To both young and old; the circus remains an icon of American entertainment; a wholesome pastime untouched by the passing years. But the modern circus; with its three rings; ringmaster; animals; and acrobats; is the product of nearly three hundred years of evolution. This intriguing work chronicles the history of the American circus from its roots in England through its importation to America to the end of the nineteenth century. It introduces the early pioneers of the circus; addresses business concerns such as management and training; and discusses the development of the show itself; including the incorporation of menageries; the need for animal training and care; the addition of circus music; the use of the tent; and the unique attractions of side shows and ldquo;freaks.rdquo; Personal stories of those who made their lives under the ldquo;big toprdquo; are woven throughout the narrative; adding an intimate perspective to one of Americarsquo;s most enduring entertainments.
#3837342 in eBooks 2012-11-19 2012-11-19File Name: B00BT684FC
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. The music deserves five stars; but more work on the story is needed if The Light Princess is to go commercialBy Holly HaversI highly recommend buying The Light Princess original cast recording; and the playbook is absolutely necessary for listeners who want to really understand the story and follow along. The music is wonderful and deserves five stars; the story; however; is lacking in plot punchiness.For more narrative critique of The Light Princess; read here: http://commentori.com/2015/11/05/the-light-princess-packs-musical-punch-but-needs-more-storytelling-stamina/1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Wish they would record a cast album...By CustomerA beautiful story. I only wish there was more than the few song demos on sound cloud so that I could fully experience the lyrical magic. That is the only reason Ive given it for instead of five stars.2 of 3 people found the following review helpful. A wonder; this floating worldBy JessicaThere is so much magic in this slim volume. The story; a huge improvement over the original; is delightful and unafraid to go to some very dark places; just as it does not hesitate to leap to heights of dizzying joy. The lyrics are witty and sardonic; with the occasional sparkling turn of phrase ("he was one edible / delectable / muscular cake!"). My heart aches at the thought that I might very well never see this show; unless the gods of Broadway should smile upon us all by some happy chance - but it soothes the pain somewhat to know that we have a full document of it in this libretto and in the upcoming cast recording (the previews on iTunes are gorgeous! So exciting!).