Everything Was Possible: Follies

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 7/7/06 at 1:08am

So I'm in Alaska on vacation at the moment, and one of the books I brought with me was Ted Chapin's "making-of" Follies, called Everything Was Possible. I couldn't decide whether if I wanted to read it, or not. I enjoy reading those kinds of 'behind the scenes' books. I opened it up on the plane ride here and I haven't been able to put it down since. Has anyone else read it? What do you all think?

[BroadwayNick]

Posted: 7/7/06 at 1:14am

I read this about 6 months ago. I loved it! Like you, I could not put it down! In fact, I got really sad near the end because it felt like I actually knew these people and was part of the action. Ted Chapin did a remarkable job with this book and I'm glad someone else really enjoyed it!

[BeingAlive]

Posted: 7/7/06 at 1:47am

This book is incredible! I sat in front of a Barnes and Noble bookshelf for two hours reading it. I'd like more pictures of the original lavish set but the book is generally well written and doesnt' focus too much on one general thing. If only every Broadway show got such royal literary treatment.

[wildcat]

Posted: 7/7/06 at 2:19am

But it was torture not knowing what went on in those meetings with Michael Bennett and Hal Prince. I'd love to know what was left out of the book...on the "cutting room floor"!

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 7/7/06 at 3:29am

Yeah, I need to finish reading it. If you liked that try "A Year With the Producers" and "Letters from Backstage" - "Letters" isn't as good, but it's still an interesting and quick read.

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 7/7/06 at 6:05am

Very good read. I saw the actual production & it brought back memories

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 7/7/06 at 7:53am

It's a quick read, too. I had it finished in about two-and-a-half hours.

[JBSinger]

Posted: 7/7/06 at 8:19am

Read it, loved it! Terrific book and a fascinating look at the creation of this ambitious musical. Really wonderful and a must for any fan of the theatre.

[philcrosby]

Posted: 7/7/06 at 8:24am

It's an absolutely marvelous book and a must-read for anyone interested in musical theatre.

Hard to find, but there are similar books about Fiddler on the Roof (by Richard Altman) and one on No, No Nanette that is extremely dishy.

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 7/7/06 at 10:14am

Yes, I adore this book. I will read it again soon.

[leefowler]

Posted: 7/7/06 at 10:16am

It's true that the Fiddler on The Roof and No No Nanette books are great, but I haven't seen them for sale in years. I would snap them up if I ever saw them at the Strand. There's a similar book about Jesus Christ Superstar, that goes through the history of the original album and stage productions, with a lot of interesting info about Tom O'Horgan. And if no one else has mentioned it, "The Making Of Big" is also excellent.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 7/7/06 at 11:27am

The Whorehouse Papers is also a fascinating story of the evolution and production of a musical. I'm sure it's out of print. Unfortunately books that get read in the lounge chairs at Barnes and Noble and Border's, etc. don't tend to stay in print