Writing the Broadway Musical
352081
Aaron Frankel writes with the voice of helpful and comprehensive experience.  He is a writer - and teacher - of the highest order, and there are important points made in this book that are of great value to actors, directors and producers, as well as the playwrights for whom the book is primarily intended.  Mr. Frankel is one of the few authors who expresses himself with both a clear, accessible style and a with a talent for engaging the reader every step of the way.
4506440
Ms. Alonso's concept was to let Harburg's words speak for themselves. My only caveat is that Harburg often changed his stories on whim and that might have been nice. But overall it's an excellent book, a fun read, and an important addition to musical theatre literature. Oh, one other complaint -- what a terrible title. It makes the book sound much dryer than it actually is.
4925426
Jason Robert Brown (Tony winner for Parade, and well known by musical theatre enthusiasts for Songs for a New World) has done is again with the fairly unknown and desparately underappreciated 2-person musical, "The Last Five Years." This is indeed some of JRB's greatest lyrics - definitely the most fun to listen to and of course sing. Though not ALL of the songs from the show are included in this selections book (sadly, "see, i'm smiling was excluded) it still includes the best of the best from the wonderfully talent composer and lyricist's 3 broadway show. "Climbing Uphill," "Part of That," "The Schmuel Song," "Shiska Goddess," "Summer in Ohio," and "The Next Ten Minutes are all included, plus others. If you're looking for great music by an even great musical genius, you can stop looking. The book is DEFINITELY for you and you will find everything you look for in vocal selections in this book!!
4214532
I loved the design and feel of the book. It had a lot of insightful and great behind the scenes tidbits that added to my already strong love of the musical
2486688
The book was ok,but it wasn't what I expected. I wanted a step by step detailed, and informative book on how to actually write songs on guitar. I have alot of substantial experience with chords, and lyric writing already. By industry standards, I am not a songwriter per se because I cannot sit down with pen and paper and write music. I have read many interviews where songwriters say they write songs on guitar,or piano, and thats what I want to do. I have manuscript paper with the staff lines, but my question is how do I start writing music notation that any person who reads music can pick up and play along? I respect the authors approach, and I understand that there is a audience for his level of instruction, but my intention is clearly a notch above that!
186062
As a writer of musical theatre, I am constantly brainstorming for new ideas and thinking about what works may be in the public domain to use.  Finally there is a book that removes so much of the guess work. Stephen Fishman has written a book that is very "user friendly" and incredibly helpful.  He gives all the important facts, and describes how to do your own research on copyright status (to avoid those heavy fees the goverment office charges!).  It is also full of interesting sidebars, mini-charts of famous public domain works, tips, advice....everything you could ask for.  I find myself just picking it up to flip through for fun....and now I practically I feel like an expert on the subject!  In summary, this book is a must have!
1275253
Take one look at the songs included on "The Best of Broadway" and you would have to be impressed. The twist here is that these songs are sung by the Broadway Kids, a group of young singers with enthusiastic voices that simply put most of us to shame. This album features songs from over a dozen different musicals, from "Cats" to "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown." About half of these songs were actually for youngsters to sing on stage, such as "Castle On A Cloud" and "Little People" from "Les Miserables" and the trio of songs from "Annie." But these youngsters with their dynamic voices also take on more adult fare, like "I Feel Pretty" from "West Side Story" and the title song from "Hair." The ensemble numbers have high energy and as long as your children are not totally intimidated by these voices, "The Best of Broadway" is a nice way of introducing them to Broadway Musicals. The idea would be to get them hooked on this way and the Broadway Kid's other albums first, and then play them "Oliver!" or "Damn Yankees." Recognizing a few of the songs may well give them a leg up on learning to love the entire musical score.
576483
This is the book that the wonderful musical with Judy Garland is based upon.  Sally Benson wrote the screenplay and much of the dialogue in the book was transferred to the script.  I could hear Judy Garland, Leon Ames,Mary Astor and the rest of the cast uttering the lines from the book in my mind as I read.  Written during WWll, the book tried to convey a simpler,warmer time from Benson's childhood...the character of Tootie is based upon Benson herself.  It is written as a series of chapters that correspond to the year leading up to the St. Louis World's Fair in 1904. It's a fun, nostalgic read.  Benson's writing is enjoyable indeed.
4266647
You might like this if you can stand the extensive amount of singing.  I didn't realize this was a musical when I rented it.  Even if I did, musicals that I'm used to are acceptable because all the dialogue is spoken, with songs peppered in to advance the story.  I'd guestimate that about 95% of the dialogues/monologues are sung.  And it gave me a raging headache.  The story itself seems like a really fun story, which is why I rented it.
3435034
Being a musician, I wanted the most thourough piano arrangements I could find for this soundtrack. This book is a complete re-tooling of the broadway selections with several benifits, including EVERY song on the motion picture soundtrack and even EVERY INDIVIDUAL NOTE on the soundtrack CD! I love this is places where it was different from the broadway version, especially the new ending on "You Can't Stop The Beat" and the short extensions made in "Welcome To The 60's."

Most of these arrangements are very advanced, which works for me because they sound wonderful! Many incorporate the melody into the right hand, but it can be easily removed if you're just looking for accompniments to sing with.

Worth it!
538227
This is one of my favorite books on musical theatre. Despite the other reviewer feeling it overdone, I enjoyed the in depth analysis and the fact that the author chose to analyze and discuss works from Rodgers and Hammerstein to Sondheim to Joss Whedon's musical episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
4738081
As an aspiring writer and music lover, I wanted to give this music collection of Encore: Movie Partners Sing Broadway by Barbara Streisand a listen both for creative writing therapy and to help me understand how music ties into story plots (since I enjoy being inspired by songs when it comes to plot ideas). This collection is also great if you are an eclectic music listener because of the cheery vibe of the songs and the strong singing. I actually enjoyed listening to the entire collection of Encore; Movie Partners Sing Broadway by Barbara Streisand, yet I admit that the Broadway take of Pure Imagination on this collection is one meaningful song that resonated in my soul after hearing it multiple times (the song tied into the Willy Wonka film is great as well yet something about the Broadway version on Encore; Movie Partners Sing Broadway by Barbara Streisand stirred my soul).
3676529
Wow!
Every musical that doesn't get a full production recording should at least do a studio recording.  Michael Arden, Patrick Page, and cast have created such a BEAUTIFUL recording.
This recording makes me regret that I didn't see the stage incarnations in San Diego or New Jersey...
Come on Regional Theaters... Let's do it!
559092
Sondheim is "the one" clasic composer in musical theater. Like a dramatist with his pal George he recreate the genre, playing with the clasical "who done it" putting the answer before the act I curtain. The second act is a complicity game with the audience or the reader, are the authors capable to mantain our atention? are still surprises?. Yes they can and yes there are many surprises. I feel that this is is a lovable work. Is well written and superbly structured. adding new touches to this genre. A must read.
889560
Finally! A Broadway vocal selection book that contains ALL of the songs in the musical! Kudos to ABBA for writing the music, and Mamma Mia for continuing that legacy. All of the songs are in the original keys too- which helps with sight-reading. 5 stars for the vocal selections and 5 stars for the musical!
3520507
This is an excellant CD of the songs of one of the best broadway shows every written.  I enjoyed it greatly.  If you enjoy great music, yau will enjoy this CD.
1469036
For fans of Broadway musicals, this cast album is a delight.  The music is engaging, the lyrics are clever, the cast is terrific.  A pleasure all around.