Description
Book SynopsisA collection of John Lahr’s
New Yorker profiles and reviews that are “the nearest we get to modern theatre history” (
The Spectator).
Trade Review"[Lahr’s] interviews are themselves gleeful illuminations of art and its mysterious process, as he blends vivid details with erudite scrutiny of plays…His passionate arguments are always worth engaging…Lahr creates a book worthy of its title: It is a living celebration of theater itself." -- Caryn James - New York Times Book Review
"Incisive, exuberant…. Lahr’s vivid reportage, trenchant insight, and infectious love of the stage will remind readers just how exciting modern theater can be." -- Publishers Weekly
"Chatty, learned and wittily opinionated, Lahr’s essays bring us not only his passion for theater, but also his zest for the artistic and creative life." -- San Francisco Chronicle
"An important collection." -- Steven Suskin - Huffington Post
"An exuberant, entertaining collection." -- Kirkus Reviews
"Lahr patiently mines the essence of his subjects—playwrights, directors—with the affection of a fan, the insight of a confidant and the authorial flair of an experienced critic…a delight to read." -- The Economist
"John Lahr writes—beautifully—about the theatre and those who make it with an unrivalled blend of enthusiasm, perception, and analytical precision. This book is justly titled—his joy is irresistible." -- Nicholas Hytner
"Informed, wide ranging, and charming…the pieces are, without exception, captivating. A must for theatergoers and theater collections." -- Mark Levine - Booklist
"Lahr…must be one of the world’s foremost experts on “show people”….[he has] an ability to look past these authors’ mythologies without demeaning their achievements." -- Jonathan Russell Clark - Literary Hub
"100 years from now this is where people will look to see what it was like back then. Bravo!" -- John Guare
"Anyone interested in the history of the American theater and contemporary drama will applaud these thoughtful and critical pieces." -- Carolyn M. Mulac - Library Journal
"Engaging and loquacious company." -- The Guardian
"Impressive, entertaining and insightful…so worth reading or worth reading a second time around." -- Michelle Jones - Dallas Morning News
