BroadwayWorld.com BOOK REPORT Part II

By: Sep. 15, 2006
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Well, it's Friday and, as promised, more book reports.  The response last week was overwhelming.  Thank you.  As a result, many publishers began contacting us, so we'll keep the book reports coming.  Next week look for Part III. It's nice to know you care what people in our business are writing about. Happy Reading!

RAISING A STAR
By Nancy Carson (with Jacqueline Shannon)
St. Martin's Griffin
five stars (out of 5)

This book came out last year, but has NO shortage of shelf-life! 

EVERYONE knows a kid who wants to go into the "business."  If not, a friend, a neighbor, relative, friend of a friend, their kids …or your own child. 

Nancy Carson is, and has been, one of the most respected agents for young "thesps" in "the biz." She also has a "track record" a mile long.  Some people write books about how to get into the performing arts, acting, singing, dancing – whichever, but don't have the years or the chevrons this gal has on her. 

This book is a perfect reading companion to "til the fat girl sings," by Sharon Wheatley.   

If OPRAH wants to have a one hour show that EVERYONE would watch … she should book these two – together.  The topic of young talent is fascinating to everyone, without the "tawdriness" of pageants or exploiting young girls.  

However, there are always dishonest people out there that can be easily avoided with the guidance offered here.   

It's also interesting just how much the parents of "hopefuls" are not above being scrutinized. It made me remember that TV movie, a couple weeks back, about Gary Coleman and his hit TV show … and what happened to him. 

The lessons in Ms. Carson's book could save many a parent (and child) some heartache and definitely a lot of money!   

Brilliantly done.

ETHEL MERMAN:  The Biggest Star on Broadway
By Geoffrey Mark
(foreward by Rose Marie)
BARRICADE Legend Books 
 half a star (out of 5)

I'm not sure where to begin about this book.  It's been out for awhile and, no doubt, had fans excited, as there hadn't been a new Merman biography in some time. 

Well, this ain't it! 

Oh yeah … it's juicy and full of gossip … and the author is clearly a fan of his subject – having even met her. BUT one would have a really rough time "verifying" some of the information in this book and Mr. Mark does not exactly supply sources. 

Ethel Merman is synonymous with the history of Broadway, along with a handful of others.  Her name has taken on legendary status and, with it, many stories that we'll never know are true or not. 

If you want to read a real "dishy" book … this is for you. 

I would have preferred a bit more "writing" and illumination of some kind. 

This is pretty "low-brow."

I COULD HAVE SUNG ALL NIGHT My Story
By Marni Nixon (with Stephen Cole)
Foreward by Marilyn Horne
Billboard Books
3 and a half stars (out of 5)

Many of you may not know who Marni Nixon is.  She has had an interesting career and now gets the chance to tell her story.  It's difficult not to summon up admiration for a real "survivor."  A career survivor and a cancer survivor – a real-life "I'm Still Here" kind of woman. 

Now 76 years old, and born with perfect pitch, she (and Mr. Cole) cover six decades of a career that may not necessarily make her a household name, but that kept her busy and working .. and, no doubt, sometimes frustrated. Her personal life has also had its fair share of personal drama. 

The style of the writing goes from florid to staccato and there are some incorrect facts, but the story is pretty damn good and an interesting read. 

The years that will interest readers most are those spent dubbing the female lead voices for some of the greatest movie musicals of all time.  Ms. Nixon supplied her singing voice to Natalie Wood's Maria in WEST SIDE STORY, to Deborah Kerr's Anna in THE KING AND I and to Audrey Hepburn's Eliza Doolittle in MY FAIR LADY.  Can you imagine? 

How she managed to keep her sanity intact is amazing … but she did march on. 

Worth picking up for its uniqueness.

THE PLAYBILL BROADWAY YEARBOOK
June 2005-May 2006 Second Annual Edition
Robert Viagas, Editor
Ben Strothman, Aubrey Ruben and other contributers, Photos
Playbill Books
five stars (out of 5)

This book is the "bang for your buck" event of the year!   

Don't even THINK about not ordering this @ playbill.com.  And while you're at it, order the First Edition, too!  No exaggeration here.  These books are amazing and "congratulations" are in order for Robert Viagas and his entire staff, on the "Herculean" assembly of this sure to be annual "must-have!" 

Playbill is, and has been, the "bible" for theatre-goers for 122 years now.  Playbill is practically an international "noun" for the program handed to you, upon entry to a theatre, when you see a show or concert. The fact that they are now publishing books and earlier this year launched Playbill Records, with Brian Stokes Mitchell's debut album, seems like a perfect marriage benefiting the arts and those who love them. 

Chock full of info. – shows, actors, backstage, front-of-house …. It's all here … and more. Oh yeah … and photos, photos, photos! This book is CRAZY! 

The Second Annual Edition is beautifully designed and handsomely put together, in both concept and content.  Essential for any theatre buff's collection or school library. 

You won't be sorry when you get this mammoth book in the mail.   

Trust me!


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