Little Musicals for Little Theatres: A Reference Guide for Musicals That Don't Need Chandeliers or Helicopters to Succeed [Paperback]

Denny Martin Flinn (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 2006

With this book, the many wonderful musicals that played the small theaters and cabarets of Off Broadway are finally given the spotlight they deserve. Little Musicals for Little Theatres is a comprehensive reference guide to over 150 small musicals that any theater or school can produce with limited resources. Each entry includes writing credits, synopsis, cast size, musical numbers, production notes, and licensing information. The book also includes the few Broadway musicals that have small casts and can be performed in almost any circumstances. Photos give the reader a look at production requirements, and statistics on the number of performances indicate how successful a show's original production was.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Geared towards theatres and schools with limited resources but unlimited aspirations . . . will inspire off-Broadway productions regardless of space and budget. -- Metro LA, March 14-28, 2006, Vol. 9, No. 14

"[An] information packed paperback . . . a handy guide for anyone with an interest in all things musical theater." -- Curtainup.com

Product Details

• Paperback: 294 pages
• Publisher: Limelight Editions (February 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0879103213
• ISBN-13: 978-0879103217
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #198,601 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #83 in Books > Business & Investing > Industries & Professions > Performing Arts

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good book but lacks important information, August 28, 2007

By 

H. Salazar (Long Beach, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Little Musicals for Little Theatres: A Reference Guide for Musicals That Don't Need Chandeliers or Helicopters to Succeed (Paperback)

Denny Martin Flinn presents a very good book about little known musical theatre works and provides the reader with a clear a concise overview of many shows. However, what is lacking - and most important - is what the shows call for in the way of musicians. Book provides nice info as far as synopsis, original cast, musical numbers, licensing, and some difficulties/advantages, but what about the size of the orchestra? Why is it that in a "Musical" the instrumentalists are always the first to be cut (or reduced) but last to be considered? It's first and foremost a musical, not play and this information should be considered along with sets, costumes, and props. Perhaps in a future edition Mr. Flinn can add this most important of information.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Over a hundred small musicals which any theatre can produce, May 21, 2006

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Little Musicals for Little Theatres: A Reference Guide for Musicals That Don't Need Chandeliers or Helicopters to Succeed (Paperback)

Over a hundred small musicals which any theatre can produce is packed into a guide which uses the background of its experienced Broadway producer author to select among the few musicals that have small casts and can be performed on a budget. Most musicals rely on glitz and expensive production eye-catchers for effects and drama, so it's especially refreshing to see a focus returned to the stage itself. Chapters serve as a reference to these selected productions focusing on synopsis, outlining musical numbers, acts, and pros and cons of production.

Diane C. Donovan, Editor

California Bookwatch

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You'll most likely find it here..., March 9, 2006

By 

Portia Velum "Portia" (Wisconsin, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Little Musicals for Little Theatres: A Reference Guide for Musicals That Don't Need Chandeliers or Helicopters to Succeed (Paperback)

Licensing questions? Casting concrns? Denny Martin Flinn gives you the low-down on tons of shows that are suited to smaller theatres and budgets. After a synopsis of each play (casting/and musical numbers), Flinn lists the advantages and disadvantages to performing that show. He also includes biographies of the playwrights/songwriters. Easy to use and well thought-out.