How to Direct a Musical (Hardcover)

by David Young (Author) "Selection is central to a successful musical production..." (more)
Key Phrases: song file, rehearsal pianist, crew heads, New York, Kennedy Center, Production Book (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
How to Direct a Musical is a lively and practical guide to the seemingly overwhelming task of directing a musical. David Young brings to this handbook his extensive experience as a director of over 100 productions and more than 250 workshops in the US, China, Senegal and Brazil. Young takes a pragmatic, do-it-yourself approach, guiding the reader from planning to casting, rehearsal to opening night. Topics covered include script analysis, collaboration with designers, musical directors, choreographers and crew, eliminating lengthy pauses between scenes, dress rehearsals and curtain calls.

About the Author
David Young is Producing Director of the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 180 pages
• Publisher: Theatre Arts Book; New edition edition (April 5, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 087830052X
• ISBN-13: 978-0878300525
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #631,327 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars How To Direct a Musical, May 24, 2009

By	Anthony C. Battaglia - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Sorry - but I sent a very positive review of this item to you over two weeks ago!

4.0 out of 5 stars Good advice, January 16, 2009

By	Jody "[e-mail]" (Northwest Ohio) - See all my reviews

The overall tone of this book is a bit off-putting and patronizing and Mr. Young is certainly proud of his work, but there are some gems scattered through the pages, so perhaps the tone is justified.

It does contain some great tips on addressing specific problems, such as pauses in dialogue and actors who don't understand what they're saying, and there's a nice appendix on working with children. I've been using some of the charts it suggests in a production I'm directing and they've been invaluable in eliminating confusion and redundancy in costuming and choreography. This is a good reference book, but should not be your only one. I'd also recommend Jory's Tips for Directors and Hauser's On Directing and there are several good step-by-step books on directing and producing book plays and musicals.

This would be a good book for someone beginning to think about directing a musical. If nothing else, it's a clear illustration of the dedication and time involved, and if read correctly should warn off anyone not willing to be totally immersed in the theater for a couple of months. The tips are a bonus!