An American Theatre The Story of Westport Country Playhouse,1931-2005 Richard Somerset-Ward, Joanne Woodward, Paul Newman

For 75 years, Westport Country Playhouse has faithfully reflected the story of American theatre. Founded by Lawrence and Armina Langner in 1931, it has never been more than a summer stock theatre, yet it has an astonishing pedigree. George Bernard Shaw and Noel Coward gave world premieres there, and talents as diverse as Jane Wyatt, Gene Kelly, Stephen Sondheim and Liza Minnelli performed there early in their careers. The aristocracy of the acting profession and the giants of Hollywood appeared and the Playhouse can claim a role in the creation of two of the American theatre's greatest musicals - Oklahoma! and My Fair Lady. This fascinating and lavishly illustrated book traces the entire story of Westport Country Playhouse from its beginnings in the midst of the Depression to its 75th-anniversary renovations and rejuvenation. Filled with colourful characters and lively anecdotes, it is a story that will appeal to everyone who has ever been enchanted by the magic of a live theatre performance.

Richard Somerset-Ward is senior fellow of the Benton Foundation, Washington, D.C., and former director of the BBC in the U.S. His previous books include Angels and Monsters: Male and Female Sopranos in the Story of Opera, published by Yale University Press.

"If you are at all interested in the theater, and in the best of American culture, this book is a must." Martin Scorsese "This delightful book is more than a trip to the suburbs of the theatre world. It's a fascinating anecdotal history of one of the longest running, most important theatres in America. I roared at some of the backstage stories - plus ca change." Meryl Streep"