I have to ask: what would a FICTION Theater History book be? Lies?
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
I thought I should have clarified that before I posted. Please include fictional novels that center around the theater. For example, many consider "The Cather in the Rye" to be a valuable source for New York City history even though it is fiction.
So, really, you are looking for any books about theater, at all?
Ginger -- That's a CHILDREN'S book, and nothing to do with Theater History -- which is what the op originally asked for. (As far as I can tell.)
Check out Jenn Tepper's series of books: The Untold Stories of B'way.
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
His original post did not make that clarification. His OP asked for theater history books. Sheesh.
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
No, my question was asking what a fictional theatre HISTORY book would be like. I know there are fictional books involving theater. There are fictional books about EVERYTHING.
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
THE SEASON, William Goldman (mentioned above) SONDHEIM & CO. (rev. ed.), Craig Zadan
The worst:
Any of the many editions of HISTORY OF THE THEATRE, Oscar G. Brockett.
Think of Brockett as a pocket encyclopedia. He refuses to cut anything and instead relies on countless paragraphs that list "major playwrights of the 1820s" and the like. It is virtually unreadable as a book. I know because I was forced to teach it for years.
(To be fair, my "best" selections cover the second half of the 20th century, while Brockett is trying to cover all theater history since before the Greeks. But that's his fault, not mine.)
's a PLAY but Compleat Female Stage Beauty is a work of fiction based upon historical events taking place in the Restoration period theatre. The Libertine is as well come to that.
LOL... I shoulda read better. Oh well, it bears repeating. I would put it up there with The Season (though the homosexual thoughts in that book are badly dated and come off as pretty offensive, it's still a terrific read.)
If anyone ever tells you that you put too much Parmesan cheese on your pasta, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
Ooh. I like this thread. Any recommendations for, well, the kind of books that wouldn't be on any respectable theatre history instructor's syllabus?
Less of the academic process stuff and more of the memoir/behind-the-scenes/gossipy-name-dropping-and-full-of-sometimes-wickedly-funny-theatre-anecdotes type of reads?