How Does the Show Go On: An Introduction to the Theater (Hardcover)

by Thomas Schumacher (Author), Jeff Kurtti (Author)
Key Phrases: wig room, wardrobe department, The Lion King, Mary Poppins, New York (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
Grade 3–8—Filled with lavish color photos of Disney theater productions, this eye-catching volume has clever chapter titles, beginning with "Overture," which tells about "styles of theaters" and "kinds of shows." In "Act One" and "Act Two," aspects of the front and back of the house are discussed, including the marquee, the box office, props, special effects, and so on. Interspersed throughout the facts and photos are "Stage Notes," where bits of trivia are doled out, usually about Disney productions and the performers in them. Although not written specifically about commercial theater, another fun introductory book for students, with its added bonus of games and activities, is Deborah Dunleavy's The Jumbo Book of Drama (Kids Can, 2004).—Betty S. Evans, Missouri State University, Springfield
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Description
Filled with detailed explanations, captivating illustrations, and entertaining trivia, this clearly written, lively, and uniquely-designed book is a first-of-its-kind introduction to the world of the Theatre, from the box office to backstage, and beyond. From one side of the book, the reader enters via the front door, where the people and activities of the "front of house" can be examined. From the book's other side, the reader enters the "Stage Door," where the behind-the-scenes world of the "Back of house" is revealed.

In exploring this visually-inviting "theatre of the mind," readers encounter the people, places, occupations, and equipment of the theatre world, and have the opportunity to investigate them all. From the box office and the Usher Staff to the Dressing Rooms and the Backstage doorman, the reader may wander at will within this one-of-a-kind world, discovering the wonders of theatre all along the way.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Disney Editions (November 27, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1423100883
• ISBN-13: 978-1423100881
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 8.7 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #144,508 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I love this book, December 7, 2007

By	Frank P. Conway (New York) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I wish I'd had this when I was a kid. I got a copy fresh off the presses and immediately ordered more for my nieces and nephews. I've always worked on the other side of the stage- in the business aspect- so it's even a great education for me!

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Where was this book in 1976?!! , December 10, 2007

By	TBop62 (West Hollywood, CA) - See all my reviews

I would have given up my Donny Osmond album collection to have had this book when I was 13.

My Inner Andrea McArdle never wanted this book to end! With every page turned, a new adventure and great information literally popped out at me...in a most delightful way.

This book is at the top of my list for my surrogate nieces and nephews who go around humming songs from "Wicked" and "The Lion King" and who dream of shining onstage themselves one day. Two of them have had their noses planted in this incredible book for the past week with no signs of coming up for air anytime soon.

Inspiring, informative, intelligent, and all-around wonderful....a "must buy" of effortless enjoyment for everyone, not just kids!

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars never too late for a great book!, December 10, 2007

By	Richardson "JrJ" (Sunny California USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

like the first reviewer...I wish I had something like this to read as a child...but I am sharing it with my niece and she has already been in some school productions and loves LOVES it!
great job...
I should add that ANY book by Jeff Kurtti is not only well researched and presented.. but can often become a treasured collectible as his book on the Sherman Brothers is, so get em while you can!