Peter Hay's marvelously entertaining collection of stories leads us down that sparkling thoroughfare known as the Great White Way. Called the Street of the Midnight Sun by Diamond Jim Brady and immortalized by Walter Winchell and Damon Runyon as the Hardened Artery or Main Stem, Broadway embodies the entire history of live entertainment in America, and Broadway Anecdotes captures it in all its diversity.
Expertly guided by Peter Hay, we will discover everything that Broadway is known for: the "legitimate" theatre, its stars and famous shows, the musicals, producers, hangouts, nightclubs, columnists, agents, vaudeville, burlesque, off-Broadway, and the road. From the first stage performances in America in the 1660s to the tragic decline of Edwin Booth's acting career, and from the controversy surrounding nude dancing in Oh Calcutta! to the dry wit of Tallulah Bankhead's comment to Tennessee Williams on the film version of Orpheus Descending ("Darling, they've absolutely ruined your perfectly dreadful play"), Broadway Anecdotes throws a unique, theatrical spotlight on American history. Along the way, we encounter countless movie stars, including Marilyn Monroe as she manages to remain anonymous on New York City streets simply by changing her walk, and Mae West as she whiles away her time in jail on an obscenity conviction, and even the young Henry Fonda as he balks at the suggestion of Marlon Brando's mother that he give acting a try, exclaiming "Good God, I don't know how to act." We also meet other kinds of celebrities, such as Alfred Bloomingdale, scion of the department store family, who briefly tried his hand at producing, and after a performance of the musical Allah be Praised! was told by his friend Cy Howard to "close the show and keep the stores open nights."
Anyone who has ever been touched by the magic of Broadway will treasure this delightful collection of verbal snapshots of its vibrant world.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
About the Author:
Peter Hay has taught drama at several universities and is founding artistic director and dramaturge at First Stage, a non-profit theatre group in Los Angeles. He is the author of Ordinary Heroes and several anecdote books.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Shipping:
FREE
Within U.S.A.
Seller: Zoom Books Company, Lynden, WA, U.S.A.
Condition: good. Book is in good condition and may include underlining highlighting and minimal wear. The book can also include "From the library of" labels. May not contain miscellaneous items toys, dvds, etc. . We offer 100% money back guarantee and 24 7 customer service. Seller Inventory # ZBV.019504620X.G
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Wonder Book, Frederick, MD, U.S.A.
Condition: Very Good. Very Good condition. A copy that may have a few cosmetic defects. May also contain light spine creasing or a few markings such as an owner's name, short gifter's inscription or light stamp. Bundled media such as CDs, DVDs, floppy disks or access codes may not be included. Seller Inventory # D16M-00211
Quantity: 2 available
Seller: ThriftBooks-Atlanta, AUSTELL, GA, U.S.A.
Paperback. Condition: Very Good. No Jacket. May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less 0.75. Seller Inventory # G019504620XI4N00
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: ThriftBooks-Atlanta, AUSTELL, GA, U.S.A.
Paperback. Condition: Fair. No Jacket. Readable copy. Pages may have considerable notes/highlighting. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less 0.75. Seller Inventory # G019504620XI5N00
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: ThriftBooks-Atlanta, AUSTELL, GA, U.S.A.
Paperback. Condition: Good. No Jacket. Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less 0.75. Seller Inventory # G019504620XI3N00
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: The Maryland Book Bank, Baltimore, MD, U.S.A.
paperback. Condition: Very Good. First Edition. Used - Very Good. Seller Inventory # 10-H-2-0234
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Better World Books, Mishawaka, IN, U.S.A.
Condition: Very Good. Used book that is in excellent condition. May show signs of wear or have minor defects. Seller Inventory # 45147233-6
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: GF Books, Inc., Hawthorne, CA, U.S.A.
Condition: Good. Book is in Used-Good condition. Pages and cover are clean and intact. Used items may not include supplementary materials such as CDs or access codes. May show signs of minor shelf wear and contain limited notes and highlighting. 0.75. Seller Inventory # 019504620X-2-4
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: WorldofBooks, Goring-By-Sea, WS, United Kingdom
Paperback. Condition: Very Good. The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # GOR001989303
Quantity: 3 available
Seller: Jake's Place Books, Clarksville, TN, U.S.A.
Soft cover. Condition: Very Good. Very good condition (like new but birthday inscription on inside front cover). Seller Inventory # ABE-1595957308769
Quantity: 1 available