Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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

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.

This is a great read for people involved in amateur or community theatre especially those faced with the endless problem of what to stage next.

The writer offers some useful advice and lists some of the pitfalls some people or companies will fall into when tackling some musicals.

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It's been years since I've directed so I wanted to start with something small. Being a musical theatre aficionado I would love to direct a musical again. This book is a fantastic resource for smaller theatres without access to crazy special effects.

This is the perfect book for anyone who operates a smaller theater. Since I have purchased this book I have produced a few shows based soley on the suggestions of the author.

This book is easy to use. Clear. And the suggestions are intelligent and accurate.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who a) operates a theater/is on a theater board. b)theater geeks. There are shows here you've probably never thought of. c) independents who are looking to produce a musical of their own.

This guide gives you:
1. Cast list
2. Song list
3. Pros/cons of doing the show
4. set suggestions (i.e. unit set/2 int)
5. who you can request the rights through
6. alternate versions of some shows

I highly recommend this book.