Went to the Broadway show and already have the t-shirt? Then check out these incredible items that will thrill the thespian in your life this holiday season.
1. Playbill's 'At This Theatre'
Applause Books
Playbill's updated edition of the hardcover At This Theatre is an absolute treat for theatre lovers. This collection is based on the column, "At This Theatre," that appears in each Broadway Playbill to provide background history on the theatre where the show is playing. From the original architects' concepts to the legendary, Tony Award-winning shows that played these great houses, Playbill's newest incarnation of At This Theatre is 450 pages filled with beautiful montages of history, lore, and archival photographs of the current 40 Broadway theatres.
2. 'The Hammersteins' by Oscar A. Hammerstein, III
Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers
Written and compiled by the grandson of musical theatre lyricist, Oscar A. Hammerstein, II, this book by Oscar A. Hammerstein, III, provides an in-depth journey back in time to the founding of musical theatre in America. Hammerstein shares stories and family photographs to which no one else would have access, bringing it all together in a thorough rooting of how Broadway as we know it began because of "The Hammersteins."
3. 'Finishing the Hat' a memoir by Stephen Sondheim
Random House
Stephen Sondheim has collected a few of his brilliant thoughts into a two-volume collection focusing on his lifelong career as a Composer and Lyricist. The first volume is Finishing the Hat: Collected Lyrics (1954-1981) With Attendant Comments, Principles, Heresies, Grudges, Whines and Anecdotes. Every musical theatre and Sondheim devotee should have this book: 480 pages of Sondheim's wit and wisdom, allowing the reader to peer into the mind of this great musical master.
4. 'The Play That Changed My Life'
Applause Books
The American Theatre Wing offers inspirations and reminiscences of famed playwrights and actors to reveal the play that changed their lives. A collection of essays, this book explores the moments that first inspired the contributing writers when reading, seeing, or performing a show, as well as what continues to inspire them as they create new works. While some epiphanies were subtle and others grand, The Play That Changed My Life is a treat for those wishing to pursue writing for the theatre.
5. 'Patti LuPone: A Memoir'
Crown Archetype
Broadway and TV star Patti LuPone takes a trip down memory lane in her book, Patti LuPone: A Memoir. From her early days at Juilliard to her big break as the title character of "Evita," and throughout her career as a Broadway and television gypsy, LuPone candidly reveals her early frustrations with teachers at school and her glorious successes in Tony Award-winning productions.
6. And One to Grow On - 'Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS' gifts
BC/EFA
Not just one gift for the thespian in your life, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BC/EFA) offers a myriad of gifts and all for a great cause. BC/EFA sells Broadway-inspired merchandise year-round but they also have select holiday ornaments to raise money for AIDS awareness and to support organizations who help patients with AIDS. Holiday gifts range from the specialty ornaments featuring Broadway icons Carol Channing and Chita Rivera to music, cards, candles, and DVDs.
