No comments about Communication Research (3rd Edition).

4 comments about Our Musicals, Ourselves: A Social History of the American Musical Theater.

1. I thought the book was superb in that it combined the flow of the times with the need for Broadway musicals that were divisionary to counteract the divisiveness in some of the difficult eras. I echo what the previous readers said, but I wondered why the author left out some poignant, comedic and inspirational shows as The Boyfriend with Julie Andrews, Lucky Stiff, a very low key show in the late 80's that was an Ahrens and Flaherty favorite along with Ragtime, and of course, Hairspray which probably would be the best depiction of diversion! Fabulous read and great for teens and university students of the musical theatre.



2. I loved this book. Ever since my high school English teacher chastised me for trying to put Miller's The Crucible in the context of the McCarthy era, I have been fascinated with the social context surrounding the creation of art. Jones focuses on the political as well as social context that has given birth to the great...and the mediocre...of the American musical. First, his use of terms such as "diversionary" ring so true for those of us who love mindless fluff when we go to the theatre. Second, I was shocked at how little I had appreciated the contributions of African-Americans, inter alia, to the American stage prior to reading this book. But, mostly, I liked how he articulated how a writer's gestalt accounts for the end product on the stage and his description of how copy-cat musicals come into being. The book gave me the backstory to many of the original shows I had the good fortune to see on Broadway. I, for one, would love a Volume II of this book to be Jones' next foray. I especially offer this to aspiring young actors, writers, directors and songwriters as a required read before embarking on a life in musical theater. If you want to create art, you must know from whence you came.



3. This book by a long-time professor of theatre arts at Brandeis University is a fascinating study of the social forces influencing the evolution of the Broadway music. Starting with the early part of the 20th-century and working his way slowly to the present day, John Bush Jones groups musicals according to their themes and intent, calling some simply 'diversionary' (the sort that is so often thought to be aimed at the 'tired businessman') and others 'issue-driven,' (those with a theme which somehow mirrors the society at large). Clearly his interest is primarily with the latter, although he does discuss some of the unconscious thematic issues of the former. He does sometimes tend to get a bit caught up in his own premises and oversell them, but by and large this is a scholarly, and entirely readable, history of an art form that was invented on our shores and brought to its peak here, although it has been imitated prolifically elsewhere. He makes the point that most of the creators were Jewish (as he is) but doesn't offer much of an explanation for why this might be so. He focuses repeatedly on such things as shows with African-American, Jewish, political, sociological and psychological themes. He offers a fine analysis of the so-called 'concept musical' (e.g., 'Company' or 'Chorus Line') which he prefers to call 'fragmented musicals,' a description which points out their lack of an ordinary linear plot line.

   One could argue with some of his emphases and analyses, but one has to respect the depth and breadth of his research and knowledge. He analyzes sociopolitical themes at length in such musicals as 'Show Boat,' 'The Cradle Will Rock,' 'Pal Joey,' 'Oklahoma,' 'South Pacific,' 'Carousel,' 'Sweeney Todd,' 'Fiddler on the Roof,' and others. Sometimes he finds hidden meanings that I had a hard time agreeing with, but I can only admire his imaginative look at some musicals that many of us tend to see as primarily 'diversionary.'

   The book includes appendices listing the most popular or important musicals grouped roughly by decade and the number of performances they achieved. And there is also an extensive bibliography. I've read many books about the musical theatre and this one is unique in its perspective; it brings an interesting slant to the subject. Thus, it is a worthy addition to the long list of important books about the art form.

   Scott Morrison




4. As a lover of Musical Theater, and (minor) toiler in the vineyards, myself, I have probably read hundreds of books on the subject. Therefore, it is always a special treat to find one that brings a fresh slant to the subject. Jones' book does just that. By treating musical theater styles neither as a simple reflection of, nor an escape from the world at large, but rather as an integral part of the whole, he presents a broad, but always entertaining and on-target view of both the 20th century and musical theater's part within same. There are, as there always are in works of this scope, some factual errors (e.g. "No Strings" wasn't Richard Rodgers' only "public" credit as a lyricist. He's also so credited on the score for the TV musical "Androcles & The Lion". It ain't Broadway-in every sense-but it IS public!) but none that take anythng away from the over-all achievement of the work.

4 comments about On Singing Onstage (Applause Acting Series).

1. If you are at all interested in singing on the theater stage, this book is a must. I recommend highly along with the nine hour video. Not something you will see on the usual market. Get it!



2. David Craig literally invented musical theatre performance training. He was the master. You may want to save this book until after you've read some others. It is highly technical and deals with performers on at a master level. His books and tapes are all we have left of this amazing teacher. But there was simply no one better.



3. This is indeed a very brilliant guide to singing onstage. However, I do not recommend it to novices. I remember having read this book when I was still a drama student in school, and not understanding most of what the great David Craig taught, because his methods are so painfully detailed(which is good, but not if you've never stood on a stage much before), and requires a good amount of maturity and self-awareness to achieve the desired results.
   
   This book does not teach you about vocalising or their techniques. What it does is that it teaches you how to interpret the song through the lyric, the music, phrasing, and most of all, the subtext in your mind!
   
   Having been a professional performer for more than a decade now, re-reading the entire book has been mindblowing, as it reaffirms and reintroduces me to the lessons that Experience has taught me. Oftentimes, I didn't even know that I possessed that piece of knowledge, until Craig puts it to the class in his always eloquent and witty way. He really does have a very persuasive way of luring the "real" you out, so we can all hear and watch YOU perform a song, and not the guy you are hiding behind. Singing becomes a much greater joy then, both for the singer and the audience, I promise you!
   
   A must-read for singers and especially for actors wanting to get into musicals.



4. David Craig breaks down the sometimes overwhelming task/joy of performing songs into manageable chunks. His analysis of songs at the beginning of the book is priceless. After determining the Who-what why-when-where-how facts, the singer is guided through creating a subtext that personalizes and animates the performance, making it truly something worth watching/hearing. Highly recommended to singers of all genres, although Mr. Craig's focus is on musical theater. Answers the eternal question, "is this song (trip) necessary?" with a resounding "YES!"

5 comments about Making It on Broadway: Actors' Tales of Climbing to the Top.

1. Ever wonder what it's like to be a Broadway performer? Well here's your chance...told through the mouths of over a hundred performers, you'll get the chance to laugh, cry and survive with these performers.
   
   Many don't understand the heart-ache and sacrifices made by a performer. Many even think that Broadway is easy...but with each story you'll learn that is far from the truth.
   
   If you want to be a Broadway performer or just explore the life of one this book is for you....



2. This book was recommended to me by a very good friend. Not only is it a humorous read, but an eye-opening one. This book brilliantly deals with the reality of professional theater right from the mouths of professional actors. If you are in the business, this book exposes you to so many things that aren't taught in school. It's a must read. If you are a theatergoer, this book offers a rare look into the lives of performers. This book is such a great reality check that manages to also be inspiring.



3. i love this book so much. i read it over and over again, because it always inspires me and just gets me so excited thinking about what my future could possibly hold! This book has so many great stories, and some are so hilarious I am constantly laughing out loud while reading this book! Honestly!!
   I read the book because it makes me feel comforted when I get an audition rejection...and it gives me a lot of hope. i love it so much, and it is a big book with a great number of stories...so definitely get this one! i wish they would publish a second book!!



4. This book is very good and meets all my expectations.



5. Whether you are a theatre novice or Broadway veteran, this ambitous work is insightful, educational and fun.
   On some nights, the theatre life is full of passion and wonder. However, many nights are spent in the hope of simply finding a job or landing a decent audition. Warts and all, this book is a must for anyone who loves a play or story. Enjoy and learn.

4 comments about Improvising Better: A Guide for the Working Improviser.

1. Improvising Better is a must have for anyone who wants to do just that. I'm currently in my fourth year of doing improvisational comedy, and my biggest regret is that I didn't buy this book earlier! This work will leave you saying, "Well of course. Why didn't I think of that?" Written in a conversational tone, it will fool you into believing that Jimmy and Liz are actually in the room fixing your improv flaws. This book can be read in just a couple of hours, but it is through rereading it that it gains most of its value. It is a must-have improvisational reference work.
   If you're looking for a quick fix to almost any of your improv problems this is the book for you. Almost every chapter has a handful of games that will help you hone your improv skills and make you more ready to take on the stage. It's simply amazing how much knowledge can be shared in so few pages. The coauthors share over 30 years of experience in this field. Does anything else really need to be said?



2. There are lots of improv books out there, and this is definitely one of the best. It's a nice, easy read. The authors simply state all of things that are usually forgotten by the actor. They don't spend a lot of time telling you how great they are or all of the famous people they've worked with.
   I would personally call this a must have if you are a serious improvisational actor.



3. I have had the luxury of being coached by Liz Allen. But for those that have not had the opportunity, she and her co-author have come up with a fun tongue-in-cheek book that gives the more seasoned improviser a chance to reasses their path and how to make their improv work even better.
   
   The book really paints a picture of what the improviser faces both socially and professionally. It reviews the basic improvisational tools, something the seasoned professional sometimes forgets about. And, the text is not dry at all. Bits of humor are thrown in that keep it an interesting read.
   
   If you are wanting a diversion from your chaotic improv life, check out this book and see the culture of comedic improv mirrored humorously within the pages of this fun title! And get many helpful performance hints as well!



4. Item shipped promptly and in the condition as advertised. Would do business again and highly recommend this seller.

5 comments about The Big Book of Broadway, Third Edition.

1. Bought this along with the definitive Broadway for my teenage daughter. Thorough compilation and she was thrilled



2. This is a great book of show tunes. There is quite a bit of variety here. Many new songs are included, along with plenty of old favorites. The music is challenging to play, but you can always fake it, if you're a piano hack like me!



3. I "read" this book because I'm a big fan of broadway and have always wanted to learn new showtunes. This book is great if you want to learn lyrics of great songs. Many of the songs in this book are popular such as "Memory" from Cats.

   There is quite a bit of variation in this book. there are songs from all sorts of musicals. If you want to learn the tunes of the songs in this book, it helps yo play the piano or quitar. The songs are mostly in b flat. There are many time signatures too. I play violin, and I could learn tunes by playing violin using the music in this book too. If you are looking for some songs to sing for an audition, or to play for an audition, or just for fun-this book is great!




4. I am a singer and many of the songs I sing come from this book my favorite is "Being Alive". It's got a lot of songs from very familiar Musicals like the King and I and Sound of Music. Also most of the arragements are not bad either.



5. I am a singer and many of the songs I sing come from this book my favorite is "Being Alive". It's got a lot of songs from very familiar Musicals like the King and I and Sound of Music. Also most of the arragements are not bad either.

1 comments about Coastal Disturbances: Four Plays.

1. Tina Howe's plays draw from a variety of emotions that could delight any reader or performer. Her unique style is refreshing and her contemporary in-your-face bluntness adds excitement to her dialogue. This is a great selection for those who enjoy contemporary theatre- especially women. As a woman, I found her characters to be very truthful and a realisitc portrayal of the many trials some females naturally face. As an actor, I suggest this book to all actors searching for a strong monologue. Howe's characters have a lot to say, and her wonderful writing style gives you a powerful way to say it.

5 comments about The Art and Heart of Drum Circles.

1. I took on a sudden urge some months ago to start playing a hand drum, and to bring some kind of community drumming to the area where I live (a small city). I chose this book because it was cheaper than the others (a limited budget!) and had a CD in it. The book was helpful, and helped me gain some insight into drum circle building. I would say that one of the cons is that it tends to read a little bit like promotional literature from the Remo company, and it seems to have a little too much hype for the author and her Remo sponsored circles. However, there is helpful material in it, and I am satisfied that I got my money's worth.



2. I found this an excellent help in beginning a drumming circle. Armed with the information from this book I came to know what more questions I needed to ask and what more new information I needed.



3. Simply put, helpful book. I'm working to spread the word about the value of drumming in my professional presentations...and I often facilitate drum circles for those with dementia. The tips in this book significantly improved my understanding and skills. Much thanks to Christine.



4. Christine is on her "A" game with this book. Chock full of information and insight, the "Art and Heart of Drum Circles" should be on every facilitator's reading list. The included CD makes for great audio reference to material covered in the book. If you have not gotten a chance to see Christine facilitate a drum circle, she is even more fun live. Good job!



5. I have created two regular musical jam sessions in my town, but realized that there was a need for people who do not play an instrument or do not read music. My search led me to the drum circle concept. Apparently the concept has evolved from pure drumming to being inclusive of many more instruments and sound makers. The Art and Heart of Drum Circles is the most supportive book that I have read on this subject. It is an easy read (includes a CD) and it is very encouraging to new circle facilitators. Christine Stevens makes you feel good about what you are attemping to do while helping you with plenty of information and examples. This is an outstanding text.

1 comments about The One-Hour Drama: Producing Episodic Television.

1. You will not find a better book on television production. Fast-paced, thorough and completely entertaining, it's not what you'd expect in what's sure to be a school textbook one day. He tells stories of his days in Hollywood that will leave you wondering as to whom he is referring to. But ever the gentleman, Mr Del Valle will go to his grave with those secrets.
   
   He sure doesn't leave anything out when it comes to the real deal, producing a show. He lays it all out there. He tells you what he learned from the mistakes he made so you don't have to make 'em too. In a town where most people make more of themselves than they are, it's refreshing to meet someone who, well, doesn't.
   
   This guy's got the goods. His knowledge, gained from 30+ years of experience in the biz, would serve anyone in a managerial position well.
   
   Very informative AND entertaining. You won't be able to put it down!

5 comments about My Name Is Rachel Corrie.

1. RACHEL CORRIE, MAHATMA GHANDI, NELSON MANDELA, POPE JOHN PAUL II, MARTIN LUTHER KING JR., MOTHER THERESA, IRENE SENDLER, JOHN AND ROBERT KENNEDY, ABRAHAM LINCOLN, LECH WALESA, RACHEL CORRIE...Yes, Rachel Corrie has joined the ranks of the world's most heroic icons, as Rachel has certainly paid her dues: WITH-HER-LIFE, damn it!; to be honored as such.
   
   Rachel's words and thoughts are so moving, inspiring and just so 100% pure. Read Rachel Corries words, and you will be profoundly moved forever. Read for yourself and you'll probably say to yoourself: "What have I done as an American, to help stop the present, ongoing (right now, as you read....) daily home demolitions and murders of helpless and harmless (media wants you to think otherwise) Palestinian people? What about Darfur? Rachel was murdered while trying to stop an Israeli from demolising another Palestinians home while the whole family was inside drinking tea. The Israeli soldier, with Rachel in full daytime view, ran over little Rachel's body THREE times, to make sure she suffered horribly and was murdered. This was all caught on film.
   
   Rachel's very special words and thoughts should be read and acknowledged by all people with conscience. Every school should have Rachel's stories on their required reading lists. This book is fine for Junior high through graduate school. The message is universal, peaceful and pure. Don't let Rachel die in vain. Get her thoughts, words and inspiring life to your school and library. This was one very, very special young lady, who's life was cut so short in helping the poor and defenseless Palestinian families.
   
   Read Rachel and be changed for the better and forever. Visit the memorial website and learn more about this heroic women icon at :www.rachelcorrie.com. Kate Bowman has an article about Rachel, right here on Amazon. bowman elaborate on how Bush & Co. completely ignored her murder and parents' plea for help. The article by Kate bowman is tiled; "It's Now OK For Israeli's To Kill Americans." Also, read Jimmy Carters' Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid, and view his movie Jimmy Carter: Man From Plainsand finally a documentary that Jimmy Carter highly recommends in his book that really gets into the human rights abuses by the Israelis adainst the Palestinians is "The Wall," which shows the true destitude that the Palestinins are subjected to everyday. You won't believe what you'll see, as Rachel did and gave he life trying to stop thr jewish terror machine. Remember young and brave Rachell Corrie.



2. Demonstrates how one amazing young woman with peace and compassion in her soul attempted with great courage and strength to stand up for Justice - and the ultimate price she paid for doing so. The terrorists (Zionist Israelis in this instance; yes they come in all nationalities and religions) thought nothing of an American human life as they razed right over her. What kind of heartless monsters are capable of doing that? Yet, we continue to give them billions of dollars in aid, thus empowering and furthering their consistent human rights violations. May Rachel rest in peace and may her ultimate sacrifice not be in vain. Jimmy Carter and Rachel Corrie - way to go for standing up against injustice.



3. Because of the youthful exuberance, which is not naivety, of Rachel Corrie's words, taken from her journals and e-mails to folks "back home," this drama does proceed deeper, and deeper into the mind and actions of a young woman on her personal crusade to do something about the lives of virtual strangers. Dramatists have put together an excellent portrayal of Rachel and some of the conflicts of her life experience.



4. This young lady brutally murdered by an Israeli soldier, was very aware of what was truly going on in "The Palestinian Holocaust" that still is ongoing today. This book is a book of a true "American Hero." Her heroic death must not be in vain, but give courage to all to stand up to the racist atrocities being perpetrated in the world today. The brutal savagery and humiliation against the women, children and men of Palestine is one such, present day "Holocaust." Rachel Corrie had incredible foresight for someone so young. Her cause is now proven and backed by some of the greatest human beings and scholars on this earth: Former President Jimmy Carter has gotten the same message Rachel was getting out to the world in his present best-seller: "Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid." In another new best-seller "THE ISRAEL LOBBY, AND U.S. FOREIGN POLICY," by John J. Mearsheimer (of U. of Chicago) and Stephan M. Walt (Harvard), clearly shared young Rachel's view that the savage and horrific treatment of the Palestinian People and "their" lands, was not good for Palestinians, Israeli's, and Especially for America's Safety and Reputation to the World. The list seems endless, especially today, proving and backing Rachel's heroic mission. May she rest in peace. Her parents must be so proud that Rachel tried to help the oppressed and brutally occupied people of Palestine. Rachel Corrie, be proud as your message of justice is being carried on by the great authors mentioned and many more.
   
   Just something to think about readers: Be careful or take great caution with amateur reviews that try to distort Rachel's pure and humane message. Whose words do you give more weight to, a reckless, insensitive, amateur reviewer, or some of the notable icons and scholars mentioned. Yes, everyone is entitled to an opinion,(that's what makes AMAZON the best) but some spend years researching specialty topics and are more up to speed - weigh everything. Do Former President, and probably todays greatest humanitarian, Jimmy Carter's words have weight and substance? What about other great and acclaimed scholars such as Professor John J. Mearsheimer, who is the Wendell Harrison Distinguished Service Professor of Political Science and the co-director of the Program on International Security Policy at the Univ. of Chicago. Add, Professor Stephen M. Walt, who is the Robert and Renee Belfer Professor of International Affairs at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard. Who do you believe? I leave that rhetorical question to you.
   
   Rachel Corrie and her beautiful messages in her writings, this book, and her heroic and tragic death keep her lagacy and message of justice alive. Now, more than ever, notable people and scholarly authors are writing an array of necessary books supporting Rachels cause and, important message. A message that, finally, is getting to Americans,i.e., The horrific plight of the Palestinian peoples. Rachel, the world will not forget that you died for the justice of the Palestinians. Rachel's life should be a academic course in and of itself. Rachel was a true martyr. Read Rachel and be inspired and moved forever....



5. This is a tough review to write.
   
   As to the book, it deserves five stars.
   
   But as to Rachel Corrie, who was an American member of the International Solidarity Movement (ISM) who traveled to the Gaza Strip during the Al-Aqsa Intifada, she brought about her own death when she was defending the wrong side.
   
   The Al-Aqsa Intifada was started by Yasir Arafat when he refused to take the 99% of the West Bank that Ehud Barak offered him.
   
   Arafat had to start the Al-Aqsa Intifada because if he did not, people would comes to terms with his own incompetence, arrogance, and greed. Which has all been documented since.
   
   First off, Fatah, Hama and others, who Rachel defended, besides being anti-Israel, are anti-American.
   
   Second off, these two organizations have killed innocent people, including many Americans.
   
   For Rachel Corrie to defend these people is criminal at best, immoral at worst. Rather than defending terrorists, Rachel should have been defending the innocent Israelis.
   
   She was killed when she tried to obstruct an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Caterpillar D9 armoured bulldozer operating in Hai as-Salam, a Palestinian area of Rafah, close to the border with Egypt, an area the IDF had designated a security zone.
   
   Why was the bulldozer there? For security operations designed to uncover the network of smuggling tunnels connecting Egypt to the Palestinian side of Rafah - tunnels used by Hamas and other groups for smuggling weapons from Egypt in Gaza strip.
   
   Let's see, illegal weapons are imported to kill innocents and Corrie wants to defend such people?
   
   She brought about her own death.
   
   Rachel Corrie was a beautiful person with a good heart. She was also misguided. That mistake took her life.
   
   This is a sad tale about a good heart, who defended evil people.