It’s summertime and that means vacations, the beach, barbeques, and the ubiquitous Summer-To-Do-Lists that show up in every magazine, and daytime talk show. We’ve decided to follow the crowd (hey, theatre kids can be conformists too occasionally) and come up with a Summer Theatrical Reading List. So, if you’re sun bathing in Central Park and need a book so people think you have brains and beauty, or if you need something to do besides watch another episode of Living Lohan while you sit in front of the air conditioner, here are some suggestions from The 8th Avenue Observer.
Ghost Light
Frank Rich
Before Frank Rich wrote opinion pieces for the editorial page of The New York Times he was their drama critic, and this memoir traces his love of theatre back to childhood. Rich explores how theatre helped get him through a troubled childhood in this engaging story about the power of theatre.
Ghost Light: A Memoir
Eight Women of the American Stage
Roy Harris
Harris interviews eight diverse women who have graced the American stage about how they prepare, the differences between working on stage vs. film, and how they choose roles. Among those interviewed are Donna Murphy, and a pre- Sex and the City Sarah Jessica Parker.
Eight Women of the American Stage: Talking About Acting
Broadway Nights
Seth Rudetsky
If you want to laugh out loud read Seth Rudetsky’s hilarious tale of musical directing a Broadway show. Not only will you laugh, but you’ll also learn a lot about the ins and outs of Broadway.
Broadway Nights: A Romp of Life, Love, and Musical Theatre
Making It On Broadway
David Wienir and Jodie Langel
This book is full of anecdotes about how actors made it to Broadway and what happened to them once they got there. If you’re looking for a book to read on the subway this is a perfect choice.
Making It on Broadway: Actors’ Tales of Climbing to the Top
Marjorie Morningstar
Herman Wouk
If you didn’t read Marjorie Morningstar growing up then now is your chance. The novel tells the story of want-to-be actress Marjorie and her journey to the stage including meeting her first love. A more classy and classic beach read.
Marjorie Morningstar
A Dream of Passion
Lee Strasberg
If you’ve ever been interested in learning more about “The Method” and how actors like DeNiro, Monroe, and Pacino worked then trying picking up this very accessible book by the man who helped bring The Method to America.
A Dream of Passion: The Development of the Method
My Double Life
Sarah Bernhardt
Sarah Bernhardt is still a famous name in theatre, but not many people know a great deal about her life. This memoir traces Bernhardt’s life and career while also exploring the era that she lived in.
My Double Life: The Memoirs of Sarah Bernhardt (Suny Series, Women Writers in Translation)
When You Are Engulfed In Flames
David Sedaris
Ok, this may not be about theatre, but it’s very theatrical.
When You Are Engulfed in Flames
By Victoria Myers
2 responses so far ↓
andrew geoffrey beres // June 28, 2008 at 9:20 pm |
as one who is also theatrical but not so much about theatre, i wholeheartedly support this endorsement of david sedaris. i’ve heard that these other writers are worth your time as well.
Molly // July 14, 2008 at 5:31 pm |
I highly suggest Broadway Nights – and for even lazier people who find reading difficult, you can buy it on Audible.com and there are tons of Broadway people doing the voices, including Seth narrating.