Making It On Broadway - A Review

When I first learned about this book from this site, I figured I would check it out and see what it was all about. After finishing reading it, I must say this is one of the best books any theater fan should ever read. Its expertely designed and well written, and has many, and I mean many, in-depth stories from several Broadway celebrites and stars.
Above all, its a very interesting look into the backstage world of Broadway, the highs and lows. I never expected to learn so much about the world of Broadway from one simple book but it is eye opening. I admit I was not jejune about the difficulties about becoming (and sustaining) a Broadway star but this book really allows us to see just what it takes to 'make it'. And its not pretty. I really showcases that Broadway stars are not upper class celebrities without a care in the world. They are real people and who suffer from very real and terrifying situations. I was shcoked to see some big names mention how hard it was to audition and suffer from months without work. Rejection, exclusion, hatred, backstage horror stories, favorism, unsanitary work conditions, etc are all presented for the reader's fascination. I feel that after reading the book I have developed an even greater respect and awe for those people who put up with the terrible conditions to do what they love. To all stage actors who read this post, you are the most amazing and patient people on the world. I only wish it were better for you. We are a society that glorifies celebreties. It is a shame that people who work on stage do not get as much respect as they deserve for their raw and continous performances that showcase true acting talent.

BTW Surprised to see so many people complaining about Le Miz backstage. The idea of the dehumanizating 'track' was even more disturbing. I wonder if any shows today do that..I would not say Mamma Mia and Wicked but who knows.

Updated On: 9/15/05 at 10:03 PM

Supposedly for many of the megamusicals, actors followed exact 'tracks' for their role. For example, the tracks told them were to stand at a certain spot during the show, to make an exact movement around the stage, and when speaking their lines, to make scripted movements. It basically robbed actors of any acting whatsoever and forced them all to cohere to a strict, unchanging protocal. I guess they were trying to keep the roles as simple as possible so just about anyone could do it. Basically scripted acting.

OP: The title is "Making it On Broadway."

P.S. I loved it.

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Both.

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