Disney's Book and Holiday Postcard

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 12/6/07 at 1:34pm

These thinly disguised advertisements are really pissing me off. Why would I buy a book about theatre 101 from Disney? A book that makes you think only Disney shows run on Broadway. Marketing crime in my opinion. If a theatre instructor required this book I'd drop the class.

[StageGuy99]

Posted: 12/6/07 at 4:21pm

I dont think it says or implys anywhere in the book they they are the only shows on broadway. But they are using the shows they have access to. Im sure that yes, they thought that a kid might be more interested in seeing a show, once they read about how they do Rafiki's make up or the set design of Lion King, but theatre is a buisness. The book is geared towards a younger audience, giving them a look behind all the "magic" that is a big broadway show. As someone with a degree in tech theatre, I think that's amazing, it's not often that the world thinks of the back stage crew when they think about theatre, (maybe the strike has changed that some now) but it's nice to have something out there educating kids that are interested in theatre about all the parts of it. I don't see any college professor using this book in a class, that's not what it's designed to do, there are much better intros to Theatre books for that.

I just don't understand why people are so down on Disney on broadway. If it's not your cup of tea, don't go. Anything that can get kids into the theatre should be a good thing for them and the community in general. They aren't going to be 8 and in love with The Little Mermaid or God-Forbid High School Musical forever, if they spark a passion for the theatre now, their tastes will mature just like them and they will hopefully explore the rest of what's on and off Broadway! Sorry! End of rant!