You Can't Do That on Broadway!: A Raisin in the Sun and Other Theatrical Improbabilities - by Philip Rose
The producer of such legendary Broadway shows as A Raisin in the Sun and The Owl and the Pussycat, Rose here checks in autobiographically to show today's producers how much work remains to be done in integrating the American theater. His affectionately garrulous account of his adventures contains many pointed anecdotes about faithless (and sometimes criminal) investors, duplicitous producers, mentally disturbed directors and many other stage and screen fauna who make a producer's life a difficult one. But unlike those who go with the flow, Rose was determined, in the above and other shows, to hire casts that reflected America, choosing gifted actors such as Diana Sands, Ruby Dee and Sidney Poitier if he felt they were suited to their roles, and ignoring the prevailing color code on Broadway. Now retired from producing, but still active at 80 as a manager, Rose has the perspective and wit to speak of the dramatic events of his life, even if his somewhat long narrative could have benefited in places from stricter editing. Particularly moving is the account of his friendship with playwright Lorraine Hansberry, whose Raisin in the Sun marked not just the first time an African-American woman had a play on Broadway, but also the first time an African-American director (Lloyd Richards) made it to Broadway. (June) Forecast: Since Broadway, and the rest of American theater, is far from solving the casting attitudes that still keep talented actors of color largely underemployed, Rose's book should be mind-opening reading for a whole new generation of producers, if they have the smarts to heed it. It's a limited audience, but one that can have great impact; the bottom line, as shown by Rose's theatrical choices, is that enlightened views on race can actually translate into commercial success.
Broadway star Nick Cartell – currently headlining as Jean Valjean on the national tour of Les Misérables – has released his new album A Thousand Spotlights on CD and in streaming and digital platforms today, Friday, July 26.
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Center Stage Records will release the concept recording of LIFELINE, the new musical written by Becky Hope-Palmer with music and lyrics by Robin Hiley.
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PS CLASSICS released two new tracks from the album JEFF HARNAR sings SAMMY CAHN: THE SECOND TIME AROUND, featuring guest artists CLINT HOLMES, MOIPEI, and NICOLE ZURAITIS. Learn more!
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In 2025, BearManor Media will publish Lawrence Schulman's third book for BearManor Media, called Peter Allen: Somebody's Angel - The Boy From Oz In The Key of Camp. Learn more.
Amnon Kabatchnik's new book, 'Murder in the West End: The Plays of Agatha Christie and Her Disciples,' explores the works of Agatha Christie and her followers. Now available in hardcover and trade paper.
On Friday, July 26, 2024, Academy Award-winning composer Kris Bowers and GRAMMY Award-winning violinist Charles Yang are spotlighted on a heartfelt new album, For A Younger Self, featuring the talented musicians of the American Youth Symphony (AYS) conducted by Carlos Izcaray.
Nick Cartell – currently starring as Jean Valjean on the national tour of Les Misérables – has released “It All Fades Away,” the new single from his upcoming album A Thousand Spotlights. Listen now!
Serge Clivio releases the album SERGE AND FRIENDS, featuring 14 tracks from live shows in NYC. The album includes personal stories, duets with talented friends, and supports Cancer Research.
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Jeff Harnar's new album, JEFF HARNAR SINGS SAMMY CAHN: THE SECOND TIME AROUND, features six new tracks and guest appearances by Clint Holmes, Moipei, and Nicole Zuraitis. Learn how to purchase.