Lights on Broadway: A Theatrical Tour from A to Z, with CD – by Harriet Ziefert

With a dazzling cover, high-interest topic, and involvement by acclaimed performer Brian Stokes Mitchell (he wrote the introduction and afterword as well as performing on the included CD), this has the promise of being a showstopper, though it doesn’t totally deliver. The attractive design, A–Z format, and splashy computer-generated full-page illustrations will certainly appeal to many. Theater terms for each letter of the alphabet are given brief descriptions: audition, actor, box office, understudy, etc. (only two are specific to New York’s Broadway). Some letters are given double-page spreads along with several related terms, while others are relegated to one page and one term only. Most pages feature a quote from professionals involved in the industry. The brightly colored illustrations emulate collages yet still feel somewhat flat. This title could be used as a teaser to lead children to more practical books, such as Directing (2009) by Bethany Bezdecheck. Grades 3-6. --Randall Enos

Released: 2009