Lucky Stiff (Vocal Selections): Piano/Vocal : Book Review

"Lucky Stiff: Vocal Selections" by Lynn Ahrens is a collection of song lyrics and sheet music from the Tony Award-winning musical. This book is a treasure trove for fans, offering a wide range of catchy and heartwarming songs that perfectly capture the show's spirit and humor.

Ahrens, as a songwriter, showcases her versatility with a selection of songs that cater to different moods. From energetic numbers like "Rita's Confession" to touching ballads like "Times Like This," each song adds depth to the storyline. In addition, the book includes humorous tunes like "Mr. Witherspoon's Friday Night," showing Ahrens' talent for creating memorable melodies.

One of the highlights of this book is the inclusion of detailed and accurate sheet music arrangements. This provides instrumentalists and performers with the opportunity to recreate the musical as it was intended. The arrangements are user-friendly, making them accessible even for those with limited musical skills.

Another notable aspect of the book is Ahrens' introduction and notes. She shares insights into the inspiration and creative process behind each song, allowing readers to gain a deeper understanding of the musical's themes and messages. Her personal touch adds an extra layer of appreciation for the artistry behind the songs.

In summary, "Lucky Stiff: Vocal Selections" is a must-have companion for fans of the musical. It offers delightful songs, accurate sheet music arrangements, and insightful notes from the author. Whether you're a musical enthusiast or a musician in search of new repertoire, this book is a gem that should not be overlooked.

What are readers saying?

Lynn Ahrens' book "Lucky Stiff Vocal Selections" has garnered a variety of responses from readers. Some have praised the book for its well-transcribed musical arrangements, enabling readers to play the songs from the show with accuracy. These readers especially appreciated the high quality of the musical notation, which enhanced their immersion in the music.

Others have applauded Lynn Ahrens' talent for crafting catchy and memorable lyrics. They found the songs in the book to be cleverly written, effectively capturing the essence of the story and characters. For these readers, the book presented an excellent opportunity to study and perform Ahrens' work.

However, some reviewers expressed their disappointment with the limited number of songs featured in the book. They felt that not enough songs from the musical were included, leaving them yearning for a more comprehensive collection that encompassed the full range of the show's music.

Additionally, a few readers criticized the book for lacking context or background information about the musical. They believed that without this additional information, the book might be less accessible to those unfamiliar with the show. Some readers desired a comprehensive introduction or commentary to provide a deeper understanding of the music.

Overall, Lynn Ahrens' "Lucky Stiff Vocal Selections" has evoked mixed reactions from readers. While some appreciate the accurate musical transcription and the cleverness of Ahrens' lyrics, others desire a more extensive collection of songs or additional context about the musical.

LuckyStiff VocalSelections BookLovers