knew very little about "Perry Mason" but love that era of TV. Also "Rear Window" is my favorite Hitchcock film and Burr is so menacing in that. The author is very thorough in covering the story of this Canadian born (did not know that) and his career route through stage acting, into films and then into his famous TV roles. His efforts to hide his sexuality is amusing, especially considering the times, but is only a part of this famed actor's saga. Recommended for fans of TV and film who want a glimpse of behind the scenes life in Hollywood in the 40's. 50's and 60's.



2. I received the book yesterday and read it comfortably in two hours. The book really has nothing new or insightful about the life of one of my favorite all time actors, Raymond Burr. In a nutshell, he was only married once to Isabella Ward for a very short period of time, and the other two wives and son he claimed to have were bogus, designed to be able to tell the public and columnists, "I don't talk about that," when they pressed for info which might reveal his homosexuality. One tryst is mentioned which is nothing more than a supposed one night stand with another man, a bartender/female impersonator Raymond met...nothing shocking or particularly interesting. The bottom line is Raymond Burr was a loving, kind, generous and giving man. I would love to read a book/memoir by Barbara Hale, a true friend, or Robert Benevides, Raymond's significant other for his entire lifetime, who shared his home and life including the beautiful vineyard in California; that would be worth buying and reading...not this book. Such a disappointment and waste of time. Save your money.

5 comments about Hamlet (The New Folger Library Shakespeare).

1. If you ever thought about reading Shakespeare but was turned off or intimidated by the old english, not so with the new folger editions. Your basically reading the play on all the right sided pages , with the left pages reserved for all the definitions and explanations of the sayings and words that might be dificult to understand. This makes it very easy and enjoyable to read.



2. Hamlet is a book written by William Shakespeare. The book is very thrilling; it keeps you on your feet throughout the read. In the beginning it starts out with a family murder then it moves through incest then a big bang at the end as every major character is killed. This book goes to show that treason gets you know where.



3. What kind of idiot writes this tripe? This is allegedly a "Play" by some long-dead "Master".
   
   Well, let me tell, you: it's boring and derivative. It's about this Prince who doesn't get his father's throne, and feels all depressed about it for a while, and fights back against his uncle (who took the throne and married the prince's mother), to show everyone that it was actually the uncle who killed his father the king.
   
   Excuse me? Haven't we heard this before?
   
   Yep: Disney's "The Lion King".
   
   This is "The Lion King" dressed up in period clothes. Instead of "Simba", we've got "Hamlet". Instead of "Scar", we've got "Claudius". Instead of "Nala", we've got "Ophelia".
   
   And it's in "Denmark", instead of the African Plains. Denmark? Is that even a real country anymore? Anyways, it's called Europe, now; That's a part of London.
   
   And don't get me started on the language this writer used! It's all like it's from the Bible and stuff. Get rid of that, and use real words: Take a lesson from someone like Stephen King.
   
   Don't waste your time with this; watch "The Lion King", and you'll get it. And while you're at it, there's a bridge in Brooklyn I'm selling.



4. I'm going to take some hits for this (by rabid Shakespeare fans mostly), but this play, whether read in a straightforward manner, or analyzed to the hilt, is just somewhat better than mediocre.
   Most folks who would read this work know that Shakespeare's plays are broken down, at the top, into two groups: tragedies and comedies. Hamlet is a tragedy -- the limited humor that one finds herein is pretty darn subtle, (e.g., the comment about Englishmen all being mad). I do not criticise "Hamlet" for that actuality, in fact, I prefer the tragedies. However, the play, as plays go, is simply just so-so. I think folks get 'caught up' in the fact that this is SHAKESPEARE, and therefore, they are SUPPOSED to like it if they have an ounce of culture.
   For people who wish to delve into ecclectic classic works (of all genres), "Hamlet" is difficult to read (unless you're a genius, you sort of have to stumble along and concentrate on what has been said), due mostly to the archaic language. I think, to be a fan of Shakespeare, one must assidiously STUDY Shakespeare... and for those folks who just want 'to read some Shakespeare,' I think that "Julius Caesar" is a much better place to begin.
   The story about Hamlet is essentially a good tale, if a bit drawn out, but some of the details are what make it most interesting. Also, I like any story where madness is a facet of the discussion (I LOVED "The Brothers Karamazov," Dostoyevsky!)
   But to assert that this work is a wonderful read just because it's Shakespeare, is why I say: Methinks it is [just a bit] like a weasel.



5. Hamlet is a must read...end of review.
   No, seriously who can't pass up...
   "to be or not to be that is the question. Whether it is nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outragous fortune or to take on a sea of troubles and by opposing end them. To die to sleep..."
   You'll have to read the play to find out the rest.