1 comments about Musical Theater: An Appreciation.

1. I just had musical theatre with Dr. McLamore and used her book as a textbook for the class. I joked with all my friends that this is the type of book I would by in stores for "fun" reading.
   
   It really is a great look at the history of musical theatre going back to the early Operas. It's nice to see a book back up that far and show where the roots of musical theatre are found. I have never found that in another book on musical theatre so this ones definetely a wonderful book to have.
   
   The book explores many musicals in detail complete with a plot synopsis of many of them and a deeper examination of some of the songs within them.
   
   It is really an amazing book. Any musical theatre fan would benefit from reading it:)

3 comments about Courtly Dance of the Renaissance: A New Translation and Edition of the Nobilta Di Dame (1600).

1. Julia Sutton is one of the leading Renaissance dance historians, and this work reflects her careful scholarship. However, while "Courtly Dance of the Renaissance" does contain Fabritio Caroso's explanations of steps and choreographies, it is quite difficult to reconstruct dances from these descriptions. There are many ambiguities in the instructions, and since Sutton's goal is to provide an accurate translation rather than an interpretation, she leaves these conundrums intact. Sutton also translates the names of the steps into English, which makes this volume harder to use in conjunction with other Renaissance dance resources, which leave them in Italian. Nevertheless, for those with some grounding in dances of this period, "Courtly Dance of the Renaissance" is a critical source, and the wonderful discussions of etiquette and costume require no prior knowledge to enjoy.



2. This is an actual book from 1600. The ad doesn't quite make that clear. This is not "we look at past history." This IS it as our ancestors would have viewed it.
   
   A person can make sense of this. The steps are taught and there are masses of music sheets.
   
   I am holding the actual material all those elite ladies and gentlemen were taught by.
   
   Wow!
   
   No one especially in America is going to be outdone by the grand people of the past. We're there. I reason it doesn't matter if one is lousy and does it wrong. It's the point of this whole thing. I have read enough to know that "dancing" was about a two year serious undertaking to learn in the past. It'll take about two years one step at a time. This isn't a thin little paper back.
   
   I recommend it but not for the peasants. They can do Darrin's Dance Groves.



3. This book is a wonderful reference tool for anyone interested in historical dancing! Translated and Edited by none other than Julia Sutton, this book explains many of the social dances and practices of the aristocrats. It includes the dance steps, an explanation of how they occur, music, and labnotation. This book is truly a must have for anyone with a serious desire to understand dance practices of the times!

No comments about The Value of Names and Other Plays.

4 comments about The Coming of Shadows (Babylon 5, No 2).

1. Babylon 5 was unique in television. The main plot for the entire series was mapped out before the show even started. As a result, it developed a loyal fan base that still loves it.

   This book is the second in a series of five episode guides to the series. Covering the second season, it has a separate chapter for each of the twenty-two episodes. Each starts with a plot summary, but then goes into behind the scenes stories and commentaries. Through interviews with cast, crew, and creator J. Michael Straczynski, author Jane Killick is able to give a full picture of what went into each episode. Some of my favorite parts are the stories of bloopers or jokes the cast played on each other. I also find the summaries useful if I'm looking for a particular episode to rewatch.

   Starting out the book are two essays. The first provides insight into the challenges faced in producing Babylon 5 on the tight budget they had and the creative ways that the crew overcame them. The second in an introduction to the second season, painting broad strokes of the story arcs introduced and developed over the course of the season.

   Any fan will love to have this well researched book for a behind the scenes look at a wonderful piece of science fiction television history.




2. The Babylon 5: Season by Season guidebooks are an essential read for fans of the TV series. Containing photos, interviews, essays, and in-depth rundowns of each episode, each book is indispensable for B5 vets and newbies alike. Strongly recommended.



3. This is a really good book series for B5 fans. It makes a great companion & fun reading after you have watched each show. But I would recommend it mainly for those that have seen the series & are watching it again. The reason I say that is because it is laced with spoilers all throughout the commentaries. That's fine if you've seen the whole thing already, but it stinks if you are watching it for the first time. If you don't mind that sort of thing...go for it, but this is the only reason I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars. For a good "non-spoiler" companion guide, I highly recommend The Babylon File: The Definitive Unauthorized Guide to J. Michael Straczynski's TV Series Babylon 5 by Andy Lane (Versions 1 & 2). He shows no mercy sometimes. If he does or doesn't like the show, he let's you know. But it's a blast to read.



4. One of the more popular episodes of Babylon 5 is fleshed out in this exciting look into the calm before the storm of the Shadows. G'Kar the Narn, is unable to find anyone who is willing to listen to his warnings about the coming menace. It seems that the certain people already know of the Shadows and are desperate not to let on about thier knowledge, as they attempt to mount a plan of attack. The book is well written and has a lively pace. It is great to get into the minds of some of the popular characters, and the book expands on what was a great episode to start with.

No comments about Anthology of Living Theater.

2 comments about IM ON MY WAY BUT YOUR FOOT IS ON MY HEAD: A Black Woman's Story of Getting Over Life's Hurdles.

1. Ok. Don't laugh. This was one of the best books I have ever read. Granted, I read this book during a time in my laugh where I needed to hear some "woman-power" words. Dr. Berry *wowed* me with her insight into womanhood and society issues.
   
   I loved her writing style. She was so funny and equally...so deep and perplexing. AFter reading this book I felt like I wish I could sit down and have a long chat with Dr. Berry.
   
   She talks about Alice Walker in the book and quotes her as saying "sometimes even greif becomes absurb and that's when laughter gushes up to retreive the sanity". Wow.
   
   I loved her insights on being beautiful. She says that she made herself the measure of beauty and suddenly everyone around her paled in comparison...Woman Power!
   
   I loved this book and I have recommended it to everyone I know. It was recommended to me by a WHITE MAN! Nevertheless...it is a must read.



2. This is the best book I've read this year. Dr. Berry gave a real insight to the 'black experience' . I had the pleasure of hearing her speak at a conference a couple of days ago and she is one of the most marvelous people that I have heard. Her words go far beyond that of John Grisham, or Stephen King. She is truly an inspirational person. I can't wait to read her other books

1 comments about Back To One: The Complete Movie Extras Guidebook.

1. I bought this book upon entering into the world of "background acting" (aka extras work). Lots of useful info here, and its all very nicely packaged. However, most of whats in here you will learn from chatting with other backgrounders on sets, and therefore, its not immediatley clear that the $25 expenditure is justified.
   
   The point of my post is to reveal something (from page 52) thats a bit misleading (at least as of June 2008): Extras Mgmt charges "joe/jane anybody" (ie, those who dont have the book and/or have no knowledge of it) $85 to join. The book states a $75 discount will be granted by EM if the book is brought in. On the phone they told me the regular price is $160, so with that book it will be $85.
   
   So go figure. The way I read this - this book will offer no discount. So therefore, its got some misleading stuff in it.
   
   I would still recommend the book overall to those who are completely new. And I would recommend EM for sure, wish I wouldve started with them in the first place. But the book does say to do that !

No comments about Theatre: Collaborative Acts.

No comments about Light Fantastic: Adventures in Theatre.

3 comments about Art Direction for Film and Video, Second Edition.

1. This book offers only the most basic information on the various processes and responsibilities of a motion picture art department. It doesn't focus in a significant way on anything, and at times gives what I think is poor advice.If you have absolutely no experience on a motion picture art department and no common sense, it may be of some use. It would be better however to take an art department PA aside and speak with them for twenty minutes about their experience. A much better and highly reccomended book for both inspiration and a more intimate understanding of the Art Department and the role it plays is "By Design" which is a collection of interviews with some accomplished Production Designers.



2. It's a great little book, although at first I was disappointed with the size. I bought it to use give myself a crash course in Art Direction for my own Digital Motion Pictures. This short book was perfect: refreshed me in some area I knew a lot about, and introduced me to some concepts I was only slightly familiar with and pointed out some weak areas that needs a lot of work. It also pointed me in the direction for resources such as architectural magazines. It sometimes reads like a glossary you find in the back of a textbook with a few spots of humor to keep the reader/me from falling asleep. What I liked the most were the few anecdotal stories (some from actual motion pictures, some from 'lets imagine' scenarios) that were used to make a point. Two nights in a row I was up until midnight reading this book and the time went by fast... It could have used a lot more detail and examples, getting deeper into the subject matter. If the author invests some time in writing an advanced edition; I'll be the first to order a copy.

   For someone like myself when time is money, and it's hard to justify spending time on anything besides composing and rendering, or money on anything besides equipment ... this book made me happy that took a risk. Quick and dirty, mildly entertaining.




3. Being the first to review this book is a dawnting task. Then again I thouhgt that getting through his book would be a daunting task when I purchased it here on line... but that wasn't the case. The biggest chore I had with this book was waiting for it to arrive!

   It's a great little book, although at first I was disapointed with the size. I bought it to use give myself a crash course in Art Direction for my own Digital Motion Pictures. This short book was perfect: refreshed me in some area I knew a lot about, and introduced me to some conepts I was only slightly familure with and pointed out some weak areas that needs a lot of work. It sometimes reads like a glossary you find in the back of a textbook with a few spots of humor to keep the reader/me from falling asleep. What I liked the most were the few anecdotal stories (some from actual motion pictures, some from 'lets imagin' sencerios) that were used to make a point. Two nights in a row I was up until midnight reading this book and the time went by fast... It could have used a lot more detail and exsamples, getting deeper into the subject matter. If the author invests some time in writing an advanced edition; I'll be the first to order an copy.

   For someone like myself when time is money, and it's hard to justify spending time on anything besides composing and rendering or money on ... this book make me happy that took a risk.