book- "Making it on Broadway"- Page 2

[Caitlin]

Posted: 7/20/05 at 5:33pm

OMG! This is one of my absolute favorite books ever. I definetely agree that it made me more determined! I wish they'd make a "sequel" just because I love hearing actors experiences and I wish more actors wanted to share that.

[orangeskittles]

Posted: 7/20/05 at 7:08pm

Heh, I read this in my university library once because I was stalling finishing a paper.

Good anecdotal stuff, but obviously the negative stories are more interesting than a bunch of people gushing about how performing completes their lives. They respond to that in all the other media outlets, this book was the only place they could really let all out all the negative steam that they censor out of other interviews.

[keggss23]

Posted: 7/20/05 at 7:13pm

Even though I was annoyed with the screwing around onstage stuff, I definitely appreciated everyone's brutal honesty.

[Aigoo]

Posted: 7/20/05 at 7:14pm

Rather would have brute honesty than fluffy lies...

[keggss23]

Posted: 7/20/05 at 7:18pm

Agreed, Aigoo. It was refreshing to hear the REAL stories even if some of them were maddening.

[Becky]

Posted: 7/20/05 at 7:26pm

I'm actually reading it for the second time now. It's one of the few books that I wish had kept going - I wasn't ready for it to end.

When I first read the section about how the "veterans" give the new people crap for being so enthusiastic and excited, it pissed me off. However, I realized that in my profession (education), you find a similar situation. You see the first year teachers coming in so thrilled and excited - flowing with ideas and hopes, etc. Some veteran teachers are thoroughly annoyed at the optimism and energy of the 'new people' - and often make remarks like "yeah, you keep up that enthusiasm, and we'll see how it holds up when you find out what it's really like." I've seen teachers be completely condescending with the new ones - all because they are basically pissed off that the motivated people make them look bad.

So while I still wish that the jaded attitude was different with some of the Broadway performers - now I at least kind of see how it can happen.

[Katecab99]

Posted: 7/20/05 at 8:56pm

after getting through the first hundred pages today, i have to say that although it can be a bit shocking at times, it's incredibly insightful and has done nothing but pushed me further into my path. it's definitley a must read for anyone considering the field.

[cindy013]

Posted: 7/20/05 at 9:04pm

I didn't mean it to sound as though I'm "not passionate" about a career in theatre. My big problem right now is deciding whether or not I am enough to where I want to major in it in college, and risk not being able to support myself. I had just read the part about the veteran actors nto really being into it, and was upset that people in a Broadway show would actually act like that. Heck, I think having to get changed into factory worker costumes for Les Mis in a depressing setting is kind of neat since it's a depressing show. GO WITH IT! And I agree with what someone else said- I'd put a box over my head and be a part of the barricade to be in Les Mis. I know I could never live without musicals, I just don't know if I'd rather perform in them or be an obsessed audience member.

[ashley0139]

Posted: 7/20/05 at 9:28pm

Man I'm going to HAVE to read this book for myself. I can't imagine it changing my views though. Hey, I'd give ANYTHING to be in Les Miz, but that's just me. Definetly on my must read list now.