5 comments about Ingrid: Ingrid Bergman, A Personal Biography.

1. Having had a close, sweet friendship with Ingrid the last 12 years of her life, I can easily say that Ms Chandler's remembrances of Ingrid, marked by numerous interviews of family, friends & collegues rings very true!
   Being privy to many personal aspects of Ingrid's life, visits to Choisel, dinners in Paris & London, etc., I was swept with nostalgia & memories of dear Ingrid as I read this marvelous story picturing Ingrid as she really was in her life.
   Following a less than nice review of a play in London, Ingrid was appearing in, she wrote to me about that notice & said: "Let the dogs bark
   the caravan moves on!" Typical Bergman.
   Unpretentious, caring, sweet, natural, I loved Ingrid dearly, as a friend!
   This book says it all!



2. very disappointing no new facts or interesting untold published background on the star.



3. This book was purchased as a gift, and the recipient was very well pleased.
   It has great interest to people, women particularly, who were living during the period of Ingrid Bergman's stardom and scandal.



4. This book tells a very human story about the life of Ingrid Bergman from the time of her parents before she was born, to her early life after her mothers death, to being an actress in Sweeden Hollywood and Italy to being a wife three times and mother of four including Isabella Rossalini.
   
   Great Book, Very interesting life!



5. This was a well-written story about Ingrid Bergman...I had seen her in several movies but did not know about her background. Just things I had read and heard about her. The author really captured her fascinating life in detail from her birth until her death...and revealed how Ingrid Bergman felt about the things that were happening to her throughout her life. I thought the book was a page turner and I couldn't put it down.

5 comments about Urinetown: The Musical.

1. Absolutely fantastic is really all I can say about this. Each line is more clever than the next and the music is absolutely genius. Each song is unique and each lyric has value. The show has a great message and is hilarious. I've read the script and listened to the music at least 50 times and I still laugh out loud every time. I can't even pick my favorite song or scene or say anything bad about it.



2. I used this book in our amateur production of the musical and I recommend this script. The pictures and story behind the musical was interesting.



3. I always thought "Forum" was the best musical written but that is now in second place to Urinetown. This one also has a lot to think about as a commentary on our times. Shouldn't be missed.



4. Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) in Reno is performing this play in March 2006. I should add that it is one of the first community theaters to get the rights to producing this still-running show. Having the book in this format has been very helpful while blocking the show instead of lugging around the bulkier copies provided to us; however, as the Music Director pointed out, the lyrics written in the book don't exactly match what is in the score. But if you are an aficionado of Broadway Musicals, this is a fun book to have!



5. UrineTown was, i believe, the most unique musical ever been created! The Concept of this play was just fall-to-the-floor funny and has gone beyond what we see in broadway throughout the years. but what this show has is great characters and some witty dialogue and lyrics. It's unique concept gave the script strength and power and was a fame for all viewers who went out and saw it.
   
   I encourage anyone who has heard little of Urinetown to go out and give it a shot. Maybe it could be a well-known musical some day.

1 comments about Mind Magic: Extraordinary Tricks to Mystify, Baffle and Entertain.

1. I do a couple of tricks from the book. It teaches you a little about some of the fundamental aspects of magic, but the setting and situational instruction is kind of corny. I liked the street magic books a lot better.

3 comments about La Jetée: ciné-roman.

1. Image and emotion move as you turn the pages. Marker's images are extraordianry in their power to evoke so much humanity in each still.



2. This book takes the film shot by shot giving you clear images that you can't see on the vhs copies in release. This is the best way of taking a close look at the film that has inspired so many filmmakers over the years.



3. I first saw this in college about five years ago. It was in an art class where we were discussing time. This was before 12 monkeys came out and people had never seen a film of such complexity (at least in Hollywood). Each still was posted on the screen and a movie was created in your mind. Thinking back I thought I had seen a full movie when really I only saw a few stills. It was amazing. I highly recommend this book to those who loved 12 monkeys for it's artsy complexity and I also recommend it to those who hate mainstream movies and love solely art films. The reason I liken this book to film is because after reading this book you feel like you just watched a movie like Brazil or The City of Lost Children!

5 comments about Rent.

1. This book has everything you need if you are interested in more than just the movie. The whole script is included. Interviews with the entire cast! The whole story of how rent was created, start to finish. It is worth every penny and is the only rent book you'll ever need.



2. An absolute necessity for any renthead. only complaint is it is written early on in the broadway run but really that is the end of the story mostly.
   rent has etched itself into my psyche like a weevil. there is not a morning that i wake up that one of the songs is not in my head. i sell music and i have never came across a group of music that has had this effect on me.
   perhaps the story of larson's early demise colors it and adds that extra tragic twist that keeps it inside your soul but whatever it has provided the most joyus ride into musical bliss that i have ever experienced yet.
   (move over "pet sounds", "west side story", "toy matinee" & "eli & the 13th confession".
   the book is laid out well, quite informative. even has comments from the pit band (who are essential).
   GET THIS if you have to futher feed your rent needs.
   viva la vie bohem.



3. I wasn't a big fan of "Rent" until I saw the movie, and when I read this book, it gave me a bigger meaning to the play/movie.
   
   Warning: This is just for fans of "Rent". Those who haven't seen the movie will get into the story of how it was made, but not as much the screenplay.



4. The life of Jonathan, how Rent was born, how it still grows... The neverending story of the musical that changed (and continues changing) the world. A MUST for every renthead, but also for everyone who likes this musical (both the stage version or the movie). A lot of informations, photos, the musical script...
   You HAVE TO BUY IT!!!
   ...it made me cry... it's SO real... and SO full of love... AMAZING!!!



5. Daughter is "Rent Head" she cried of happiness when she received for Christmas so That gets 5++++ Stars in my book.

5 comments about Audrey Style.

1. If you admire Audrey Hepburn, you'll enjoy this book. This is my inspiration for my sewing projects.



2. Even though I'm definitely an AH fan, I thought that the author went overboard with praise for Miss Hepburn's personal qualities. No doubt AH herself would be embarassed to read all this fawning and adulation.
   
   This book attempts to combine into one an AH biography and an analysis of her fashion style. Unfortunately, both fall short. The only worthwhile text was the introduction by Hubert de Givenchy.



3. I think Audrey Hepburn will be eternally remembered not only as one of the kindest and most generous women that has ever volunteered for Unicef, but to us women as a timeless, most graceful role model of style. She's the perfect embodiment of the adagio that in elegance less is more. Her streamlined, understated style that yet made one of the biggest statements in fashion history continues to be an inspiration to us women of the 21st century despite the forty years that separate us from "Breakfast at Tiffany's." Clarke Keogh's book captures Audrey's spirit like no other. It is beautifully illustrated and there are contributions from Hubert de Givenchy, Ralph Lauren or Gregory Peck, among other people who generously share with us souvenirs of this angel of grace that they had the chance to meet in person. Her wardrobe and makeup are meticulously reviewed and this book will prove an invaluable tool and source of inspiration for all those women who want to bring more elegance and refinement into their lives. One of the best assets in your style bookcase and one that you will gladly pass down to generations of graceful women to come.



4. If they reprinted this without any words, it would get 5 stars.
   
   Random examples of the writing:
   
   "'Oh, they were fated to meet,' says Connie, curiously choosing the exact same words used to describe Audrey's friendship with Givenchy." (Like OMG! Someone said Audrey was _fated_ to meet Givenchy! And someone else said she was _fated_ to meet another person!)
   
   "... she intones with the well-bred vowels of a Farmington girl, with some of her old boss, Diana Vreeland, thrown in for emphasis."
   
   Pamela Clarke Keogh comes off like an untalented high school student in a creative writing class. You know the sort, under the impression that bludgeoning the reader with random vignettes and a morass of clauses is "descriptive."
   
   And don't get me started on the over-the-top hagiographic nature of this book. Look, I love Audrey as much as the next person. Probably more. But how many quotes like "and she couldn't have been sweeter! So gracious! Beyond gracious! Heavenly!" do we need? There's such a thing as praising so much it becomes meaningless.



5. It's putting the quirky details together that makes this book more revealing than the standard saccharin drenched puff piece.
   
   For example, Hepburn is quoted as saying that she wears a size 8 1/2 shoe, while the author clearly states later in the book that Hepburn wore a size ten.
   
   Her mother's quotes, if accurate, provide convincing evidence that the Baroness Von Heemstra was more than a little jealous of her far more beautiful daughter.
   
   The author's claim that Audrey "didn't eat during times of stress" directly contradicts close friends Audrey Wilder and Doris Brynner, who claimed that Hepburn loved to eat. As for her staying so thin due to malnutrition that "permanently altered her metabolism", this is unlikely. According to the author, Hepburn speaks of gaining twenty pounds early in her career. Other bios confirm this. Perhaps in later years Hepburn simply watched what she ate.
   
   According to the author, Hepburn washed her hair every four or five days. She SMOKED. Whew, draw your OWN conclusions about that one!
   
   I've found Robert Wolders a bit creepy ever since I read about him in "Queenie", a superb biography of Merle Oberon. From Merle to Audrey to Shirlee Fonda; this guy clearly has a THING for wealthy, older glamour girls. He's always described as an actor/businessman. Hmmmmmmm.
   
   An additional strength of this book is its focus on her personal fashion philosophy--not just her association with Givenchy.
   
   Audrey Hepburn is my absolute favorite and always will be. She had many lessons to teach; not only about beauty and elegance, but also about tolerance, grace and kindness. No star of today can compare.
   
   PS-I'm just tucking into the Barry Paris book, which is FAR more in depth. I recommend following Audrey Style with this one if you haven't already read it.

No comments about Spring Awakening: A Play.

5 comments about The Art of Voice Acting, Third Edition: The Craft and Business of Performing for Voice-Over.

1. James Alburger wrote this book some years ago. In fact, he's on his 3rd edition! And this book is still so in style. Having worked in voice-over for a number of years here in Los Angeles I can honestly say that Mr. Alburger hits the nail on the head with his advice. He covers the basics like proper breath control, how to create believable characters and subtext, breaking down copy, recording a demo and how to succeed at your first session. You can follow the samples that he has included in the book and on the CD to practice your craft and get it down. How great is that!
   
   Recently I heard that Mr. Alburger and his colleague Penny are putting on a major voice-over event here in L.A. sometime in the spring 2008. I don't think aspiring voice-over artists will want to miss that, but should read his book first.
   
   By the way, Mr. Alburger is correct that on-going training and "classes" are essential to voiceover success....unless you are lucky enough to be working every day in the industry....which is very rare.
   
   A must-read for anyone interested in entering this potentially lucrative industry. Break a leg!



2. Has some good information in it. It's written in simple, accessible prose. But, honestly, there were so many typos within the first few pages, that I started getting distracted and looking for them. It's also quite repetitive, reiterating, rather than adding to a point or topic. (i.e. "take as many VO and acting classes as you can!")



3. Only thing I have a problem with in this excellent book is the rather constant "suggestions" that you stay in classes forever. As in stage and film acting, a lot of good, natural actors have been ruined by "teachers" who insist on "shaping" them to their own personal style. Works for some workshop junkies I suppose.



4. This book provides all the necessary information one needs to find his or her way into the voice acting profession.
   
   Alburger brims with enthusiasm and an earnest desire to share his experience to the benefit of others.
   
   It could probably be a little more concise, but the positive tone of the book more than makes up for any wordiness or repetition.
   
   Thanks, James!



5. The author, James Alburger, has taken his passion and years of knowledge, experience, and wisdom to assist others who are interested in the art of voice acting. I have not attended any workshops yet, but after reading this book that also comes with a demo cd... I feel that I have gained a wealth of information that will be very valuable as I develop my voice acting career.
   
   This book covers tips, techniques, the business side, auditions, demos, characters, promotions, agents, and getting paid. I enjoyed this book and will read it over and over again on my acting journey.

5 comments about Romeo & Juliet (Arkangel Complete Shakespeare).

1. The quality of this recording is excellent and the performers give very skillful interpretations. Fiennes and Miles are particularly effective as the "star crossed lovers".



2. This is a terrific recording. My son's teacher recommended he buy this to listen while he read the written words. It made Shakespeare so much more accessible.



3. Before I listened to this play, I had read the Folgers Shakespeare Library version. I believe that helped me enjoy the play much more.
   I am not going to review the play, only this audio version.
   The music set the mood of the scenes, and the sound effects brought the landscape to life in my imagination. The cast acted out the parts superbly! The only complaint I have is, When Romeo says, "He jest at scares that never felt a wound," I didn't feel he conveyed enough emotion on that part. After all, in the previous scene, or the same scene depending on how you interpret the scenes, MERCUTIO was mocking his love for Rosaline harshly.
   If you are not familiar with the play I highly recommend reading it first, that will make it easier to follow.



4. It's worth the price just to hear an unabridged version. Capulet is wonderful. The friar is the best ever. Juliet is understandable but has the passion in her voice of a person who's been there a few times too many. But Romeo...a one-emotion three-hour agony to listen to. I've taught teens for thirty years; they don't languish in one emotion. If wallowing were an art form, Fiennes would be the grand master. He obviously doesn't remember how it was long ago when he was a teen.



5. This play was okay, but it wasn't anywhere as good as Hamlet and Macbeth. Romeo and Juliet didn't seem that believeable to me and I thought the way they couldn't bear being apart after only knowing each other for 3 days just didn't seem realistic. I know people married after only knowing each other that long back then but I don't think they could really be in love. The end was pretty good though.

2 comments about Articulation and Phonological Disorders (5th Edition).

1. I found the 5th Edition to be overpriced. The 4th edition offered the same information and much cheaper!



2. THis book is extremly detailed and the words are written in a tightly compacted format.
   
   THe book gives you too much information to absorb within each chapter