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Not Since Carrie: Forty Years of Broadway Musical Flops

Not Since Carrie: Forty Years of Broadway Musical Flops

List Price: $16.95
Your Price: $11.87
Product Info Reviews

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Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Enjoyed It!
Review: I need to say if you love musical theatre! This is a must have book to know the fate of certain shows. That didn't quite make it! And some that live in lore. Whether all truth or lined with gossip it is an enjoyable read.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Fascinating!!
Review: I've often speculated that the true sign of a musical theater aficionado is when one puts Les Miz and Phantom behind them and begins to find allure in the world of the flops. If that's the case, then certifiable musical theater queens need this book for reference. For anyone who believes the shows that didn't make it are more fascinating, this book is for you. A lot IS based on the author's opinions, but I nevertheless find myself reading this book over and over again. If you are someone who would rather learn about the genesis and failure of "Annie 2: Miss Hannigan's Revenge" rather than the success of "Annie," then buy this book!!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Fascinating!!
Review: I've often speculated that the true sign of a musical theater aficionado is when one puts Les Miz and Phantom behind them and begins to find allure in the world of the flops. If that's the case, then certifiable musical theater queens need this book for reference. For anyone who believes the shows that didn't make it are more fascinating, this book is for you. A lot IS based on the author's opinions, but I nevertheless find myself reading this book over and over again. If you are someone who would rather learn about the genesis and failure of "Annie 2: Miss Hannigan's Revenge" rather than the success of "Annie," then buy this book!!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Musical Theatre Bible for Flop Lovers
Review: Ken Mandelbaum's book is a must-read for anyone who loves musical theatre. Mandelbaum names over 200 flops, and tells what went wrong. Witty opinions and strong facts are melded together to make this a MUST-READ. This is my "Musical Theatre Bible..."

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Expansive, Entertaining Overview of Broadway's Also-Rans
Review: Ken Mandelbaum's well-researched primer is as engaging, informative and blessedly editorial as one would hope -- an imperative for those sociologically inclined to examine the elements of "failure" as well as a delight (and ultimately dog-eared reference) for the musical theatre aficionado or novice.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: An absolute must-have for all musical theater fans!
Review: Not Since Carrie: 40 Years of Broadway Musical Flops' is a fascinating, highly entertaining retrospective of the Broadway musical flop. Ken Mandelbaum brilliantly conveys the strengths and weaknesses of each musical examined, giving insight as to the possible reasons for their early demise. If you love musical theatre and want to expand your knowledge and understanding of it, you will find this informative reading indispensable! It is a book you will turn to for reference time and again.

R. Burcham

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: Needs an update!
Review: Please Ken, update the book! There have been many more flops since this was published. "Not Since Carrie" is a great read - there aren't too many shows these days that open and close in the span of a week, or a few days. The financials simply don't allow for that anymore. So this is fascinating to read and get a glimpse of the theatrical past, which is often fleeting.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: A must-have for any theatre enthusiast.
Review: The others who have reviewed this book have said little beyond the fact they haven't really read it. Not Since Carrie is not, in any way, about gossip, unless you consider the published words of dozens of theatre critics and statements from those involved with the works in question gossip. The story of some of Broadway's greatest musical flops is told through the people that were there--the stars, the composers, and even an important element, the audience, as represented by Mr. Mandelbaum. He has done his homework, and has created a brilliant, must-have book for any theatre enthusiast's library.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Nostalgic and Very Intresting Commentary Of Musical Flops.
Review: This book is extremly interesting and gives a nostalgiv background of Broadway musical and plays that never worked on Broadway in the past. The writing is great, and by chapter 3, you are totally hooked onto the book.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Entertaining and informative
Review: This book pulls no punches when talking about broadway flops, which range from complete disasters ("Kelly," "Merlin," "Portofino," and, of course, "Carrie: The Musical) to shows that should have worked to ideas that should never have been attempted. Thankfully, though, the book doesn't just dwell on what made the shows bad. It also gives credit where credit is due -- if there was anything good, that is.

I only two complaints, neither of which are major. First, this book is that it could use an update -- notorious recent flops such as Paul Simon's attempt a few years ago are missing. Secondly, there are many shows that never made it to Broadway for previews that are included in the book of "Broadway flops." While these shows do have their place, I wonder if their inclusion was necessary.


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