Arthur Laurents

Arthur Laurents (1917-2011) was an American playwright, screenwriter, and director best known for writing the books for the landmark Broadway musicals "West Side Story" (1957) and "Gypsy" (1959). His career spanned more than five decades, during which he created influential works across theater, film, and television. Laurents established himself in Hollywood during the 1940s, writing critically acclaimed screenplays including "Rope" (1948) for Alfred Hitchcock and "The Way We Were" (1973) starring Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford. His stage works include the plays "Home of the Brave" (1945) and "The Time of the Cuckoo" (1952), which demonstrated his ability to address social issues through compelling character-driven narratives. During the McCarthy era, Laurents was blacklisted in Hollywood after being called to testify before the House Un-American Activities Committee. He rebounded from this period to create some of his most enduring work, including directing the original Broadway production of "La Cage aux Folles" (1983). His contributions to musical theater transformed the genre, particularly through his collaborations with Stephen Sondheim, Leonard Bernstein, and Jerome Robbins. Laurents authored several memoirs, including "Original Story By" (2000) and "Mainly on Directing" (2009), providing insights into theater history and his creative process.

Readers praise Laurents' memoirs for their insider perspective on Broadway and Hollywood, though many note his harsh criticisms of colleagues. Amazon reviewers highlight his detailed accounts of creating "West Side Story" and "Gypsy," but criticize his tendency toward score-settling and self-aggrandizement. What readers liked: - Candid behind-the-scenes stories about theater legends - Clear writing style and sharp observations - Historical details about Broadway's golden age - Personal insights into the creative process What readers disliked: - Perceived bitterness toward other artists - Self-serving accounts of events - Treatment of some subjects as "mean-spirited" or "vindictive" - Too much focus on personal grudges On Goodreads, "Original Story By" averages 3.8/5 stars from 89 reviews, with readers calling it "gossipy but fascinating." His memoir "The Way We Were" rates 3.5/5 from 42 reviews on Amazon, with comments noting it's "informative but acidic." Multiple readers describe feeling conflicted - appreciating the historical value while questioning Laurents' motivations and tone.

West Side Story (1957) - A stage musical inspired by Romeo and Juliet, following two rival New York City street gangs and the forbidden love between Tony and Maria.

Gypsy (1959) - A musical based on the memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee, chronicling the story of an ambitious stage mother pushing her daughters into show business.

Home of the Brave (1945) - A play examining anti-Semitism and racial prejudice through the story of a Jewish soldier dealing with psychological trauma.

The Time of the Cuckoo (1952) - A stage play about an American woman's romantic entanglement with a married Italian man during her vacation in Venice.

Anyone Can Whistle (1964) - A musical about a corrupt mayoress who fakes a miracle to attract tourists to her bankrupt town.

The Way We Were (1973) - A screenplay about the romantic relationship between a Jewish political activist and a traditional WASP writer spanning several decades.

The Turning Point (1977) - A screenplay focusing on the friendship and rivalry between two women who took different paths in their ballet careers.

Original Story By Arthur Laurents: A Memoir of Broadway and Hollywood (2000) - A non-fiction autobiography detailing Laurents' experiences in theater and film.

Mainly on Directing (2009) - A non-fiction book exploring Laurents' perspectives on directing theater, including his experiences with major Broadway productions.

Stephen Sondheim wrote musicals and collaborated with Laurents on shows like West Side Story and Gypsy. His work focuses on complex characters and relationships with sophisticated lyrics and dialogue.

Tom Stoppard creates plays that blend intellectual themes with wit and theatricality. He explores similar themes of identity and self-discovery that appear in Laurents' works.

Wendy Wasserstein wrote about the experiences of modern women navigating relationships and society. Her plays deal with Jewish identity and social change in ways that parallel Laurents' perspectives.

Tennessee Williams crafted character-driven dramas about outsiders and complex family dynamics. His writing style and themes of sexuality and repression share common ground with Laurents' work.

William Inge focused on small-town American life and psychological realism in his plays. His exploration of hidden desires and social constraints echoes elements found in Laurents' writing.