Hello Beautiful People,
Recently, I wrote about SHOWBIZ, by Ruby Preston, or should I say gushed about SHOWBIZ, by Ruby Preston. And the gushy, mushy, swooning nature of my praise is going to continue, as I just finished STAGED…in a day.
That’s right, I literally finished the book in one day – it was that addictive, that intriguing…the story completely pulls you in.
Cards), Krysta Rodriguez (SMASH), Brisa Trinchero (DCP co-founder)
Photo: Patrick Eves
In STAGED, we pick up with Scarlett Savoy, and the new production company that she owns, with help from the dazzling and dapper Lawrence. Swan Song was a hit from audience feedback to the glowing reviews, and so naturally the next step is finding a home for the show on Broadway. Scarlett has a dream director, a Hollywood starlet as the female lead, and no space. No. Space. No theater will take on her show, and none of the members of the Good Ol’ Boy Broadway Club will take her seriously, let alone take a chance on Swan Song.
And then Graham Stewart, youngest of the Stewart Theatrical Empire enters stage right…
…and my oh my does this story take a turn!
The relationship between Graham and Scarlett is unconventional to say the least, reminiscent of Pretty Woman without the hearts and flowers, but still maintains an element of class and glitz and glamour…and no, I’m not going to give you any more information than that, you’ll just have to read it!
But what I will say is this –
Through clever humor, quick wit, and endearing characters, Ruby Preston crafts a story that makes one think about what it’s like for artists to survive on the Great White Way. She calls attention to what it’s like to work in the trenches, what it’s like to truly be committed to a project one hundred percent, the (sometimes) more difficult road that young female producers will face, and the passion that is needed to survive in this field.
Bravo, Ruby!
Now, here’s a fun tidbit – Ruby was kind enough to send us an autographed copy of STAGED, so, we’re going to do a little giveaway! In the comments section below, tell us what female character in musical theater is your absolute favorite and why, and you could win an autographed copy of STAGED!
Live, Love, Learn,
I’m going with Elphaba. Because she was good. Because she was misunderstood but still persevered. Because she didn’t allow all the hatred toward her make her bitter. Because she stayed true to who she was. Because she believed in love. Because I like the underdog. But mainly…because she was GREEN! lol. She rose above controversy, hate, discrimination, judgement, assumptions, lies, prejudice, bullying…and stayed who she was at heart. Elphaba.
Shirley Jones in April Love, then Oklahoma, then Carousel, simply because she was Shirley Jones; secondly the character played by Mitzy Gaynor in South Pacific, because she was so feisty; funny, a complete contrast to the sweet characters played by Shirley Jones. Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady was also fabulous – I guess the artist is often more important than the character, indeed it is often the artist that makes the character, tough the best artists are usually humble enough to give full credit to the writer.
Catherine in Pippin is a strong female character that struggles to act on her own principles and wants. Through the lens of her story we she her buck the system that tells her what a woman, wife, and mother should be and Catherine wins in the end by not following the plan. She followers her mind and her heart.
I wish we could give you all books! Unfortunately, we do not have three copies of STAGED. CONGRATS Leela Fitzgerald! Please send us your mailing address in an email: info@thewriteteachers.com, and someone will fill you in on how to proceed. Christopher Davies and Eldon Cline, thank you for participating! Your comments were lovely, and we have no doubt that you both will be the recipients of prizes in the future. 😉 Happy Reading! Happy Listening! Happy Watching!
Live, Love, Learn,
Megan & The Write Teacher(s)
I have two daughters who are both under 15 years old. My wife wants to share both showbiz and staged with our daughters. I’d like to know if there’s anything that will not be appropriate? I myself haven’t gone through this material. So I just need to know get the opinion on having my girls look at this. Can anyone tell me if there’s any bad language or anything suggestive in nature?
JASON! I Think it’s so wonderful that you and your wife are concerned with what your daughter reads. Really. The best piece of advice I can offer is that perhaps your wife should read the stories first, and then pass them onto your daughter. XO @MeganMinutillo
Jason! I think it’s so great that you guys area concerned about what your daughters are reading. While I will say that there is nothing in this book that strikes me as particularly racy, (I mean, if they watch a show like Pretty Little Liars, this is fine), I think your best bet would be to have your wife read it, and then make the call from there!