1 comments about Stage Design.

1. This book, though really thick, has a very limited scope. It is really a lot of huge sets that are site specific or just plain rock shows. Not really that much to do with theater as in a play with performers telling a story. It's more performance pieces in large scale. I was disappointed that stage design in this case is really event design. Some of it is interesting if you are interested in rock shows where the budget is in the millions and it really is all about special effects. Not my thing.

5 comments about Somewhere for Me - A Biography of Richard Rodgers.

1. Book was quite in-depth, maybe too much so. The author hits you over the head time and time again about Rodgers' infidelities, his alcoholism, his aloofness. And it is a boring book for the most part. Relatively little on the collaborative part of writing for the theater, little on what went on creating many of the shows.
   
   Rodgers' wife is seen as a shrew and the less about her, the better.
   
   This rating would have been just one-star except for the huge amount of pictures all throughout the book. That aspect was quite well done.



2. This is a thorough and detailed biography of one of the three or four greatest composers of popular music of the 20th century. We will not see his like again.
   
   Of course, one can not expect a book to capture a life. Especially a life as complex as was Richard Rodgers. But this book comes closest to lifting up the "curtain" and seeing behind the scenes. It obviously will not please everyone. But since it is a life of a particular person (not merely a composer) the focus is where it should be, on the man first and the music second. In his autobiography Mr. Rodgers explains that he can not account for his musical talents. But just a few pages earlier he describes how his older brother was closer to his father and that at the age of four he climbed up on the piano bench to try to please his operetta-loving mother. No wonder he wrote such beautiful waltzes. This book shines an unbiased light on Rodgers complexities and captures many of them.



3. Richard Rogers is a hard nut to crack. Author Secrest does a workmanlike job of peeling back the layers, but can't quite reach the inner core that made Rogers the composer-genius he was. Rogers was urbane, witty, hypochondriacal, magnetizing, petty, alcoholic, competitive, gloomy, secretive, philandering and funny. How do all of these traits combine to bring about some of the most beautiful songs of the 20th century? Reading about Richard Rogers and then hearing -- say "You'll Never Walk Alone" from "Carousel" makes you exclaim (like Oprah), "How'd he DO that?"

   Richard Rogers was born to a moderately wealthy Jewish family in New York City. He was composing music for the stage by the time he was seventeen. He had his first Broadway hit by the time he was 24, and after he partnered with Lorenz Hart produced one hit after another. In the meantime, he married the fragile beauty Dorothy, had two daughters and became increasingly wealthy. Sounds like a trip to the pinnacle, a stairway to the stars, doesn't it? Well, not exactly. Rogers and Hart broke up mainly because of Hart's alcoholism and mental fragility. But Rogers got the rap for "deserting" him and banning him from the theatre. This wasn't quite fair to Rogers, but it wasn't untrue either. Rogers' storybook marriage was complex also. Dorothy was a perfectionist and emotionally needy. Rogers' response was a parade of infidelity. And yet. I believe Rogers loved her all his life as much as he was able to love anyone, and she fulfilled some deep-seated need in him. As parents, they both were failures. The daughters were marginally fonder of Richard who they considered distant and savagely critical. Dorothy was seen as a selfish tyrant. The daughters' recollections are not kind. His last years were a combination of poor health, increasing alcoholism, and being out of touch with modern day musicals. Yet honors were heaped upon him and the money kept pouring in.

   Ms. Secrest did a mountain of research, and it shows. She not only had the full cooperation of his daughters; they commissioned her to do the work. The book is well notated and indexed, and has a bibliography. She gives a fair and balanced accounting of a many-sided man. There are not many lighthearted moments, but Richard Rogers was not a lighthearted man.
   -sweetmolly-Amazon Reviewer




4. I was thoroughly disappointed in this book, which I found to be a dull recitation of facts. The author has little interest in the artistic side of Rodgers, which is--I presume--the reason why we would want to know more about him in the first place. I have a huge shelf of musical theater books, but this one isn't going to end up there.



5. An oddly cold biography. The author apparently has no particular love for her subject, his music, or for the musical theatre. She describes all three dispassionately, most likely getting her facts right and offering us occasional quotes from people who knew Rodgers. But the book itself never catches fire. I stayed with it to the end because I'm interested in the subject and not horrified by the fact that he may have been rather cold. But the book itself left me cold, which was a disappointment.

No comments about Henry IV Part 1: Oxford School Shakespeare.

2 comments about Action!: Establishing Your Career in Film and Television Production.

1. This book is an excellent over-view of the television & film world. If you've got your production goals set higher than local broadcast news, than I HIGHLY recommend this book. There's a great section on putting together your production resume, great real-world advice from Sandra & her production colleagues, detailed descriptions of what every position on a Film & TV set does, valuable info on how to work in various markets (Chicago, New York, LA, etc). I bought the book a few months ago and had the fortunate chance of meeting the author, and she is genuinely a wonderful woman who truly wants to help those interested in getting into & succeeding in "the business".
   
   This book is also an easy & quick read, I read most of the book on a flight out to LA from Chicago. "Action! Establishing your Career..." is an ESSENTIAL read if you plan on moving out to LA and you don't have many production contacts there...I'm looking at you recent college grads! I've even recommended this book to friends who are actors on their way out to the coasts so they are educated about sets, crews, etiquette, etc.
   
   "Action!" is a much easier & faster read than "The Independent Film Producer's Survival Guide" (which is itself a great book, but more of a legal resource, basically saves you from asking your entertainment lawyer dumb questions).
   
   I'm not a newbie to production and this isn't a fake review, I'm a freelance Commercial Producer who is also very active in Chicago independent film; having served as producer on 4 features in the past two years, negotiated distribution deals for features, and I remain active in the scene via a Chicago based non-profit indie-sponsorship company. I find that I continue to pull "Action! Establishing your Career" off my bookshelf to use as a reference on projects.



2. Action!: Establishing Your Career In Film & Television Production by Emmy award winning Sandra R. Gordon is a handy and practical guide specifically written for people who are interested in a career in one or more segments of the entertainment industry. From internship tips, to the ins and outs of the production department, to crafting a production resume, to the value of adopting a solid work ethic, Action! is a first-rate and highly readable resource intended and enthusiastically recommended for job seekers of all backgrounds seeking a position with film and/or television production careers.

5 comments about Le Grand Tango: The Life and Music of Astor Piazzolla.

1. If you are discovering or reliving the music of the master composer, the epitome of tango, Astor Piazzolla , than you have to have this book. I cannot over emphasize the clarity it lends to the music La Camorra as you listen Tango: Zero Hour and read simultaneously about one of the great 20th century musical figures. This book is fantastic. It is a journey that begins in Mar del Plata, south of Buenos Aries and traverses the globe, highlighting the life of Astor Piazzolla as he spread and expanded his musical vision of the tango worldwide. The authors present a book that begins somewhat dense and challenging at first but than draws you into the magical world of Astor's humble beginnings, continues as he he spreads his tango vigor with evangelical zeal and an untiring work ethic that resulted in over 3,000 compositions; all the while as he rubs elbows with all the major dignitaries and artists of his time and goes through several mariages and many bands with different musicians from different genres.. The authors who colloborated on this great book, about an even greater man, Maria Susana Azzi and Simon Collier, give us a glimpse into Astor Piazzolla that is both intimate and scholary at once; the balance lends itself to the character of the subject. They both have extensive credentials when it comes to tango and Latin America. The portrait of the man revealed is not sugar coated, as the various first hand accounts of dealing with the sometimes troublesome and difficult genius indicates. This is a complete book and a great compliment to Natalio Gorin's Astor Piazzolla: A Memoir that is even more detailed. The book is divided neatly into three parts, Part I Struggle, Part II Man and musician and Part III Fame. the first part deals with his early life up to the mid-seventies and fame takes it from the mid-seventies until his death in 1992. As you can see, from the years indicated, that most of his life was a struggle. As there are many different versions of his compositions recorded, the book serves as a good reference point to distinguish the players or different groups that made the recordings. This is one of the interesting , strong points of the book that helps you understand the music of Astor Piazzolla. The classical-jazz-avant garde-traditional sound of maestro Piazzolla's tango is brought to the forefront with explanations as to the goings on in his life that resulted in such wonderful compositions and the varied interpretations. The book also has several "extras" like a foreward by Yo-Yo Ma Soul of the Tango: The Music of Astor Piazzolla, a family tree, a glossary of South American terms, sources and notes and some great photographs that include some from the family archives. Essentially, this is about as a complete a book as you can find on Maestro Piazzolla and not to be be missed. If you are fan of the tango and the man who furthered the evolution of the soul of the music of Argentina than you need this book. Recommennded for people who want to know more about the controversies and music associated with Maestro Astor Piazzolla's tango.



2. This is the best and most complete document about the life and work of Astor Piazzolla. The authors inter-link Piazzolla's work with the major events of his life and the artistic and political context of the time. If you are really interested in learning about Piazzolla, you should go ahead and buy this book.



3. Nearly ten years after Astor Piazzolla's death, the debate still rages about whether or not his music is "tango". Well, some of it is, and some of it isn't. But the roots of all his music lie deep in the tango tradition and whether or not a particular piece is or isn't tango is of no real importance. The fact is that Astor Piazzolla composed some of the finest music in any genre and all Argentines can take pride in that. I have been a fan of Astor Piazzolla for nearly 30 years but only knew the music. After having read Le Grand Tango, I now feel as though I know the man. Having "met" him, my understanding and admiration of both the music and the man has increased exponentially. Azzi and Collier have authored an easy to follow, entertaining and informative book about El Maestro. One learns not only about his music but about his forceful personality and the forces which shaped Piazzolla and drove him to be the most dazzling musician of the 20th century. His life, his loves, his triumphs and his failures all spring to life here. Though most readers will likely be hardcore fans of Piazzolla, its flowing style makes it an engaging hagiographical read for anyone who has even a mild interest in music history or in the forces and personalities which have shaped and regenerated tango throughout second half of the 20th century.



4. Piazzola means tango for many people. The first tango music I ever purchased was Piazzola's music. His music dominated Sally Porter's movie, "Tango Lesson." This is a man that you must know about if you like tango, the dance and the music. Even if your interest is 20th century music, you will be fascinated. The story of Piazzola's life is a story of how cultures, music, and people are interrelated. As a person who was born in Argentina, his music was tango; as a kid named "Lefty" who grew up in Manhattan, he felt the influence of jazz. As a musician known as "El Gato," he built on the tango traditions of Troilo, Sarli, and Pugliese.

   He began his musical career as a musician who could not read music. Anibal Troilo hired Piazzola because he had memorized the band's repertoire. He studied music and composition while playing in tango groups, and went on for more formal training in Paris. Piazzola loved everything from the classical music of Rubenstein to the jazz of Gershwin. Although we think of Piazzola in terms of tango, many of his contemporary tango aficionados hated his music because it was nontraditional, evolutionary, and avant gard.

   This book was of value to me because it increased my understanding not just of Piazzola, but also of the major twentieth century tango musicians and composers. It may not make me a better dancer, but the increase of knowledge added to my appreciation of the music not just of Piazzola, but also of Pablo Ziegler, Romulo Larrea, and Felix Leclerc. It was a fitting complement to "Tango!" a collaborative book by Simon Collier, Artemis Cooper, Maria Susana Azzi, and Richard Martin. You don't have to be a serious student of music to enjoy either book. It will add to your appreciation of tango.




5. Piazzola means tango for many people. The first tango music I ever purchased was Piazzola's music. His music dominated Sally Porter's movie, "Tango Lesson." This is a man that you must know about if you like tango, the dance and the music. Even if your interest is 20th century music, you will be fascinated. The story of Piazzola's life is a story of how cultures, music, and people are interrelated. As a person who was born in Argentina, his music was tango; as a kid named "Lefty" who grew up in Manhattan, he felt the influence of jazz. As a musician known as "El Gato," he built on the tango traditions of Troilo, Sarli, and Pugliese.

   He began his musical career as a musician who could not read music. Anibal Troilo hired Piazzola because he had memorized the band's repertoire. He studied music and composition while playing in tango groups, and went on for more formal training in Paris. Piazzola loved everything from the classical music of Rubenstein to the jazz of Gershwin. Although we think of Piazzola in terms of tango, many of his contemporary tango aficionados hated his music because it was nontraditional, evolutionary, and avant gard.

   This book was of value to me because it increased my understanding not just of Piazzola, but also of the major twentieth century tango musicians and composers. It may not make me a better dancer, but the increase of knowledge added to my appreciation of the music not just of Piazzola, but also of Pablo Ziegler, Romulo Larrea, and Felix Leclerc. It was a fitting complement to "Tango!" a collaborative book by Simon Collier, Artemis Cooper, Maria Susana Azzi, and Richard Martin. You don't have to be a serious student of music to enjoy either book. It will add to your appreciation of tango.

1 comments about From Traveling Show to Vaudeville: Theatrical Spectacle in America, 1830--1910.

1. Lewis recreates the heyday of vaudeville in the US, from 1830 to 1910. Before mass electronic communication like radio or TV, vaudeville was one of the unifying phenomena of the young country. In the small towns, or even the large cities, there was very little to do, recreationally. So any live travelling show was often the only game in town, when it arrived.
   
   In this lengthy account, Lewis shows the many famous acts that traversed the nation. Now mostly only surviving as faded playbills and written accounts.
   
   Why the cutoff date of 1910? It was chosen as a simple demarcation. After this date, the silent movies, and then radio and the talkies and finally TV, came on the scene. The mass electronica that would overwhelm vaudeville, and push its survivors into the fringes.

No comments about Feminism and Theatre.

5 comments about Lady Windermere's Fan (Dover Thrift Editions).

1. Melodramatics from Lady Windermere. Mrs. Erlynne and Lord Windermere meeting but incomprehensibly deaf to the rumors about them. Yes, this is not Oscar Wilde's best play but, oh, the zingers he does get in, namely through Cecil Graham. Example: "Well, there's nothing in the world like the devotion of a married woman. It's a thing no married man knows anything about." Read it for the pithy lines.



2. I have always enjoyed all of Oscar Wilde's works, but this is not very good compared with the others, but none the less still worth reading. The characters were sort of dull, but the plot intresting which made up for it. I'd reccomend this to fans of Oscar Wilde, but if you have just discovered Wilde, skip this and start with either, "The picture of dorian gray" or "the importance of being Earnest".



3. I just wanted to say that i really love this play and that i highly suggest that everyone should read this funny and witty masterpiece. Lady Windermere is so naive but i liked the bit when she threatens to slap Mrs Erlynne across the face. That's what i call Girl Power!!

   Anyway, i wanted to know if there are any notes to accompany this play. I need some notes that focus on the language of the play, social context, characters, etc.

   I would be eternally grateful if anyone could help.




4. Oscar Wilde entirely dedicates this play to the exploration of the way a woman can be saved from destruction in this society of appearances. A woman was the victim of an imbroglio in the past and abandoned her daughter. This woman comes back and the daughter ignores her relation to her. She is brought back into societry by the daughter's husband who knows the truth but does not want his wife to know it. But there is some kind of malediction that flies over the heads of these women. The daughter nearly does the same mistake as her mother but she is saved by her mother who accepts to be tainted in her daughter's place. Bus Oscar Wilde must think there is some kind of reward for a good deed and all is well that ends well, and this play has a happy ending. In spite of all the melodramatic sentimentalese atmosphere, Oscar Wilde definitely explores in this play the great disadvantage of a woman in society. Men can do nearly all they want. Women are extremely limited and have to walk a very straight and narrow line. Oscar Wilde seems to be ahead of his time as for the fate of women: he seems to aspire for real equality for them, though he shows in all possible ways that this is impossible in his society.

   Dr Jacques COULARDEAU, University of Perpignan




5. My first experience reading Oscar Wilde... and certainly not my last.

   Wilde's sardonic wit and ineffable satire had me enchanted from page one. Wilde writes with devastatingly appealing witticisms, and with a style and cleverness matched by few other authors. It is said that he is one of the more oft-quoted authors in the English language, and I now understand why.

   In addition to axioms and aphorisms of pure genius, the plot both captivates and surprises the reader. Lady Windermere discovers that her husband has been cheating on her, and a folly of misunderstandings and poor advice then unfolds; all the while satirizing society.

No comments about Forgeries of Memory and Meaning: Blacks and the Regimes of Race in American Theater and Film before World War II.

2 comments about What They Don't Want You to Know About Television and Videos.

1. This wonderful little book is a chapter in the book "To Kindle a Soul". It is full of reference to the actual studies that have been done (thousands!). It doesn't just share opinions, but the actual results of studies that have been done over the years. There is much food for thought here. It is clear and easy to understand. It helped us to commit to not letting our baby watch TV and now we have banned the TV to the garage since we haven't now watched it in over a year. I feel like a differnet person. I feel like TV made me tense and now I am a more relaxed, more gentle person. I'm not sure if was the content or the medium, but I'm so glad we made this change in our lives and I'm not sure it would have happened if we hadn't read this book. Read it. You don't have to agree with it, but it will change the way you view television forever.



2. This book is a quick read and very powerful. In a very interesting fashion the book teaches how television affects us. I showed it to my older children (ages 14 and 16), and they devoured it. It's written so that kids will want to read it, and there's enough information in there to be impressive to us parents too. I have to admit, some of the studies are a little scary, but I guess that's the point. I'm certainly going to watch less TV now.