Put on a Happy Face: A Broadway Memoir
by Charles Strouse
Book Summary Information
Author: Charles StrouseEdition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 2008-07-01
ISBN: 1402758898
Number of pages: 336
Publisher: Union Square Press
Book Reviews of Put on a Happy Face: A Broadway Memoir
Book Review: What is this "happy face" hiding?
Summary: 3 Stars
Well, I just finished reading Charles Strouse new autobiography, and I agree with a lot of what the other reviewers have written here: a quick read, fascinating life, lots of interesting acquaintances, and a composer who has a significant body of work.
I also agree that a lot of gaps in his story aren't explained, especially why he and Lee Adams stopped writing together---there is only a vague reference to Mr. Adams diminishing interest in writing for NY Theater.
What disappointed me most about the book is the writing style--it's too stream of consciousness for my taste. I have never seen any author use so many parenthetical phrases as does Mr. Strouse. The result is choppy writing, filled with tangents, written the way some people talk, instead of showing signs of a good book editor.
Of course, I shouldn't be surprised that the writing is not up to par: Mr. Strouse is a very good composer, not a lyricist. His talent lies in notes and rhythms, not in words. His attempts at humor miss the mark, in that they are too mild or predictable. He is not a natural story teller. I respect his body of work and enjoy many recordings of his tunes, espcially Jason Grae's "Your never fully dressed.." however, I am now aware that musicians are not writers.
Charles Stouse paints a terrible picture of Arthur Laurents, but Mr. Laurent's autobiography is far better crafted, witty, and interesting. Mr. Strouse's book is worth reading if you are intersted in 20th century musical theater, but you'll need to get beyond the choppy writing and bland story telling in order to appreciate what an interesting life Mr. Strouse has had.
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