A memoir by the lyricist/composer of such hits as Hello, Dolly!, Mack & Mabel and La Cage aux Folles includes anecdotes about encounters with such legends as Judy Garland, Carol Channing, and Barbra Streisand. 20,000 first printing.
Book Description
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Review
This memoir is by the man who created the Broadway hits "Hello Dolly!," "Mame," and "La Cage Aux Folles." The self-described "Mr. Show Business, the razzmatazz musical comedy writer, a cheerful man whose life is dedicated to making people smile and feel good and leave the theater humming a show tune," Jerry Herman takes readers on a sentimental journey, retracing his steps toward big-time success and occasional disappointment. Though Herman relates losing his lover to AIDS, and tells of his own HIV status, of plagiarism disputes, and of in-fighting with Broadway producers, his tone remains conversational and cheerfully upbeat.
From Publishers Weekly
In the introduction to his autobiography, Herman explains: "This book is really about my romance with the showtune." And when the composer of such musical comedy blockbusters as Hello Dolly and Mame sticks to his stated topic, the reading is lively, fun and full of backstage dish. Herman's theatrical knowledge and glimpses (he offers some astute takes on the changing world of Broadway) behind the scenes will no doubt fascinate musical comedy buffs?Judy Garland was the top contender to replace Angela Lansbury in Mame but was vetoed because of her unreliability stemming from drinking and drug problems. But what starts out as an effervescent, golly-gee attitude soon becomes cloying, and the gossip ultimately seems like name-dropping intended to impress: "Carol Channing was my best pal"; "Annie [Ann Miller] is a good sport and we became quite friendly. We always catch up when we run into each other at opening nights." Cliches overtake the occasional insights, and Herman's often simplistic solutions to setbacks will strain readers' patience ("In a case like that, you just shrug your shoulders and say: 'That was not meant to be.' And you walk away"). While there's no denying Herman's impressive contributions to the musical theater, some readers may feel, after wading through a surfeit of self-congratulatory prose, that this composer/lyricist's professed romance is, at least in part, with himself. Illustrations.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
More About the Author
Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.
Customer Reviews
|
Share your thoughts with other customers:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
"Showtune" is as much fun as Jerry Herman's Music!,
This review is from: Showtune: A Memoir (Hardcover)
Jerry Herman's story of how a shy, quiet boy grew up to be one of the best-loved Broadway composers of all time is delightful. All lovers of Broadway music will enjoy this wonderful book, and the chance to "meet" Jerry, his terrific mother who inspired one of his most popular songs, and the rest of his mostly-merry gang of friends, family members and theatrical legends. There's plenty of behind-the-scenes shenanigans and information about musical technique that serious theater students will find informative, too.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Pleasant Conversation With A Gifted Composer/Lyricist,
By A Customer
This review is from: Showtune: A Memoir (Hardcover)
If you're already a fan of Jerry Herman's music, this will only enhance your enjoyment. If not, you'll still gain some insights into the making of a Broadway show. But if you're a serious student of the American musical theatre stage, there's not much here. Herman's memoir reads like a friendly conversation, over coffee after a good dinner. Better still, he sprinkles quotes from his lyrics liberally throughout his reminiscences. Herman talks about the actresses and actors who created his characters, and occasionally talks about himself. But not in depth, nor do you gain any real insight into Jerry Herman the private man. But you do get a glimpse of Jerry Herman, author of three, count them, musicals that ran for over 1,500 performances each. It's a treat, but a bit too sweet, almost cloying. But it's Jerry Herman, who can definitely say, "I am what I am!"
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
wonderful, entertaining upbeat book,
By A Customer
This review is from: Showtune: A Memoir (Hardcover)
A great upbeat memoir by the man who gave us great shows, such as Mame, Hello Dolly and the wonderful Mac and Mabel. This book is a classic, like the musicals. He is so full of life and a genuine fondness for both people and theater. I liked his stress on his lyrics, which are what he does best. Our best lyricist- composer of oldfashioned musicals and show tunes. I couldn't put the book down. I hope Jerry Herman writes some more musicals. I also hope he writes another book
Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review
|
|
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Tags Customers Associate with This Product(What's this?)Click on a tag to find related items, discussions, and people.
|
Sell a Digital Version of This Book in the Kindle Store
If you are a publisher or author and hold the digital rights to a book, you can sell a digital version of it in our Kindle Store.
Learn more
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
