Harold Prince and the American Musical Theater (Directors in Perspective) - Hardcover

"This book is a top-notch examination of Hal Prince's towering contribution to the Broadway musical of the last four decades." Theatre Studies "The book is an astute assessment of Prince's talents..." Daily News ."..a balanced analysis of [Prince's] work, from its inception to the megahit 'The Phantom of the Opera'." Newsday "Hirsch has contributed a concise and valuable study of an American theatre innovator whose ideas have transformed and broadened a genre desperate for rebirth." Michael Abbot, Journal of Dramatic Theory and Criticism "A lively and informative book, it spotlights Prince's distinctive imprint on the genre, his innovative concepts in decor and staging, his unconventional choice of subject matter and the use of music, and his rewarding collaboration with Stephen Sondheim." Backstage "Hirsch's book is marvelous, containing some of the best analysis of major musicals I've ever come across. Hirsch does that which few writers on musical theater are capable of: he brings the shows to life and makes vivid what was exciting about them in the theater." TheaterWeek "Hirsch reveals the hows and whys, unearthing the impetus of Prince's artistic ideas and annotating the birth and growth of each of his shows from 'The Pajama Game' to 'Phantom of the Opera'...Hirsch's Harold Prince is an indispensable book for any musical theatre buff's library." Bay Area Reporter

This account of Prince's unique contributions to the American theatrical world--controversial subjects, innovative music, and theatrical stage design--is enhanced by extensive interviews, rare photos and exhaustive backstage material.