Customer Reviews

Real Life Drama

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A great book. It details one of the most important theater companies to ever come out of the United States. The stories are rich(as in the once in a lifetime story of the audience's response to Waiting for Lefty) and the background thoroughly researched. As a member of a young, struggling theater company it gave me inspiration and comfort the way great history should. I wish she would write a biography of their logical successor, Steppenwolf of Chicago.

If you are interested in the Group Theatre or the history of American acting...this is a great book.

Wendy Smith's study of the Group Theatre is impressive and seemingly definitive. Well-written, instructive, and entertaining, this book centers on a legendary theatrical company that lasted little more than ten years but created an indelible imprint on our culture. From the Group sprung the talents of Lee Strasberg, Stella Adler, Elia Kazan, Clifford Odets, Harold Clurman, and Cheryl Crawford, all of whom had a major and lasting impact on the dramatic arts long after the Group had come and gone.

Smith lovingly (and this book is obviously a labor of deep love) retells the Group's history in a compelling and natural way that will leave quite an impact on the reader. She skillfully weaves together the cultural and political forces of the 1930s that shaped the Group's story. Very highly recommended!