"The Making of West Side Story" by Keith Garebian takes readers on a captivating journey through the creation and production of one of America's most legendary musicals. Through extensive research and interviews with the cast and creative team, Garebian provides an in-depth look into the collaborative efforts and artistic vision that brought "West Side Story" to life.
The book uncovers the origins of the musical, delving into how the story idea developed and the remarkable collaboration between Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim, Jerome Robbins, and Arthur Laurents. Garebian's writing style is engaging, offering fascinating insights into the creative process and revealing the challenges and innovative techniques used during rehearsals and performances.
One of the strengths of this book is Garebian's attention to detail. He thoroughly examines every aspect of the production, from the casting choices to the choreography and musical arrangements, providing readers with a deep understanding and appreciation for the complexity of "West Side Story."
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Moreover, Garebian explores the social and political context in which the musical emerged. He highlights how "West Side Story" defied societal norms and fearlessly addressed issues of race, class, and identity. Through interviews with cast members, Garebian includes personal anecdotes and reflections, adding authenticity and depth to the narrative.
"The Making of West Side Story" is a captivating read for both musical enthusiasts and individuals interested in the creative process of theater productions. Garebian's meticulous research and engaging writing style make this book a must-read for those fascinated by the fascinating world behind one of Broadway's most adored shows.
What are readers saying?
"The Making of West Side Story" by Keith Garebian has received mixed feedback from readers. While some appreciated the in-depth exploration of the creation process of the famous musical, others felt that the book lacked depth and failed to fully engage them.
Many readers praised the extensive research and information presented in the book. They found Garebian's examination of the historical and cultural context surrounding the making of West Side Story to be thorough and insightful. Some readers mentioned that they gained a deeper understanding of the musical and its significance through Garebian's analysis.
However, some readers felt that the book lacked a cohesive narrative and struggled to hold their interest. They found the writing to be dry and academic, making it challenging to connect with the material. Personal anecdotes or behind-the-scenes stories were requested by these readers to make the book more captivating.
Another point of contention among reviewers was Garebian's tendency to digress from the main topic. Some found his frequent tangents about unrelated subjects to be distracting and unnecessary, causing the book to feel disjointed and losing its focus.
Additionally, a few readers noted that Garebian's writing style could be overly verbose and repetitive at times. They believed that the book could have been edited more effectively to eliminate unnecessary repetition and wordiness, resulting in a smoother and more enjoyable reading experience.
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