Broadway Companion Books

[bethyd]

Posted: 2/19/20 at 11:46am

Hey all, I'm reorganizing my bookshelves at home, and I truly love Broadway-related books. I have the standard companion books: The Grimmirie, the RENT Bible, the Hamilton book, etc. And I have other popular ones, Spring Awakening, Avenue Q, DEH, Cabaret, Come from Away. Plus a few of the Playbill yearbooks. 

I also have some auto biographies, like Anthony Rapp, Kristin Chenoweth, Julie Andrews, etc.

What are some of your favorite books? I want to expand my collection! 

[GiantsInTheSky2]

Posted: 2/19/20 at 11:51am

Highly recommend King of Pride Rock - even if you’re not a Disney fan, it’s a fascinating look into adapting a musical for the stage and the incredible artistic concepts and work that goes into it.

[bethyd]

Posted: 2/19/20 at 12:04pm

That's funny, I have a few Disney theatrical books, like the New Amsterdam theater one, and the BaTB one, but I don't have that one! Thanks!

[Justin D]

Posted: 2/19/20 at 1:32pm

GiantsInTheSky2 said: "Highly recommend King of Pride Rock - even if you’re not a Disney fan, it’s a fascinating look into adapting a musical for the stage and the incredible artistic concepts and work that goes into it."

actually on my recent trip i got what i assume is an updated version of this book, (cant remember the exact title) but it covers a lot of the original stuff and now expands into international productions since the show opened.

[uncageg]

Posted: 2/19/20 at 1:55pm

I really enjoyed Unnaturally Green by by Felicia Ricci. Great look into the behind the scenes of becoming Elphaba.

I also enjoyed Song Of Spiderman. A bit long but good.

"Out of the Woods - A True Story" by Kevin Farley is also really good. About a little girl who wants to see the show every day for 3 weeks.

I am assuming you own "The Season" and "Not Since Carrie".

[perfectliar]

Posted: 2/19/20 at 2:40pm

I second Song of Spiderman and, if you don't have it, Not Since Carrie, which is a must-read for every theatre fan.

I also really liked Michael Riedel's Razzle Dazzle (essentially a history of the Shubert Organization) and Mickey Rapkin's Theater Geek (about Stagedoor Manor).

If you're looking for new Broadway memoirs, favorites include Patti LuPone: A Memoir, Barbara Cook's Then & Now, and Kenny Leon's Take You Wherever You Go.

[RWPrincess]

Posted: 2/19/20 at 3:26pm

I read Tom Schumacher's newest version of How Does The Show Go On last night. Some here might think it's a bit amateurish but I learned quite a few things from it and it also includes some gorgeous photos and behind the scenes documents. Every Disney show has it for sale at the merch booth but it's also available elsewhere. 

I also enjoyed Disney Theatrical Productions by Amy Osatinski. It's a really good case study into how they produce shows both the successful and unsuccessful.

[fashionguru_23]

Posted: 2/19/20 at 3:49pm

RWPrincess said: "I read Tom Schumacher's newest version of How Does The Show Go On last night. Some here might think it's a bit amateurish but I learned quite a few things from it and it also includes some gorgeous photos and behind the scenes documents. Every Disney show has it for sale at the merch booth but it's also available elsewhere.

I also enjoyed Disney Theatrical Productions by Amy Osatinski. It's a really good case study into how they produce shows both the successful and unsuccessful."

I have the first and current (third) editions of "How Does A Show Go On" and with the third edition, I hate how so much of it is Frozen.

[bethyd]

Posted: 2/19/20 at 4:40pm

I have Not Since Carrie, but not The Season. I'll head to Amazon now. Thanks!

And I'd been meaning to pickup the Spiderman one, but keep forgetting. I'll grab that one now too.

Let's keep this going, I'm loving the responses! 

[Wildcard]

Posted: 2/19/20 at 5:46pm

Has anyone heard whether FROZEN is getting a companion book?

[hak5]

Posted: 2/19/20 at 5:57pm

I'm hoping they make one for HADESTOWN