Book Reviews

Noel Coward On Noel Coward, Acting, Writing And “Theatre”

Noël Coward meant to write a full tome on “Theatre” but time, health and a score of other projects apparently got in the way. But Barry Day, a stage producer, biographer of literary figures, Sherlock Holmes novelist and prolific Coward devotee, realized that Coward had in essence done it indirectly. Thus, the germ for Noel Coward On (And In) The Theatre.

Posted on November 2, 2021 by Bill Hirschman
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Review: In The Room Where Sunday in the Park Happened

It’s almost impossible to accurately depict the guts of the creative process, let alone make its intricacies interesting. But director-librettist James Lapine has not only conquered that task, he and 40 colleagues have produced one of the most compelling and detailed inside examinations of the full process of the creation of theater, covering everything from word choice in a lyric to choosing the theater venue.

Posted on August 2, 2021 by Bill Hirschman
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Book Review: Stoppard Bio Is As Complex As The Man Himself

Most biographies factually mirror the life and times of their subject in a chronological narrative. But few mirror the complexity and structure of the subject’s own work with the stunning faithfulness of Hermione Lee’s exhaustive and exhausting epic examination of one of the greatest playwrights in English or any other language, Tom Stoppard: A Life.

Posted on February 19, 2021 by Bill Hirschman
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Book Review: Bob Avian’s Engrossing Inside Look At Broadway “Dancing Man “

The paradigm of theater as a co-creative art is repeatedly depicted in Bob Avian’s autobiography Dancing Man, an engrossing account of the creation of theater seen from the inside in an illuminating tale told with the fair clear-eyed vision of someone who loves the art and the artists but who rejects wearing rose-colored glasses.

Posted on April 25, 2020 by Bill Hirschman
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Maltz’s Brighton Beach Memoirs Makes Strong Memories

Home is the place where they have to take you in, to paraphrase Robert Frost. It’s also the place where every family dynamic plays out — love, resentment, growing pains, conflict, chaos, worry and secrets — as shown in the Maltz Jupiter Theatre’s superb production of Brighton Beach Memoirs, smoothly directed with a first-class cast, the Maltz production hits all the high notes

Posted on February 28, 2020 by Bill Hirschman
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Bookshelf: Hirschfeld, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Michael Caine

If you’re a theater aficionado and received a nice check from your mother for the holidays or maybe from a busy relative gave you a gift card to Barnes & Noble, what should you spend it on? Here’s our review of a few books related to the arts.

Posted on December 30, 2018 by Bill Hirschman
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Our Holiday Gift List For The Theater Buff In The House

Theater buffs are the easiest people to shop for on your holiday list, as our Brad Hathaway proves in his annual roundup.

Posted on November 28, 2015 by Bill Hirschman
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Theater Shelf: Gift Guide To CDs & Books For Your Theater Junkie

Puzzled what to give that theater fan for the holidays. Check out Brad Hathaway’s suggestions. And of course, a season subscription is always welcome.

Posted on December 5, 2014 by Bill Hirschman
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Theater Shelf: Great Moments in Theater, Marilyn Miller, A Visit To Oz, And Betty Blue Eyes

Theater Shelf, a recurring feature, reviews recently-released books, CDs and DVDs of interest to theater lovers. Some are popular titles like a new Original Cast Recording, others are works you’ll be intrigued by, but didn’t even know about.

Posted on June 29, 2014 by Bill Hirschman
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Theater Shelf: Godspell, Death Takes A Holiday, The King(s) and I (Actually Several I’s)

Theater Shelf, a recurring feature, reviews recently-released books, CDs and DVDs of interest to theater lovers. Some are popular titles like a new Original Cast Recording, others are works you’ll be intrigued by, but didn’t even know about.

Posted on April 15, 2014 by Bill Hirschman
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