On Stage & In Shadows : a career memoir, Preface by Ruth Buzzi, Foreword by Jonathan Frid [Paperback]

Marie Wallace (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 24, 2005

“Broadway veteran Marie Wallace provides an intimate, informative, often humorous look behind the scenes of such stage classics as Gypsy and Sweet Charity. Her Dark Shadows fans will learn fun new facts about the Gothic soap opera.”—Craig Hamrick author Barnabas & Co..

“With an engaging writing style and a role-call to match, this delightful memoir never fails to inspire and entertain.”—Stuart Manning Dark Shadows Journal

“Marie is the first lady of Broadway.”—Ruth Buzzi

“This is the best show-biz memoir I’ve ever read. It’s a must-have for theatre buffs!”—Michael Karol Lucy: A to Z, the Lucille Ball Encyclopedia

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Marie Wallace starred on the TV classic Dark Shadows. He stage credits include the original productions of Gypsy and Sweet Charity.

Product Details

• Paperback: 202 pages
• Publisher: iUniverse, Inc. (June 24, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0595358772
• ISBN-13: 978-0595358779
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,822,371 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Portrait of an ever-changing artist! A revelation!, July 29, 2005

By 

Rod Labbe (Waterville, Maine) - See all my reviews

This review is from: On Stage & In Shadows : a career memoir, Preface by Ruth Buzzi, Foreword by Jonathan Frid (Paperback)

"On Stage and in Shadows" is a joy from cover to cover, an invigorating experience that hits every note beautifully. If you're interested in how an actor/actress "makes it" against seemingly insurmountable odds, then Marie's book is for you. She candidly chronicles her truly remarkable life and career(s), from cradle to today--all the while pulling no punches and sparing no detail. I was particularly interested in "On Stage" because of my connection with "Dark Shadows," the infamous gothic soap opera that featured Marie as "Eve," "Crazy Jenny Collins," and "Megan Todd." Her fan club was the first one I joined, way back in 1969, and our eventual meeting at Hampton Playhouse on July 29th of that same year has remained a clear and nostalgic memory for me. She is both a fascinating individual and a strong-willed survivor, as you, too, will discover in "On Stage and in Shadows." Profusely illustrated, written in a personal, conversational tone, this book is one for the ages. Highest rating!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must-read for theatre buffs, August 13, 2005

By 

M. Overstreet "calliec" (Ft. Worth, Texas United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: On Stage & In Shadows : a career memoir, Preface by Ruth Buzzi, Foreword by Jonathan Frid (Paperback)

This book was a delightful read. Written in an easy-going and friendly style, Marie keeps the reader hooked with her career progression throughout the years. She shows how a positive outlook and energetic approach to life have benefitted her both her life and career.

In addition, her stories about each of the shows she was in are engaging and fun to read about, from her descriptions of other actors, some well-known, some known well only in theatre, to her take on each of the characters she played. It was good to see how much she has enjoyed her career as an actor and later as a photographer.

A warm and charming person herself, Marie Wallace earned with hard work the accolades she received in her shows and still receives when she encounters her fans. What a treat to get to read about her life and career.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating read!, July 24, 2005

By 

Nancy Kersey (East Coast USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: On Stage & In Shadows : a career memoir, Preface by Ruth Buzzi, Foreword by Jonathan Frid (Paperback)

Theater and TV lovers will enjoy this career memoir of actress and photographer Marie Wallace even if unfamiliar with her work. I happen to be familiar with her stage and TV career so I loved the book all the more. Ms. Wallace has worked with many performers and directors, some of the better known performers being Jackie Gleason, Ruth Buzzi, Ethel Merman, Gwen Vernon just to name a few and her insights into the business itself is as interesting to read as her recollections of the cast and productions.

As an actor and acting teacher, I recommend this book for those new to the business as Ms. Wallace offers advice and opinions about how things were done when she first started out and how they work now. Ms. Wallace's memoir is a fascinating read for anyone who loves the business and fun of showbusiness.