Katelynn Johnston
Spring has officially sprung, and with warmer days ahead, it’s time to update those reading lists before summer arrives. Whether you enjoy your books while relaxing under a beautiful tree in the park, perching yourself on the patio of your favorite coffee shop or soaking up the sun at the beach, we have a few suggestions for those looking to continue their love affair with the arts.
Here are eight theatre-themed books for your spring reading list:
1. ‘Dear Evan Hansen: Through the Window,’ by Steven Levenson
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the development of smash Broadway hit “Dear Evan Hansen.” The book boasts interviews, musings from the creative team, photography and an in-depth look at the creation of Evan’s world.
Buy it here.
2. ‘Hiddensee: A Tale of the Once and Future Nutcracker,’ by Gregory Maguire
“Wicked” fans will recognize Gregory Maguire as the author of the book that inspired the long-running hit musical. Maguire has since authored several other fantastical retellings of classic stories such as “Cinderella” and “Alice in Wonderland.” Back for another round with “Hiddensee,” he explores the magical and mysterious corners of Germany in a retelling of the famous tale of the Nutcracker and young Klara.
Buy it here.
3. ‘Drama High: The Incredible True Story of a Brilliant Teacher, a Struggling Town, and the Magic of Theater,’ by Michael Sokolove
NBC recently aired “Rise,” a “Glee”meets “Friday Night Lights” musical drama. Check out the story that inspired the show as Michael Sokolove introduces readers to small-town high school teacher Lou Volpe and his innovative drama program at Harry S. Truman High School.
Buy it here.
4. ‘The Girls in the Picture: A Novel,’ by Melanie Benjamin
In a time when the world of acting was moving beyond the stage and onto the screen, young writer Frances Marion finds herself immersed in the up-and-coming world of old Hollywood. After she forms a friendship with popular actress Mary Pickford, the two struggle with stardom, love and the barriers facing women during this era.
Buy it here.
5. ‘Alex and Eliza: A Love Story,’ by Melissa de la Cruz
Still experiencing “Hamilton” fever? Give yourself permission to indulge in this charming historical tale of the romance between Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth Schuyler. Fans of this book can look for the sequel, “Love and War: An Alex and Eliza Story,” which is set to be released April 17.
Buy it here.
6. ‘Nothing Like a Dame: Conversations With the Great Women of Musical Theater,’ by Eddie Shapiro
Celebrate the women of Broadway and their journeys to a life in the spotlight with interviews from theatre legends Audra McDonald, Carol Channing, Angela Lansbury, Sutton Foster and more. While some of the conversations are several years old (the book was released in 2015), the insight and stories are still fascinating.
Buy it here.
7. ‘Raising the Barre: Big Dreams, False Starts, and My Midlife Quest to Dance the Nutcracker,’ by Lauren Kessler
Lauren Kessler’s journey to rejoin the world of ballet after many years is a testament to all ages that it’s never too late to achieve a dream. Readers are taken behind the scenes of the stage and Kessler’s mind as she tackles the physical and mental work that goes into a performance.
Buy it here.
8. ‘Scrappy Little Nobody,’ by Anna Kendrick
There is no denying Anna Kendrick’s vocal talent, so it’s unsurprising to learn that she got her start in theatre. Her best-seller details her early days as a young actress on Broadway and her transition to film. Kendrick is both hilarious and unabashedly honest as she recounts her road to becoming the household name she is today.
Buy it here.
