The first known Chicago Tribune theater review appeared on March 25; 1853. An anonymous notice; it shared the page with two other announcementsmdash;one about a pair of thousand-pound hogs set to be slaughtered and another trumpeting the largest load of lumber ever to leave Chicago. ldquo;And thus Chicagorsquo;s priorities were starkly laid out right there on that page;rdquo; begins Chris Jones in the introduction to this eyewitness cultural history. ldquo;Hog butcher for the world and windy self-promoter; specializing in commerce-driven superlatives. The arts came a poor third. Critics; and the artists they covered; would rail against that perceived set of civic priorities for years.rdquo;The Chicago of today; on the other hand; is regarded as one of the worldrsquo;s premier cities for theater; and no one has had a more consistent front-row seat to its ascendance than the Chicago Tribune theater critics. Bigger; Brighter; Louder weaves together more than 150 years of Tribune reviews into a compelling narrative; pairing full reviews with commentary and history. With a sharp eye for telling details and a keen sense of historical context; Jones; longtime chief Tribune theater critic; takes readers through decades of highs and lows; successes and failures.The book showcases fascinating early reviews of actors and shows that would go on to achieve phenomenal success; including a tryout of A Raisin in the Sun with newcomer Sidney Poitier and the first major review of The Producers. It also delves into the rare and the unusual; such as a previously unpublished Tennessee Williams interview and a long conversation with Edward Albeersquo;s mother. With reviews from Claudia Cassidy; Peregine Pickle; William Leonard; and more; many never collected before; Bigger; Brighter; Louder offers a unique lasting record of an ephemeral art and a riveting look at the history behind Chicagorsquo;s rise to theatrical greatness.
#1203297 in eBooks 2013-09-16 2013-09-16File Name: B00EXC1EU6
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Thoroughly enjoyed the storyBy CollinThis is a great read. Now I know why Morrissey wrote This Night Has Opened My Eyes.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Four StarsBy Kathleen Buckiwas an interesting story... and the ending leaves you to wonder what happened?0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Perfect serviceBy School LibrarianGlad to have A Taste of Honey as part of our collection. This new copy replaces an old brown but much loved earlier edition.