Ken Mandelbaum

What a great theater book, only talking about flops is such an ingenious idea for this foray into the dark side of the theater world. Just to read about the concept from beginning to end that brought CARRIE to the stage is fascinating. What were these people thinking. I was engrossed from beginning to the end. A grand trip that needs to be updated..."Cry Baby", "Grey Gardens","Taboo", " A Catered Affair", just to mention a few more recent FLOPS. ...there is a long list of shows that can be show more included in a 2nd book. Word has it, the author, Ken Mandelbaum who is a terrific theater writer, has been working on a 2nd book, but recently has been taken ill, so the hopes of an updated volume is anyone's guess. Get well Ken, miss your writing and would love to see a continuation. show less

THe book was okay. It was very dry and I did skip a few musicals that I had no desire to read about. I wish it was a little more current because it cut off in 1990. Still it was interesting to read what caused some big projects to go way over the shark. I also chuckled a little when he ragged on Chicago a little. We all know what happened with that musical since 1990.

This is a great book to read bit by bit--it's a bit much to get through all at once. I'd love to see an updated version with shows from the past 15 years.

Not loving this book does not exist. :^)