Overview

In Nothing Like a Dame, theater journalist Eddie Shapiro opens a jewelry box full of glittering surprises, through in-depth conversations with twenty leading women of Broadway. He carefully selected Tony Award-winning stars who have spent the majority of their careers in theater, leaving aside those who have moved on or occasionally drop back in. The women he interviewed spent endless hours with him, discussing their careers, offering insights into the iconic shows, changes on Broadway over the last century, and the art (and thrill) of taking the stage night after night. Chita Rivera describes the experience of starring in musicals in each of the last seven decades; Audra McDonald gives her thoughts on the work that went into the five Tony Awards she won before turning forty-one; and Carol Channing reflects on how she has revisited the same starring role generation after generation, and its effects on her career. Here too is Sutton Foster, who contemplates her breakout success in an age when stars working predominately in theater are increasingly rare. Each of these conversations is guided by Shapiro's expert knowledge of these women's careers, Broadway lore, and the details of famous (and infamous) musicals. He also includes dozens of photographs of these players in their best-known roles.This fascinating collection reveals the artistic genius and human experience of the women who have made Broadway musicals more popular than ever -- a must for anyone who loves the theater.

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9780190231194

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Reviews

A fascinating and remarkably authentic collection of conversations with theatre aristocracy. John Kander

A fascinating and remarkably authentic collection of conversations with theatre aristocracy. John Kander This book is an encyclopedia of modern musical theatre via a series of tender meetings between a diehard fan and his idols. Because of Eddie Shapiro's utter guilelessness, these women open up and reveal more than they ever have before, and we get to be the third guest at each encounter. Alan Cumming Eddie Shapiro has woven together an insightful, inspiring and truly revelatory collection of interviews with these legends of musical theatre. It is an honor to hear personal stories from these incredible women on their creative process and the shows they have graced. Daryl Roth For those who are interested in knowing about the inner lives of the great ladies of the theater, this is the book for you. Graciela Daniele A wonderful collection of interviews that are honest, comprehensive and fascinating. What a treasure to hear all these extraordinary women tell their stories in their own words! Kathleen Marshall Shapiro states that he wanted to create a tapestry, an oral history, of the last 60 years of American musical theater, and he has succeeded...Highly recommended for readers who are interested in the theater, women performers, and those who dream of being on Broadway. Library Journal [Falling] somewhere between a reference book and my fantasy version of People magazine from a parallel universe where Broadway musicals are the dominant art form...[this] book offers diehard fans new facets to admire about favorites, and newer fans may be inspired to learn more about the myriad shows and personalities mentioned within the book's pages. Talkin' Broadway Elaine Stritch, Patti LuPone, Chita Rivera, Bebe Neuwirth, and Audra McDonald are among the leading ladies taking center stage in this sparkling compilation that chronicles the life and times of the Great White Way. O, The Oprah Magazine Nothing Like a Dame: Conversations with the Great Women of Musical Theater is filled with Eddie Shapiro's penetrating interviews with Broadway's most dazzling femmes. Michael Musto, Out Magazine These great ladies of the stage offer a funny, warm, informative and dishy look at the experience of life on Broadway. Playbill.com For theater devotees, Shapiro's book is a veritable treasure trove. Huffington Post

Author Information

Eddie Shapiro is a freelance writer and theater journalist whose work has appeared in Out Magazine, Instinct, and Backstage West. He is the author of Queens in the Kingdom: The Ultimate Gay and Lesbian Guide to the Disney Theme Parks.

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