UNDERFOOT IN SHOW BUSINESS

by Halene Hanff ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A

Never touching a star's orbit, this reconnaissance of things theatrical stems from a non-stop effort -- which does not land the author where she wants to go. Play- writing in her spare time, coached and instructed by Thereoa Helburn, of the Theatre Guild (who said Our Girl had ""talent) Helene wins a contest offered by the Bureau of New Plays in the '60's. Her days -- and years -- in New York City bring her the close companionship of Maxine whose pendulum swings from possibilities in acting to despair that her chance would never come; take Helene through the round of casting agencies, producers, agents, places to live, summer stock, angels and assorted odd moments and odd balls whose life is theater. When playwriting falls, she finds radio and TV, and eventually just writing about her experiences.... And this is an overall that covers what can -- and does -- happen to footlight followers, but its recording, even where you can hear the harsh notes, has a squeaky, cocky brightness that makes it a proper corrective for the over-optimistic.....who may -- or may not -- learn from this gallant guidance.

Pub Date: N/A

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Harper

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 1962

Categories: NONFICTION