The esteemed American composer and unabashed diarist Ned Rorem provides a fascinating; brazenly intimate first-person account of his life and career during one of the most extraordinary decades of the twentieth century
#1900951 in eBooks 1999-05-03 1999-05-03File Name: B00D2WPZ76
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Brief; clear; but also comprehensiveBy R.J. NestorFull disclosure: I have had the pleasure of music directing a few productions that Joe Deer directed--Carousel; The Fantasticks; ...Spelling Bee. Because I knew how effective he is as a director; I purchased this book to help me as I directed a musical September 2015.Very few books; especially textbooks; manage to be both brief and comprehensive. "Directing in Musical Theatre: An Essential Guide" contains everything you need to know; but nothing superfluous. It is packed with details and examples; but it is not dense. It covers the entire process of directing--analyzing the script; collaborating with designers and creative staff; running auditions and rehearsals; coaching actors; and much; much more--but still manages to be easy and engaging to read.Joe Deer does a remarkable job of avoiding redundancy while maintaining clarity. Thats not easy when the text is this comprehensive; because many aspects of production are deeply interrelated. If there is something from another chapter that is a prerequisite for the current chapter; he always refers you to the appropriate place in the text. That allowed me to skim material I was already comfortable with without worrying that I would get lost later on. The book perfectly dissects; organizes; orders; and reassembles the process of directing.I have music directed around 60 productions; and Ive taught voice lessons for 15+ years; so I had already developed a vocabulary for communicating with actors. "Directing in Musical Theatre" helped me build the structure I needed--script analysis; rehearsal preparation; etc.--to feel comfortable communicating my vision for the production. I truly would have felt lost without it.Whether youre looking for an overview or something more in-depth; "Directing in Musical Theatre" is a great choice to suit either need. I cant recommend it highly enough.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Clear; Concise; Exhaustively Comprehensive. Highly Recommend.By Dustin HinzmanThis incredible text is an essential resource for both seasoned and newly minted directors alike. It is quite thorough and covers so many aspects of directing unique to musical theatre; but also does not talk down to the reader; nor assume he or she has any prior background knowledge on the subject. Directors beginning their foray into musicals will find this book will become their new bible; but even experienced directors will find the exercises and questionnaires throughout the text will be thought-provoking and reflective; and will help to focus your artistic vision and may inspire you to explore your passion in new and refreshing ways.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great resourceBy Louisa Kendrick BurtonThis book is a valuable resource for first time Directors. It provides a clear road map to a successful production