Making It on Broadway: Actors' Tales of Climbing to the Top 
asked by redsink on October 31, 2006 5:29 PM
Countering the misperceptions about Broadway performers leading glamorous lives, the words of more than 150 Broadway stars provide unprecedented insight into their struggle for stardom. With an introduction by Jason Alexander and candid interviews with today's most celebrated Broadway stars, this book offers stories to entertain and astonish theater lovers, as well as serve as a sobering reality check for those considering careers on the stage. This book shares firsthand accounts of professional actors' difficult yet fulfilling journeys to Broadway: moving to New York, finding survival jobs, auditioning, landing roles, avoiding pitfalls, forging a family life, and much more.
Reviews
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This book is very good and meets all my expectations.
reviewed by drvale on November 7, 2006 8:21 AM
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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.
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.
reviewed by tsu on November 10, 2006 1:38 AM
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My son plans to go to college for a BFA in musical theatre. I am reading all that I can to help him and our family to prepare. This book is in many ways the most useful. When I tell others of my son's plans they often say "that's wonderful!" After reading this book a parent could feel that such a career choice is about as wonderful as being a prostitute or a hired killer. The book lets us hear actors in their own voices and it is frightening (as well as funny and heartwarming at times). I was prepared for the lousy apartments and the menial jobs to make ends meet. What I was not prepared for is how bad life is for the stars. I was not expecting to hear that actors who are in the mega productions are not enjoying it and that they play games on stage during the show to avoid boredom. After reading this book I hope that my son stays in local theatre. Broadway sounds like a nightmare, especially since the takeover by the mega corporations, referred to as the Disnyfication of Broadway.
reviewed by tubi on November 20, 2006 6:54 PM
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I have a slightly biased opinion about this book, being honored to be one of its contributors. But I will defy anyone who doesn't think that this book should have a semester of coursework based on it at every notable conservatory and theater school in the country.
There are many books that aspiring actors can read to learn the craft and skill needed to perform onstage.
This is the only one I know of that can prepare young actors for life ahead of them OFFstage.
There are many books that aspiring actors can read to learn the craft and skill needed to perform onstage.
This is the only one I know of that can prepare young actors for life ahead of them OFFstage.
reviewed by iconfess on November 22, 2006 12:06 AM
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This is an absolute page turner, horrifying, funny, depressing, and sometimes inspiring. I am merely a fan of Broadway, not an aspiring performer, and, as my husband, who does not normally read this sort of a book but is engrossed in this one, said, thank heaven neither one of us has ambition to be a Broadway performer. An absolute delight.
reviewed by jdog on November 27, 2006 12:23 AM