Musical Theatre For Dummies (For Dummies (Music))

I felt influenced/peer pressured/bullied into buying this book after seeing Seth’s instagram posts to buy it. As a poor public school teacher, my heart goes out to similarly suffering radio hosts. If you like Seth’s humor, insight, and musical genius, you’ll also appreciate this book. I loved every aside written in parentheses. While a big fan of musicals, the first show I attended was Matilda in 2013. If it hasn’t been revived or made available for online viewing, then I’m less familiar with the older shows. I’m conflicted between going into shows blind and wanting to deepen my knowledge of the Golden Age…. all that to say, I enjoyed especially the summaries of shows by eras. (Do you see why I love the meandering mind of Seth?) I debated purchasing the book because I don’t have interest in auditioning for shows, but the book covers all aspects of theater. If you like musical theater, you’ll like this book.(this review written in exchange for a trip on board Seth’s broadway cruise, he just isn’t aware of that yet….) ;)

I bought this book as a treat to myself while home with Covid. What a fun read! I've been a fan of musical theater for years, but I learned a ton from this book. It's written in a light, breezy tone. This is NOT a dry dissertation on theater. Reading this book feels like hanging out over brunch with somebody who has worked in theater for years and knows everyone and everything. I'm buying a few more copies to give as presents. Who is this perfect for? Somebody who loves musical theater, or someone who says they hate it, or someone who just moved to NYC and wants a crash course to get up to speed, or someone who dreams of moving to NYC, or anybody who is just looking for a light read on a fun topic. This book can't cure Covid, but it did make it more bearable!

Simply put, Seth Rudetsky has done it again. His new book is packed, from cover to cover, with a remarkable wealth of musical theatre history, stories of those who create and perform, anecdotes of his own 30+ years of experiences working in the industry and great explanations of musical theatre terms and 'insider tips'. Unlike so many "For Dummies" books, this one reads like a conversation, a monologue, a performance by one of the most knowledgeable American musical experts in the business; Seth's passion and humor come thru in every page. Read it for fun, for information or just to get the dish on the hundreds of celebrities Seth has worked with over the years. In fact, as a retired educator and administrator of theatre arts, I recommend this book to every theatre educator...it would make a great addition to your professional library and with its very useful primary source references, a super fun textbook for high school theatre classes. Buy this book!!!

I pre-ordered this book and started reading as soon as it arrived. It's a fun read. I have no aspirations to produce or act in a musical, but I love being in the audience. The book is full of interesting information and I especially love the "behind the scenes" and back stories. Seth has included many links to videos of actual performances. So, even though I have the book, I bought the Kindle version too and if I read the book on my Kindle Fire or the Kindle app on my phone, I can just click on the link right then and see the performance he is writing about. I highly recommend this book for any Broadway fan or anyone interested in musical theater (or theatre).

I bought Seth Rudetsky’s marvelous guide to musical theatre for my daughter who is training for a production career. But after I began reading the book yesterday, I couldn’t put it down and stayed up late finishing it. I listen to Seth daily “On Broadway” on SiriusXM and am always impressed by his knowledge and experience. Reading his book is like having a long personal conversation with a witty Broadway insider who’s a cheerleader for all purveyors of the art form. If you’ve ever asked yourself a question about any aspect of musicals, Seth Rudetsky likely provides the answer in this hefty, accessible compendium. I highly recommend MUSICAL THEATRE FOR DUMMIES to anyone who wants a glimpse behind the curtain. I learned a lot despite being a lifelong aficionado.

If you love musical theater, aka "Broadway" shows, you have to read this book. From personal anecdotes, to telling how a musical is assembled, Seth transports you backstage, and informs and entertains you. A must read for musical lovers!

This book is fun to read as well as incredibly educational. It held my interest all the way through and taught me so much. I’m a life long theater lover with a theater degree and I highly enjoyed the book. I will also keep it around to reference over and over.

Back stories for different musicals are awesome!!! So many things to know!!!! Seth does it again!!!

Seth has done it again! He managed to transfer his personal charm and wit into this book, as if he is telling these facts in front of you, can't wait for the audio book!This book satisfies us dummies over the pond with a concise history of broadway singing plays and also gives us an insight of inner circle stories within the business that only Seth can lure out of people. It brings life to this book that others, merely a generic versions of musical history, that can easier lost interests from even the most avid theatre goers. Don't buy this and it will be your lost!

Love learning about Broadway BUT the book could have had SOME photos?!It would have been way more entertaining!

One of the best, most comprehensive study guides on this subject available. Seth’s humor and insider anecdotes will make this a staple at The Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy. BRAVA!!!