1 comments about Ballet & Modern Dance: A Concise History.

1. This book is especially interesting and easy to follow. It provides a sound overview of the history of dance with special focus on ballet and modern dance. This book introduces the novice to the legendary art of dance and captures the reader's attention with crafty storytelling. I particularly enjoyed the portion focusing on the history of ballet. Anderson introduces the reader to many of the individuals who shaped and popularized this art form while providing a firm background of the origins and development of this art. This book begins with a history of dance in the Greco-Roman era and brings the reader full circle with discussions of recent triumphs in dance. Anderson creates a book that is informative and thorough while presenting the reader with drawings and photographs of many influential artists and great performances.

1 comments about Doris Day: Her own story.

1. This book is a entertaining read, as well as inspirational. Doris Day has to be one of the most
   admired women on this planet. She has seemed to never get sucked into the vapid world of "stardom",
   and has seemed to keep an eye on what is really important. Her work with the Doris Day Animal League,
   and the many animals she has helped - is awesome!
   The author does a good job of letting the reader know about Doris Day, and meaningful events
   in her life. While I was disappointed in her tv show that she kept changing the stars (she started out a
   widowed mom - and somehow the kids disappeared after a few seasons - as well as the charming farm, which
   I felt was a terrible move on the show) - you come to realize how much her life was in a turmoil during the
   period of the shows creation - her real-life husband had just died, and her financial empire had been
   swindled from her - but just like Doris - she takes it head on - and gets justice!

5 comments about Into the Woods.

1. I recieved the book as a gift from my aunt. It is so descriptive, so great. Sondheim's lyrics paint the picture that Lapine creates. I would recommend this to anyone!



2. The pictures were wonderful and it was a great adaptation of the Broadway show.



3. First off I wanted to comment on that I'm not under 13, I'm 18. But after reading "Discerning Viewer" said about "Into the Woods." I had to say something.
   
   Sondheim used the original, unedited versions of the Fairy Tales. Case being that the stories were more for adults AND children. And there are universal morals. Don't smother your children (Rapunzel), Don't deviate from the path (Red Ridding Hood), Despite being unappreciated and condemned to serving others, as long as you are kind natured and a truly good person, your dreams will come true (Cinderella). And many argue that Jack and the Beanstalk's is moral is learning to survive and fend for one's self and family.
   
   The second act asks the questions and consequences that the Fairy Tales never answer, like does marrying a handsome Prince really make someone happy? Is a Giant always wrong, and how do you deal with his angry widow? Is killing the wolf the best solution? And does it pay to be charming and not sincere? And two other powerful points of the musical, that are also morals are told; That no one is alone, that everyone depends/needs on someone to survive. And finally that what ever we do, children will SEE and HEAR it, so they LEARN from it, so be careful of our actions and what we tell (and stories) when we say "Listen to Me..."



4. I purchased this in conjunction with the DVD to use for a paper I wrote about "Into the Woods" and its commentary on children's literature and the very notion of childhood. I'd urge anyone to buy the book if they love the show and are interested in looking at it line by line to absorb even more clever subtlties. Great for any ITW fan who is looking to delve deeper into the show's magic and message.



5. This book gives a new twist on some old stories. By way of the Woods, the story created a way to entertwine them all. We go through the experiences of Cinderella, Jack and the Bean Stalk, and the Baker & his wife who are in want of a child, and let us not forget, the Witch and her Rapunzel. Each character wants more than anything in the world something, and they sneak around eachother at times and at others work together to eventually find a happy ending for them all. Also, for those of you who sang "Into the Woods" in school or who have seen the play enough, there are times when you can just start to sing it out for your toddler's amusement. Though I cannot forget that some parts with the Princes have a bit of suggestive talk, but nothing truely in appropriate.

1 comments about Plays for the Theatre (Wadsworth Series in Theatre).

1. I purchased Plays for the Theatre at Amazon for a fraction of the cost of the bookstore price. Although it took longer for the shipment to arrive, it was worth the wait. This book was exactly what I needed for my 6-week class and I still use it to read the classic plays.

5 comments about An Ideal Husband (Dover Thrift Editions).

1. This book is a great nineteenth century literature of one of mi favourites writers ever . It makes a great picture of the english bourgeoisie of the century combined with humour, sarcasm and moral content. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.



2. I love Oscar Wilde's penchant for reversals. This play is terribly good fun but makes you think at the same time. I want to see the play acted out on stage now that I've read it!



3. As a dish for Oscar Wilde's inimitable and devilishly sweet locution, "An Ideal Husband" accentuates adequately.  Like Roger Moore's 70's Bond flicks (before they became cartoons in the 80's), the play is saturated with the style, but very little of the substance from previous genius.
   
   The excuse for, more than the theme of, the play is the unforgiving and insincere moral code among the social elite of fin de siècle London.  Sir Robert Chiltern's otherwise ivory political career grew from selling a Cabinet secret to Stock Exchange speculator, Baron Arnheim, and Mrs. Cheveley, the since-deceased Baron's intimate, possesses the letter of documentation.  All she asks for the letter's destruction is Sir Robert's official support of the Argentine Canal Company, in which she has invested and he knows to be a swindle.  More than an end to his political career, he fears publication of the letter will end his marriage to his admirable, but morally unrelenting wife, Lady Chiltern.  As if to release his audience from any pretension of seriousness, Wilde presents Society's dandy, in the form of Lord Goring, as both his foundation of moral clarity and hedonic flippancy.  A string of one-liners and contrived plot twists later and we delight in what Wilde considers the proper end to any play or romantic relationship, a pleasing settlement.
   
   "An Ideal Husband" is the Daily Star, not the Financial Times. Wilde is truly genius when seriousness is woven through his works, and particularly when his seriousness is personal; but, here he is entertaining nonetheless. If you're just introducing yourself to Oscar Wilde, I recommend including this work after a more flattering introduction, lest you mistake Wilde as merely entertaining.



4. Chevely: "Sometimes. But it is such a difficult pose to keep up."
   
   Perhaps not so well known as "The Importance of Being Earnest," this has all the same banter, manners, and sharp-eyed look at the crumbling edge of the upper crust in Vistorian England. It pleases the attentive listener at many levels. Considered only as a stream of one-liners and clever quips, it delivers all you could ask for.
   
   But because it's Wilde, it's also a wild tirade against the mannered (sometimes ill-mannered) gentry. Behind that, it has a good deal to say about tolerance for the flaws of any fallible human - and Wilde could speak on human flaws with rare authority. And, like any truly great work, its examination of honesty (and dis-) reveals a good bit about today's world, a century later.
   
   I'm not normally a reader of plays. I don't have that inner ear that brings words on the page to life. Wilde gives me some idea what that experience must be like, and I'm grateful for it.
   
   //wiredweird



5. My very favourite of Oscar Wilde's plays. Choc-a-bloc with wit, and humorous repartee, it also is an intriguing story, and fascinating to see how it plays out. No wonder it is still popular 112 years after is first produced with recent productions on video/DVD doing very well.
   Member of Parliament Lord Robert Chiltern is blackmailed by the wicked Mrs. Cheverly, with a secret from his youth, leading to a crisis in his life, and in his marriage to the virtuous Lady Chiltern. It is up to his friend, the delightfully foppish Lord Goring to help extricate him. All is well that ends well, but not after much interplay and intrigue.
   Every word in this play is well measured out for one of the great masterpieces of English Drama.

3 comments about Contemporary Scenes for Student Actors.

1. I'm a librarian, and I wish I had at least two more copies of this book. It is checked out more by students than many of our books in the drama section. I hope to see more books like this one.



2. This book has a wide range of scenes - for 2 men, 2 woman, one man, one woman. Great scenes from old classics - The Lion in Winter, The Children's Hour, etc. If you don't want to do the same old scenes, this book is great. It's not a how-to, just the scenes. Schulman & Mekler are great anyway. They have other good compilations.



3. This book was good and did help a little but only on scenes you must do without exception.I would suggest a monolog book by peg kehret or some other title.I have found that Meriwether Publishing LTD. has a very good selection of wonderful books for this catagory.Happy hunting

2 comments about Historic Photos of Broadway: New York Theater: 1850-1970 (Historic Photos.) (Historic Photos.) (Historic Photos.) (Historic Photos.).

1. This book is fascinating, representing a comprehensive visual account of some of the most important people, shows, and theaters in Broadway history. One of the book's many charms lies in affording us the chance to stare in wistful wonder at the exteriors and interiors of some wonderful old theaters that no longer exist, such as the gorgeous Casino Theater (torn down to accommodate a growing garment district) and the lovely Morosco (razed to make room for the hideous Marriott Marquis and the characterless Marquis Theater).
   
   What makes the book compelling is that, rather than focusing on the well known stars and shows of recent memory, Jacobs skews his coverage toward older and lesser known people, places, and productions. I was especially pleased to see photos from obscure but significant shows that I cover in my Boston Conservatory course, including:
   
   The Black Crook: (1866) What many historians consider to be the first American musical, actually just the first long-running, home-grown hit. A loosely plotted spectacle peppered with irrelevant songs as well as dances from a homeless troupe of French ballet dancers. The theater that the dancers were supposed to have performed in burned down, and the producer of The Black Crook simply added them to the mix, with no connection whatsoever to the show's Faustian plot.
   
   Babes in Toyland: (1903) The first significant show with a score by one person, rather than a collection of previously existing popular songs. Composer Victor Herbert also made the first significant use of underscoring and connecting music.
   
   Very Good Eddie: (1915) The first of the influential, but now largely forgotten, "Princess" musicals, so named because most of the shows played the Princess Theater (demolished in 1955). The production team of Jerome Kern (music), Guy Bolton (book) and P.G. Wodehouse (lyrics) came together to create a new type a musical, one that would attempt to integrate all the elements into a cohesive whole. The "Princess" shows (which also include Oh, Lady! Lady!, Oh, Boy!, and Sitting Pretty) were fluffy, fun, and economical, and greatly influenced such future greats as Richard Rodgers and George Gershwin.
   
   Shuffle Along: (1921) The first successful Broadway musical produced, written, and performed by African Americans. The show broke color barriers on both sides of the footlights: it was also the first time blacks were allowed to sit in the orchestra. It was a separate section of the orchestra, but it represented the beginning of the end of segregation in the theater. The show itself was offensive by modern standards: the actors performed in blackface, and the song titles included "If You Haven't Been Vamped by a Brownskin, You Haven't Been Vamped at All" and "Uncle Tom and Old Black Joe."
   
   Of course, the Jacobs book also features photos of such iconic musical performers as Mary Martin and Ethel Merman, and of such seminal musical works as Oklahoma!, Guys and Dolls, and Fiddler on the Roof. Plus, it's a great book for people like me: adults with ADD who don't always like to read things cover to cover, but rather just skim and skip around to our hearts' content. As the title suggests, the book comprises photos with captions, albeit in chronological order, but that doesn't mean you have to read the book that way.



2. What another book of theater pictures? Another shot of Carol Channing coming down the stairs at the Harmonia Gardens?
   
   What a treat to find a book about the NY Theater that is NOT the same old tired pictures and dramaturgy.
   
   The exceptional pictures - rarely if ever used before are a true theater lover's delight.
   
   If you love the theater and or love New York this book is for you.
   
   The author lovingly gives details for each of these pictures and it is clearly obvious that Mr. Jacob's knowledge and love of all things theatrical is far reaching.
   
   Don't miss this, it belongs in your collection

2 comments about Scene Design and Stage Lighting (with InfoTrac ).

1. Working backstage? Asked by your local community theatre to pitch in doing props? Foolishly said, "Of course I can build a tree(Silly fool only God can)! Here are the helpful hints and clues that will point you in the right direction without looking like a total fool. Design, construction, lights and sound- Oren Parker has it all. This latest edition is my third copy! They just keep getting better and better. This "rumor" best explains the abilities of one of the authors. A colleague once related the story in which Oren Parker showed up in the university scene shop in a three piece suit, painted a full back drop and walked out without a drop of paint on the suit. I'd be interested in knowing how true this is but not any less impressed with how informative this book has been for me. Well worth the exorbitant price.



2. I can't tell you how often I've found myself saying "I'm a carpenter, not a designer!" when asked to design a set. I've always muddled through, but now, with this book in hand, I've found 100% more confidence in my designs. Invaluable for the lighting designer who wants to better understand scenic design, and for the scenic designer who wants to understand lighting design. Buy it!

5 comments about Teaching Music with Passion: Conducting, Rehearsing and Inspiring.

1. Good book for my needs. I'm a rookie conductor-director of orchestral ensembles and use materials like this regularly. Thanks and good luck with whatever new undertakings may leave you feeling as vulnerable and under-prepared as I!
   
   Rob Rife



2. I have been so fortunate to be able to work with Dr. Boonshaft in performance. He recently conducted the community band that I have been involved with. My parents, who were audience members, and I were so impressed with Dr. Boonshaft, that my mother hopped on the computer and ordered this book as soon as we got home from the performance. I have since been reading it, a little at a time, finding it so full of amazing information, awesome advise, and well thought out structure that I have been savoring it and trying to absorb as much of it as possible. Currently, I have finished the first chapter and I am compelled to write the review!
   
   For a girl who loves quotes, there are many, many quotes from astute thinkers from every realm in this book that are so ridiculously relevant to the subject Dr. Boonshaft is delving into. I highly recommend this book to ALL TEACHERS not just music teachers. Even though this book is titled "Teaching MUSIC with Passion" there are many concepts that are relevant for ALL teachers.



3. I wish I had been taught all of these little tricks of the trade before I was tossed in and baptized by fire. My first years of teaching would have been DRASTICALLY different. I also find this book to be quite a good pick-me-up as well as cheerleader as I flirt with burnout on the occasion. Highly recommended!



4. I am a former student of Dr. Boonshaft, and was introduced to this book when it was assigned as my class text for the semester. The book was very consistent with my Secondary Band Methods class, and reading it allows outsiders to share in Dr. B's funny anecdotes and useful tips. It's almost like taking a class with him. It was interesting enough to read beyond the assigned sections each night. He touches on lots of useful rehearsal techniques and also gives advice on how to deal with different situations. Well known for his conducting, he breaks down different methods in Laymen's terms.
   
   I highly recommend this book, for it an extremely useful read to keep on a nearby shelf for reference. Years later I still refer back to it on a regular basis. It speaks to the the director, the instrumentalist, the conductor and most importantly, the teacher.
   
   If you're like me, it will definitely leave you inspired.



5. Dr. Boonshaft was a lecturer at The Complete Band Directors Workshop this year at Capital University. His presentation gave me many ideas for this school year to use with my middle school bands. I am about 3/4 of the way through his book and know I'll reread it because it has so many useful ideas for rehearsals. This is one to keep on your director's bookshelf.

5 comments about KID STAYS IN THE PICTURE, THE.

1. An inside look at a major player during the 70's, 80's, and 90's. You have to admire Robert Evans' chutzpah, and I think it was his egomania that got him back up each time he was down for the count. It's a delicious and dishy look at hollywood during a very exciting era. I can't say that the book will stay with you long after you've read it, but while you are reading it you won't be able to put it down.



2. I met Bob Evans a couple of years ago at Book Soup on Sunset Blvd., for no less a 'literary' L.A. event than a 'book' signing for the release of 'Kid' on cd. I stayed after, to speak with the legendary producer and get my 1st ed. copy of 'Kid' signed. When the last guest had left, only myself, Evans and Army Archerd (with a Michael Clarke-Duncan size bodyguard) remained. I told Mr.Evans that I have great admiration of for his work and that meeting him was a dream come true for me. Evans' story as meteoric rise to head of production at Paramount and white-hot, sub-orbital fall due to substance abuse is an amazing tale of genius and hubris. Evans was personally involved in producing some the classics from a cinematic-artistic Golden Age: The Godfather, Chinatown, Harold & Maude, to name a few.



3. This is a splendid chronicle of a remarkable career, though I can't help but wonder if Evans wouldn't have been happier if he had just learned to love himself for who he is.



4. I've read just about every autobiography I've come across, but I'd have to say Robert Evans has taken a more honest and critical look at his life than anyone I've ever read.
   I can't imagine anyone wouldn't find this book absorbing and interesting



5. This book celebrates "ME-ness" better than almost anything I've read in the last five years, except maybe for "Feel This Book."
   
   Evans actually writes fairly well, although a few habits of repetition seem pointless or a distraction. This helps the reader get through what appears to be a narcissistic and self-absorbed exercise in "look upon my works, ye mighty, and despair."
   
   Well, there is a difference between narcissism and self-absorption. After finishing this book, I realized that while Evans is in love with himself, he also is fairly realistic and self-appraising without being totally boring. Sort of like listening to someone at a 12-step meeting. The reader gets drawn into the lessons available from such constant and unblinking preoccupation with Evans' own attributes and foibles...
   
   Anyway, great literature it ain't, but if you'd like to read long lists of names of famous people and hear how rough it is to make millions of bucks and get the most beautiful women in the world to sleep with you, it's a great choice!