Bob Fosse's Broadway [Paperback]

Margery Beddow (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 5, 1996

This show by show analysis of one of Broadway's preeminent American choreographers, the angular and jazzy Bob Fosse, is delivered by Fosse compatriot, dancer, and road choreographer Margery Beddow. With an introduction by Roy Scheider, and filled with photos, Bob Fosse's Broadway contains all the hits: from Sweet Charity to Damn Yankees, the Pajama Game, Pippin, Dancin', Chicago, and more!

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Beddow, a dancer who appeared in numerous Fosse shows (she replaced Gwen Verdon in one of his early shows) and recreated some of his choreography for national touring shows, checks in with a show-by-show account of Fosse's career, from Pajama Game through Sweet Charity and Pippin to Big Deal -- all told from a dancer's point of view. The book is at its best when it vividly describes some of Fosse's "lost" dances for lesser-known shows like Frank Loesser's Pleasures and Palaces, which closed out of town. Included are many rare photos of Fosse's dancers in action, and a heartbreaking account of his last rehearsal on the day he died.

About the Author

Margery Beddow's very successful dancing career has included many Broadway, off-Broadway, classical, and operatic productions, as well as film and television roles. Her Fosse experience includes Redhead, Little Me, The Conquering Hero, Sweet Charity, Damn Yankees, and The Pajama Game. She has also choreographed and directed several shows, and has written for industry magazines.

Product Details

• Paperback: 76 pages
• Publisher: Heinemann Drama (August 5, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0435070029
• ISBN-13: 978-0435070021
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #866,546 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #21 in Books > Arts & Photography > Performing Arts > Dance > Choreography
  • #71 in Books > Arts & Photography > Performing Arts > Dance > Reference

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A vital resource to theatre buffs & historians, April 13, 2000

By 

"[e-mail]" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bob Fosse's Broadway (Paperback)

Here for once is first hand musical theatre history written by someone who took part in the making of some extraordinary shows. A dancer who worked with Bob Fosse (as both a performer and an assistant) gives us her personal insights in how the man worked. It is a very rare thing to get such an intimate view from inside the creative process. Ever wonder why "Fosse dancers" are a breed apart? This book is a great place to start finding the answer.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent backstage stories from Broadway musicals., December 7, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Bob Fosse's Broadway (Paperback)

Less comprehensive than most other books on Bob Fosse, this book focuses on Margery Beddow's experiences while working with the great master of dance. She recounts back stage happenings, and let's you in on little known facts about these great musicals. She takes a more personal look at Bob Fosse, but at times can get lost in a dreamy yearning for yester year.(But who wouldn't!) I recommend this book to anyone who has a career in theatre or dance, as it is a truthful look at a successful gypsy's life. I have had the pleasure of working with the author in a touring show when she was writing this book, and have watched it's progress. Margery has done the theatre communtiy a tremendous favor by preserving this up-close and personal look at Bob Fosse, and his work.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great source!, May 12, 2007

By 

Dancer and Dance Teacher (TN, USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Bob Fosse's Broadway (Paperback)

I purchased this book as a resource when I began choreographing a production of "Chicago". The perspective from one of his main dancers is very interesting, getting insights about how the various shows and specific dance numbers were created. Definitely a good book for a dancer's or choreographer's collection!