No comments about Restoration Comedy in Performance.

1 comments about What Would Barbra Do?: How Musicals Changed My Life.

1. Having just seen the 1957 kinescope of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella starring a 21-year-old Julie Andrews, I knew I would be a prime candidate to read Emma Brockes' sharply written memoir about her love-hate relationship with musicals. In a tone alternately flippant and worshipful, the author, a feature writer for the Guardian, examines the tenuous relationship between musicals and real life, an awkward connection that blurs the line between optimism and fantasy under the guise of nostalgia. Brockes recognizes the key role that a viewer's attitude plays in enjoying a musical because one either has to be of a certain age to appreciate the musical form, or been deigned to carry forth the trivial knowledge that is utterly necessary with speaking fluently about the genre. Regardless of which category in which one falls, it means obsessively collecting original cast albums - on vinyl, of course - and collector's edition DVD box sets.
   
   Only in her early thirties, the author clearly falls into the torch-passing category inheriting her passion from a Mermanesque mother who in the evenings, would sing show tunes at the front gate in order to sing Emma home from babysitting at the neighbors' house. The intent was to thwart the tawdry intentions of potential muggers, but the net effect was more insinuating as the songs would invade the Brockes' memory by osmosis. Lyrics from classic Hollywood musicals land so securely in her subconscious that reciting them from start to finish was a breeze. Most of the musicals she prefers are the optimistic confections and extravaganzas from the 1950's and 1960's, full of over-the-top emotionalism and married-in-a-minute romanticism. Other than the catchy songs, the primary entertainment value came from the fact that the creators and performers treated the plotlines with dead seriousness. What those composers, lyricists and librettists knew is that a musical only works when it doesn't think of itself as a musical. Characters burst into song not because they're aware of performing, but because for them, singing and dancing are as natural as laughing or crying. The moral of these musicals is that no problem in life is so large that it cannot be solved by a production number.
   
   From the title, it's clear that Barbra Streisand plays an influential role in the contrived nature of the genre. In fact, Brockes devotes an entire chapter to Streisand's Talmudic musical fable, 1983's Yentl. Julie Andrews is another idol frequently mentioned, and one of the author's most amusing anecdotes is her star-struck encounter with the star. Idolatry, however, does not equate to unconditional worship, as she does not hesitate in deconstructing their movies. Even a venerable classic like Mary Poppins, which Brockes saw with a friend twice a week for three years, is observed as dialogue-heavy with "a combination of long strings of incomprehensible words with short, sharp ones". She rightfully ridicules a lot of modern musicals, in particular, the histrionics of Andrew Lloyd Webber and even devotes a chapter dismantling the roller-disco camp classic, 1980's Xanadu (currently enjoying a second life as a musical satire on Broadway). This book does not pose as serious cinematic history but rather a collection of remembrances from a clever writer who offers no apologies for letting musicals inform and apparently dictate her life.

2 comments about Barefoot in the Park.

1. I first heard of this play from my good friend, who happened to see it performed in Central Park. I later saw this old copy of the play laying around my high school stage office, and picked it up, remembering my friends mention of it... upon finishing the play (within two days, I could NOT put it down) I realized I have NEVER laughed so hard outloud while reading any sort of literature.. it is witty, comical, and softly but lovingly expressing the hardships of the first days of marriage and living together with your beloved. I highly highly highly recommend picking this up for a mood-lifter, or just a good laugh. It is light and entertaining and very cute!



2. Barefoot In The Park is the complete and unabridged ninety minute audiobook presentation of a classic Neil Simon romantic comedy. Wonderfully performed by Laura Linney and Eric Stoltz, Barefoot In The Park is the flawlessly recorded production that tells the story of a new lawyer and his young bride, the adventures and foibles in beginning married life, complicated by an uptight mother-in-law and an eccentric gourmet chef who lives in a loft on the roof of their apartment (their window ledge is the only access to his padlocked premises). A superb choice for any personal, school, or community audiobook collection, Barefoot In The Park is also available in a CD format...

5 comments about The Official All My Children Trivia Book.

1. This is just a fun trivia book for fans of ALL MY CHILDREN. It has a lot of facts, some you might know, some you might not. A lot of quizzes, even one for the famous Erica Kane! While its not as comprehensive as the 1994 ALL MY CHILDREN coffee table book, it still has loads of facts and fun for trivia and AMC fans alike. It's pretty cheap too so its worth it if you want to know more about AMC or just enjoy trivia books.



2. I love this book The Official All My Children Trivia book from the hit abc television show and at the first of it had the horse. This book looks like Tuck Everlasting, Tuck Para Siempre a spanish book of Tuck Everlasting, Owls in the Family, Black Beauty, Rodeo Bloopers 1. the video, Toby Keith's album Pull My Chain & Clay Walker's album If I Could Make A Living. In 2000 I made videos of William's America's Funniest Home Videos 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 which is the Tenth Year Anniversary, 11 which is the tenth year anniversary, Special Edition of Bareback Riding, Calf Roping & Steer Wrestling the three rodeo events on video & All My Children/Roping Funnies the graduation of William's Funniest Videos 13 and someday I will put them in the store so people will by mine and order them on the website ...and they will love them ...My favorite T. V. shows on abc are All My Children, General Hospital & Who Wants To Be A Millionaire my favorite T. V. shows on abc. This book also looks like Mary Kate and Ashley's videos How The West Was Fun & The Case of The Logical I Ranch. This is an amazing trivia book.A



3. As a 20+ year fan of All My Children, this book not only brought back great memories of my years in Pine Valley, but let me in some stuff I did not get to see, because I was too young.This is a MUST HAVE for an All My Children fan, old or new!!



4. This book is great. It is filled with so much information which the dedicated fan should know. It also has some great pictures. However, it is paperback and not hardcover like they say.

   It's a great book, so pick it up because it's a low price for all that info.




5. This is an excellent book for ALL of us AMC fans: I'm pretty much a novice and it really gave me a good background and tidbits. It helped me learn the history and about characters who were gone before I started watching. It really helped put pieces of the puzzle together. My sister is a veteran and she was kept going "I remember that!" or "No way! Even I didn't know that!!!" And, it has great pictures. I recommend it for those of you who starting watching in the 1970's, and for AMC fans who were born in the 1970's.

5 comments about The Unconscious Actor: Out of Control, In Full Command.

1. Darryl Hickman is a true visionary, and his book, "The Unconscious Actor," explains his unique approach to the acting process, going beyond Meisner and Strasberg, and tapping into the origins of creativity imagined by Stanislavsky. Darryl blends the inspirational/creative with the craft, using a Process he has developed over the years, through his own explorations, spirituality, humanity, study, and wisdom. And his life experiences make a great read. A must for every serious artist.
   
   Gillien Goll, actor, acting teacher, former student



2. Darryl Hickman is a visionary. He has looked into the future. He has diligently constructed techniques for achieving a freedom of expression that is not only immediately needed, but will be essential in the coming decades: A process that directly addresses the releasing of new energy sources that can only lead to a far larger artist vocabulary for all aspects of the performing arts than is currently considered the "standard". It is a process that not only encompasses multiple realities and interpretations of the human soul, but blatantly endorses and rewards infinite mixtures of behavior and emotion....



3. Darryl Hickman compassionately gives his students the tools to chip away and reveal old childhood wounds, making them much better actors and people. Like the flawed marble Michelangelo started with before sculpting David, Darryl shows his students how to chisel a step-by-step egoless Process intertwining the arduous, yet rewarding task of sculpting our own inner and outer masterpiece on stage as well as off. No shortcuts for true exploration. Hickman provides the next generation of authentic actors with an entrance into a spiritual doorway starting with Stanislavsky. This book is a monumental gift to performance artists who chose to live life awake in their souls while unraveling the layers of art versus craft. Darryl used to quote Emmanuel, "Fear is only an empty room." And what a room, should we dare to turn the knob and travel through the threshold.
   Karen Leigh Sharp
   Former student and Drama Teacher



4. This book "The Unconscious Actor" has ignited a creative force in me that I had long since forgotten. Or more accurately opened a door to the creative force always within me and gave me tools to allow it to flow with greater ease. It was not only the words, but also the energy held in each page, which allowed me to reconnect and open the door to the creative force once again. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking to unlock the artist within.



5. From child star in the glamour days of Hollywood to renowned present-day acting teacher, Darryl Hickman covers three bases (and more!) in THE UNCONSCIOUS ACTOR: OUT OF CONTROL, IN FULL COMMAND.
   Skillfully weaving the history of acting, his precocious and fascinating personal journey in show business, and priceless lessons in the art of acting and living, Hickman has created a page-turner for both professionals and "civilians". He clearly knows and reveres not only his craft, but the human condition, as well. This book is a must-read for anyone eager to expand and explore their creative potential!

5 comments about Clerks and Chasing Amy: Two Screenplays.

1. This is a great buy. This book shows you how they wanted the movie to look like or what they wanted the characters to say, but didn't say in the movies. This is a must for kevin smith fans. It also show pictures from the 2 movies. You could be laughing very hard while reading this script. It has smart talk in it and it also shows the bluntman and chronic comic. You will laugh your ass off out of that comic. This is a must but I like reading clerks instead of chasing amy. I just like clerks better. This is a definate must buy if you love the movies.



2. Kevin Smith sells himself a bit short with that comment (through one of his characters) because behind the obscenities in both works, Smith makes intelligent commentary about youthful angst. In addition to the razor-sharp wit, Smith's other great gift as a storyteller is the ability to deliver social insights through his characters. In Clerks, when Randall reprimands Dante for constantly shirking personal responsibility for Dante's actions, Smith is talking to all of us. Smith's characters in both works are immature but by the end have hopefully learned something that makes them grow, even if just a bit. Maybe we could be so lucky.

   This book is a great read AFTER you have seen the movies. It contains enjoyable scenes that unfortunately did not make it into the films. If you haven't had the pleasure of viewing the movies, I won't disclose the plot here even in summary as I would not want to spoil your enjoyment of the films. And if you've seen the films, no summary is necessary.




3. Clerks- a great script.

   Chasing Amy- excelent script, even better on paper than on screen.

   One book.

   Really, if you are into Smith work, or just want a sure fire way of delving into his world, this is the book for you.

   It also has an introduction that explains how Kevin came to be what he is today.

   MUST READ




4. The CLERKS/CHASING AMY screenplay is just as insightful and provacative as the flicks themselves. Having seen the movie too many times to count makes the reading all the more side-splitting. Loveable Randal seemes to come to life in your head while as you now "hear" him say, "I don't appreciate your ruse" or Banky's, "What's a Nubian?" The work also leaves out little bits of dialogue cut from the film but still perpetuates a smooth transition from scene to scene. If you ever watched Chasing Amy or Clerks and said to yourself, "Something's missing from that scene," then I recommend you purchase this masterpiece of lewd humor to fill in that void of lost dialogue. You'll soon discern the cut material from the theatrical release as you read.



5. Kevin Smith is a talented person; he's a great writer, not too bad of a filmmaker, and isn't too shabby of an artist. Like me, the guy is immersed in popular culture. His films and much of his writing is filled with wit, sarcastic humor, and intelligent thought.

   However, Kevin Smith isn't the most positive, moral, or uplifting artist. His films are filled with filthy language and sexuality that many people find degrading. The screenplays to CLERKS/CHASING AMY are no exception. They are filled with the wit and humor that Smith is known for, but with the usual crudeness as well.

   This book includes the full screenplays to both CLERKS and CHASING AMY, complete with all the original dialogue and scenes. A delightful introduction by Smith is found at the beginning of the book and about halfway through the parts of a comic about a famous duo (no, not Batman & Robin; nor is it Jay & Silent Bob) are found.

   Overall, a book that Kevin Smith fans will want to have and one that film buffs may enjoy reading. Other than that, who knows.

No comments about The Playwright as Thinker: A Study of Drama in Modern Times.

5 comments about Star Trek: Phase II : The Making of the Lost Series.

1. Rewind to 1977, when Star Trek was entering its seventh year of syndication, creator of the Original Series and the 22-episode Star Trek animated series, Gene Roddenberry, conceived of a new live Star Trek series. The show was called Star Trek Phase II, and Paramount decided to have the show on their new network. Sets and props and costumes were designed and tested. The writers also wrote a two-hour teleplay which is the pilot for Phase II. The cast almost reunited, but without Leonard Nimoy.

   When principal photography almost started, Paramount decided to cancel the network and the series. Instead of having Star Wars cancel them out, they decided to have a movie instead of a pilot... thus begins the story of the lost Star Trek series. They made the first episode of Phase II, which was "In Thy Image, Parts I and II" into the first movie, "Star Trek: The Motion Picture." Several Phase II stories are in this book and the design of the never-seen-before U.S.S. Enterprise are shown. The book is 360 pages of information on the almost-but-didn't happen Star Trek series.

   Hold on, Gene, there is some way to salvage the pieces of the Phase II sets. Now, fast forward to 2001-2004 where Star Trek movies are made more better on DVD. Watch the text commentary by Michael and Denise Okuda on the Original cast films, where they reveal stuff about Phase II, like what pieces were used in the six Trek films and "Nemesis." This great pair is more than you need for a Star Trek series.




2. "Star Trek: Phase II" was a planned series that would pick up where The Original Series left off. This project never materialized, but the ideas and concepts were later used in The Motion Picture and The Next Generation.

   This book is an interesting slice of the life of the Star Trek Saga, and you are given a peep-hole into the mind of Gene Rodenberry: what he wanted to do and where he was going.

   The illustrations are superb and well worth the pice.

   Personally, it is refreshing to see the gap between the Original Series and the later spin-offs filled. You sense that something severe has happened between "Turnabout Intruder" and "Encounter at Farpoint." The movies and the novels try to bridge the gap, but this book makes the link seamless.

   This book is Sci-Fi's "Lucy," the missing link!




3. This book contained information about the transformation from TOS to the making of "phase II", a TV series that eventually was scrapped and the pilot was morphed into ST:TMP. I found the information to be interesting, and would recommend it to any Star Trek fan, especially those of TOS.

   Most interesting to me was the analyses of how the scrapped Phase II produced characters and scripts that were eventually seen on ST:TNG. Xon "became" Data, Ilia "became" Troi, and Decker=Riker is fairly obvious. Additionally, scripts like "The Child" that were written for Phase II, were later filmed for ST:TNG.

   Also included is the full first draft script of the pilot for Phase II, which again morphed int ST:TMP. It's interesting to see how the drafts change and (mostly) become stronger. Furthermore,are 4-8 page descriptions of all each story that would have been in Phase IIs first season.

   I do recommend this book for any Trek fan. The background information is limited, as the majority of the book is the scripts, but it is still an interesting piece of ST history.




4. Books like these seldom hit the bookshelves here so I bought it the first time I saw it and was not disappointed. The content is interesting specially for Original Series fans. It gives you an insight into Roddenberry's vision after the first three seasons. It even includes sketches, scripts, plots, behind-the-scene info. The story-telling is a little dull. Then again, this is not a novel, so I believe an exception is in order. All-in-all, an exceptional piece of literature.



5. A fascinating look behind-the-scenes of the Trek that never was. Much of this information has been revealed before, but there is still plenty of information that will be new to even the seasoned Trek veteran. The scripts are a nice addition to the book as well. My only complaint is that the writing style tends to be a bit dry. This may have made a better documentary than a book.

3 comments about The Presence of the Actor.

1. He, Peter Brook and Oida all are on my favorite list of books about acting and theatre. This is a very
   valuable book and must be included for any person interested in contemporary drama and art. I gave my
   copy to my daughter but will purchase another one soon.



2. I cannot believe that this book ever got published. Truly, Chaikin posits no real theory in it; nor does he make any concrete espousements. Instead he writes in a slap dash way leaving the reader to wonder if he is indeed all there during the writing of certain sections. There is no style nor flow nor purpose to some of his statements, and within each pararaph he has five or six topic sentences rather than a thought out point. I think the most revealing point of the book is when he mentions his heroin use to feel the inner warmth. In this statement I saw how this book could have been composed, but I am still searching to find out how it was published.



3. If I could possess only one book, I would choose this book. Chaiken candidly describes profound moments of awareness in his work and in his life, and the relationship between these. This is not a conventional book about the theater, but rather a complicated and understandably inconclusive examination of being and enduring and striving toward authenticity within the confines of an inauthentic "setup." It begins..."Most of the people I know who are seriously interested in the theater don't really like it very much." If you like this book, try The Performance of Self in Everyday Life by Erving Goffman.

No comments about Balanchine's Ballerinas: Conversations with the Muses.