The Ziegfeld Follies: A History in Song Book

There are some who ply their trade in the theatre who write with an artistry that marks them out as writers as well as theatre makers (Simon Callow and Tony Sher to name but two). Theodore Mann is not in that league. His writings always feel laboured rather then alive, a list of things that have happened one after the other. However with the events he recounts, it doesn't matter.

I love memoirs on theatre and this one has more incident then most, as Circle in the Square goes from humble beginnings to Broadway powerhouse. The alumini who turn up include Eugene O'Neill, Arthur Miller, Al Pacino and Kevin Kline. Anyone who is anyone in American theatre has crossed his path at some point.

As someone attempting to build up my own theatre company his story is inspiring, his mantra of doing work you love and surrounding yourself with the most talented people is something all who aspire to make theatre should do.

Whether he is a great artist is questionable, the book reads like he is a terrific manager of theatres and a safe pair of hands when it comes to directing. The same could probably be said about the writing, safe but never rises above it. But do we read memoirs for the quality of the writing, or for the quality of the life!

His most purple prose comes as so often when he talks about the other great love of his life, his wife. His lifetime companion, his chapter on her last days fighting illness are moving and touching. Life after her-some 15 years- is jotted down in a few pages, suggesting that his most passionate period of life, the memories he wished to elaborate took place with his beautiful companion next to him. Proof perhaps that love is really the greatest thing about human existence.