Synopses & Reviews
For 75 years, Westport Country Playhouse has faithfully reflected the story of American theatre. Founded by Lawrence and Armina Langner in 1931, it has never been more than a summer stock theatre, yet it has an astonishing pedigree. George Bernard Shaw and Noandeuml;l Coward gave world premieres there; so did Leonard Gershe and A. R. Gurney in more recent times. Playwrights Eugene Oandrsquo;Neill and S. N. Behrman were closely linked to it, and talents as diverse as Jane Wyatt, Gene Kelly, Stephen Sondheim, and Liza Minnelli performed there early in their careers. The aristocracy of the acting profession and the giants of Hollywood appearedandmdash;Ethel Barrymore, Helen Hayes, Paul Robeson, Groucho Marx, Tyrone Power, Olivia de Havilland. And the Playhouse can claim a role in the creation of two of the American theatreandrsquo;s greatest musicalsandmdash;Oklahoma! and My Fair Lady.
This fascinating and lavishly illustrated book traces the entire story of Westport Country Playhouse from its beginnings in the midst of the Depression to its 75th-anniversary renovations and rejuvenation. Filled with colorful characters and lively anecdotes, it is a story that will appeal to everyone who has ever been enchanted by the magic of a live theatre performance.
Review
and#8220;In the same way that independent films have produced some of Hollywoodand#8217;s most acclaimed directors and stars, the Westport County Playhouse has been instrumental in launching the careers of some of Broadwayand#8217;s greatest playwrights and actors. This book is a must read, not only for those interested in the history of the American stage, but for all fans of live theatre.and#8221;and#8212;Harvey Weinstein
Review
and#8220;If you are at all interested in the theatre, and in the best of American culture, this book is a must.and#8221;--Martin Scorsese
Review
and#8220;This delightful book is more than a trip to the suburbs of the theatre world. Itand#8217;s a fascinating anecdotal history of one of the longest running, most important theatres in America. I roared at some of the backstage storiesand#8212;
plus and#231;a changeand#8230;and#8221;and#8212;Meryl Streep
Synopsis
This fascinating book traces the entire story of Westport Country Playhouse from its beginnings in the midst of the Depression to its 75th-anniversary renovations and rejuvenation. Filled with colorful characters, it is a story that will appeal to everyone who has ever been enchanted by live theatre.
Synopsis
This lavishly illustrated volume tells the full story of Westport Country Playhouse, the acclaimed summer theatre where many of Americaand#8217;s best-known actors and playwrights have basked in applause. From Eugene Oand#8217;Neill to Neil Simon, Helen Hayes to Paul Newman, Groucho Marx to Liza Minnelli, this colorful theatre has teemed with talent and excitement for 75 years.
About the Author
Richard Somerset-Ward is senior fellow of the Benton Foundation, Washington, D.C., and former director of the BBC in the United States
CITATION: "If you are at all interested in the theatre, and in the best of American culture, this book is a must."--Martin Scorsese
(Martin Scorsese)
CITATION: "In the same way that independent films have produced some of Hollywood's most acclaimed directors and stars, the Westport County Playhouse has been instrumental in launching the careers of some of Broadway's greatest playwrights and actors. This book is a must read, not only for those interested in the history of the American stage, but for all fans of live theatre."-Harvey Weinstein
(Harvey Weinstein)
CITATION: "This delightful book is more than a trip to the suburbs of the theatre world. It's a fascinating anecdotal history of one of the longest running, most important theatres in America. I roared at some of the backstage stories-plus a change."-Meryl Streep
(Meryl Streep)