ANATOMY OF A HIT

No, this is not a sure key to success. But is a good appraisal of the brighter lights that have made the Broadway scene. Mr. Laufe does a laudable Job of synopsizing nearly every one of the profitable Broadway plays since the early 1920's. Using 500 performances as the determining measure of success, he analyzes them as to impact and/or originality of plot, influence of star or critic, timeliness, comedic or dramatic virtues and audience orientation. Primarily directed at Broadway buffs or aspirant producers, this will also provide a handy reference and a complement to Daniel Blum's Theatre World series.