Offstage Observations: Inside Tales of the Not-So-Legitimate Theatre

Broadway is a place where people buy tickets at the box office, dress for the theatre, and see iconic legends of stage and screen. It is also where an innocent teenager from the suburbs can buy a ticket and wander backstage into the magical world backstage. Steven Suskin's Offstage Observations: Tales of the Not-So-Legitimate Theatre takes the reader through a decade of adventures in the theatre, from a menial pencil sharpener to a career as a manager, producer, and drama critic.

Format: Hardback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 01 April 2022
Publisher: Globe Pequot Press

Broadway, a time-honored institution, holds a unique allure. Here, patrons immerse themselves in the world of theatre, adorning themselves in elegant attire, eschewing casual wear like sneakers, water bottles, and backpacks. The atmosphere is one of reverence, where iconic legends of stage and screen grace the stage, either with polite smiles or egotistical preening. For just three dollars, one can secure a balcony seat, witnessing the triumphs and failures of the town's most celebrated productions. It is a place where the boundaries between the stage and the audience dissolve, allowing an innocent teenager from the suburbs to embark on a backstage adventure.

Steven Suskin, a renowned drama critic and chronicler of Broadway, invites readers on a captivating journey through Offstage Observations: Tales of the Not-So-Legitimate Theatre. Spanning a decade, the book follows Suskin's ascent from a humble pencil sharpener to a prominent manager, producer, and drama critic. The narrative unfolds from the author's unexpected encounter on the empty stage of a Broadway theatre on the wintry night of his sixteenth birthday, to the matinee eight summers later when he unwittingly finds himself thrust into the world of a Broadway musical, amidst the raucous laughter of a captivated audience.

Suskin, with his keen eye for observation and a penchant for amusing anecdotes, paints a vivid portrait of a bygone era of theatre. He delves into the quirks, whims, and exaggerated tales of life upon the wicked stage, capturing the essence of a theatre world that has largely faded into obscurity. Through his storytelling, Suskin transports readers back to a time when the stage was alive with passion, drama, and the occasional mishap, reminding us of the enduring magic that theatre possesses.

Broadway, once upon a time, remains a cherished destination for theatre enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into the rich history and traditions of the performing arts. Whether one is a seasoned theatregoer or a newcomer seeking an enchanting experience, Broadway continues to captivate with its timeless allure and the opportunity to witness the magic of live performances unfold before our very eyes.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781493064632