On Making Off: Misadventures Off-Off Broadway

I'm fortunate enough to have seen "The Expatriates," an amazing production by The Beggars Group, several years ago.  Randy Anderson, the founder of the group, wrote "On Making Off: Misadventures Off-Off Broadway," a memoir about his theatrical adventures in New York that led to the founding of The Beggars Group, the creation of "The Expatriates" and other plays by the group, and his various high and low points in theatre and his personal life.

Anderson's writing style is fresh and funny, and this is an excellent read for anyone who is thinking of moving to New York with the goal of taking the theatrical world by storm.  From the constant money woes, to the confrontations between strong, forceful artists, to the pain and loneliness of living in this city, Anderson captures many lessons that young actors should learn before moving here.  But he also shows the amazing heights that can be reached, if you dare to take chances.

And he does it all in a remarkably entertaining way.

When I moved to New York, the book I read that prepared me for the theatre scene was Charles Busch's "Whores of Lost Atlantis."  More recently, I added Seth Rudetsky's "Broadway Nights" to the list of books that performers should read before moving here.  "On Making Off" is definitely on that list as well.


"Whores of Lost Atlantis"



"Broadway Nights"



"On Making Off" Kindle



"On Making Off" paperback

William Shakespeare's Star Wars

The Force meets the Bard in Ian Doescher's William Shakespeare's Star Wars.  In this very funny and well-written book, Doescher bends George Lucas' "Star Wars" into a five-act play full of Shakespeare's language, syntax and meter.

If you're not a Shakespeare fan, fear not.  Doescher's language is accessible, and you'll have no trouble following it.  If you're a "Star Wars" fan, this is a must read.  Want to hear R2-D2 give a soliloquy?  It's in there.  Want to see Leia go into full-tilt Ophelia mode?  It's in there.  Want to know if Han or Greedo shot first?  Well, that one is still up for debate.

William Shakespeare's Star Wars is a pleasant read for "Star Wars" and Shakespeare fans alike.


Kindle



Paperback