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An American Theatre: The Story of Westport Country Playhouse, 1931-2005
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An American Theatre: The Story of Westport Country Playhouse, 1931-2005 Hardcover - 2005

by Richard Somerset-Ward

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.


From the publisher

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 Nol Coward gave world premieres there; so did Leonard Gershe and A. R. Gurney in more recent times. Playwrights Eugene O'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 appeared--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 theatre's greatest musicals--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.

Details

  • Title An American Theatre: The Story of Westport Country Playhouse, 1931-2005
  • Author Richard Somerset-Ward
  • Binding Hardcover
  • Edition First Edition
  • Pages 304
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Yale University Press, Cumberland, Rhode Island, U.S.A.
  • Date 2005-06
  • Illustrated Yes
  • ISBN 9780300106480 / 0300106483
  • Weight 3.16 lbs (1.43 kg)
  • Dimensions 11.32 x 9.24 x 0.98 in (28.75 x 23.47 x 2.49 cm)
  • Library of Congress subjects Westport Country Playhouse (Westport, Conn.), Theater - Connecticut - Westport - History -
  • Library of Congress Catalog Number 2005000849
  • Dewey Decimal Code 792.097

Media reviews

Citations

  • Ingram Advance, 06/01/2005, Page 106
  • Library Journal, 06/01/2005, Page 133

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
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An American Theatre: The Story of Westport Country Playhouse, 1931-2005

An American Theatre: The Story of Westport Country Playhouse, 1931-2005

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An American Theatre : The Story of Westport Country Playhouse, 1931-2005

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