See, this is what I get when I read two books on the same topic sequentially.
The title says it. Michael Kostroff is one of those actors that make you say, “Hey! That guy! What was he in?” In this book, the answer is “The Producers” (ensemble and understudy for Max Bialystock), and “Les Miserables” (Thenardier).
Like the last book I reviewed, Unnaturally Green, this is a memoir of a touring actor. In the first book, the actor is young, and green in more ways than one. I this book, the actor is older, more experienced and much more mature. The first memoir is fairly superficial and angsty, while this one is layered with perspective and wit. The first author has a bad few days and completely freaks out with insecurity; this author has a bad few days and knows that this is just one of those things, and that it will pass and all be OK. I want to pat the first author on the head and give her a hug; this guy, well, I want to take him out for dinner & drinks and just listen to him. By the way, I’m completely willing to admit that my responses are tempered by my own age & stage in life.
So, what to expect? Lots of juicy details of the life of the touring actor, some fun looks at how a touring company keeps themselves amused, what happens when that damned turntable in Les Mis explodes. Oh yes, and a great section about the shenanigans that actors get up to onstage. Let’s just say that when Thenardier hands around the bills at the inn, there just might be some pranking going on.
Michael, call me. Let’s do drinks. I’ll buy.
OK!
MK