Best book writers?

[Younger Brother]

Posted: 8/19/16 at 1:42pm

I often hear people talk about composers who are considered the best but I was curious to know who do people consider some of the best book writers, especially of the past twenty years? I myself thoroughly enjoy Harvey Fierstein's work  though I would guess I am in the minority on that one based on some other opinions I've read.

[BroadwayConcierge]

Posted: 8/19/16 at 1:46pm

James Lapine.

Also personally hoping the Kirkpatrick/O'Farrell team from Rotten! produce more work in the future.

[Scarywarhol]

Posted: 8/19/16 at 1:47pm

Oscar Hammerstein

Howard Ashman

Hugh Wheeler

[HogansHero]

Posted: 8/19/16 at 1:56pm

Peter Stone

[EricMontreal22]

Posted: 8/19/16 at 2:03pm

Hugh Wheeler for sure (also a strong screenplay writer even his uncredited stuff like helping Cabaret).  Was also gonna mention Lapine who is vastly underrated (honestly I think all of Sondheim's collaborators have been good to great, but of course are in his shadow and in some cases definitely did better work with him than anywhere else.).   And Hell, I'll add Ashman and Hammersmith (who doesn't get the credit due for virtually inventing the modern musical theatre libretto) there too. 

I find Terrence McNally a less and less interesting playwright on his own but I find his musicals books--all adaptations it seems--very strong. ragtime, Man of No Importance, Spider Woman, Full Monty...  Ok a few misfires too, but. 

I think Joe Masteroff is underrated. She Loves Me arguably improves on its brilliant source material. Cabaret was ostensibly based primarily on I Am a Camera but is much better--better dialogue, focus and the Herr Shultz story was his invention not existing in the stories or play. Also, unlike when Furth revised Company with Sondheim and Goldman revised Follies with Sondheim (two under appreciated books) Masteroff's revisions to Cabaret in 1987--written in a manner of weeks between the revival's pre tour and Broadway opening--honestly strengthen and improve the work. 

Updated On: 8/19/16 at 02:03 PM

[adam.peterson44]

Posted: 8/19/16 at 2:07pm

Oscar Hammerstein

Brian Yorkey

agreed that i would love to see more work from Kirkpatrick and Ferrell

[Sondheim_Disney1595]

Posted: 8/19/16 at 4:14pm

Thomas Meehan

Bob Martin

[Jeffrey Karasarides]

Posted: 8/19/16 at 5:36pm

Harvey Fierstein
Oscar Hammerstein II
James Lapine
Terrence McNally
Thomas Meehan

[SidebySidebyLogan]

Posted: 8/19/16 at 10:28pm

I agree with just about every name already listed. 

Some that haven't been mentioned yet (or I possibly missed them) 

Larry Gelbart
Comden & Green
Michael Stewart


Harvey Firestien - Everything after La Cage pales in comparison but that alone would get him on the list 

Craig Lucas, Doug Wright, Lisa Kron, Tony Kushner are all playwrights more respected for their plays (with the possible exception of Kron) but each of them have written a libretto that surprised and moved me. I would absolutely love to see them apply their unique vision to another musical world.  

 

Updated On: 8/19/16 at 10:28 PM

[RippedMan]

Posted: 8/20/16 at 11:27am

I would argue Lucas and Yorkey have not had the best track records, but Yorkey did give us Next to Normal which is a phenomenal story. 

[icecreambenjamin]

Posted: 8/20/16 at 11:34am

Oscar Hammerstein II

James Lapine

Hugh Wheeler

Joe Masteroff

Howard Ashman

[¿Macavity?]

Posted: 8/20/16 at 7:27pm

EricMontreal22 said: "Hugh Wheeler for sure (also a strong screenplay writer even his uncredited stuff like helping Cabaret).  

 

"

He was credited for Cabaret. I remember being (pleasantly) surprised a couple months ago when re-watching Cabaret and noticing his name in the credits.

[HogansHero]

Posted: 8/20/16 at 8:02pm

"a phenomenal story"

I'd suggest that's the wrong criteria. 

[ahhrealmonsters]

Posted: 8/20/16 at 8:15pm

Sybille Pearson (Giant, Baby) and Rachel Sheinkin (Spelling Bee) both come to mind.

[jessepp]

Posted: 8/20/16 at 8:36pm

Larry L. King and Peter Masterson

Updated On: 8/20/16 at 08:36 PM

[EricMontreal22]

Posted: 8/20/16 at 9:05pm

¿Macavity? said: "EricMontreal22 said: "Hugh Wheeler for sure (also a strong screenplay writer even his uncredited stuff like helping Cabaret).  

 

"

He was credited for Cabaret. I remember being (pleasantly) surprised a couple months ago when re-watching Cabaret and noticing his name in the credits.

 

"

Obviously I am in need of a re-watch (I bought the BluRay last Summer, but haven't watched it yet--a bad habit of mine with DVDs).  Thanks for the correction!

[¿Macavity?]

Posted: 8/21/16 at 12:55am

Always happy to help!