The Street Where I Live

The Street Where I Live chronicles the creation of three landmark musicals from the perspective of lyricist and librettist Alan Jay Lerner. The memoir focuses on his collaborations with composer Frederick Loewe on My Fair Lady, Gigi, and Camelot during the 1950s and early 1960s. Lerner provides an insider's view of Broadway and Hollywood during their golden age, documenting the complex process of adapting classic works into musicals. The book details the creative decisions, production challenges, and relationships with stars like Rex Harrison, Julie Andrews, and Richard Burton. The narrative tracks the evolution of these productions from initial concept through writing, casting, rehearsals, and opening nights. Lerner recounts his experiences in the entertainment industry with candor and historical precision, including both triumphs and setbacks. This memoir serves as both a historical document of mid-century musical theater and a meditation on artistic collaboration. Through his account of these three productions, Lerner explores the nature of creative partnership and the intersection of commerce and art in American theater.

Readers describe this memoir as an intimate look at the creation of My Fair Lady, Gigi, and Camelot from Lerner's personal perspective. The book provides details about working with Fritz Loewe, Rex Harrison, Julie Andrews, and Richard Burton. Readers appreciate: - Behind-the-scenes stories about casting and production - Candid accounts of conflicts during rehearsals - Details about song development and lyric writing - First-hand insights into Broadway's golden age Common criticisms: - Focuses too heavily on My Fair Lady compared to other shows - Some find Lerner's tone self-serving - Limited coverage of his personal life and early career Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (89 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (31 reviews) Notable reader comment: "A treasure trove for theater buffs but Lerner glosses over his failures and difficulties with collaborators" - Goodreads reviewer The book resonates most with musical theater enthusiasts and those interested in Broadway history.

Making Musicals by Tom Jones Chronicles the process of creating Broadway musicals from the perspective of the composer of The Fantasticks, providing parallel insights into the golden age of musical theater.

Act One by Moss Hart Presents a first-hand chronicle of Broadway's golden age through the experiences of the playwright who would later direct My Fair Lady.

Finishing the Hat by Stephen Sondheim Documents the lyric-writing process and creative decisions behind major Broadway shows through the lens of one of musical theater's master craftsmen.

Dancing on My Grave by Helgi Tomasson Takes readers behind the scenes of performing arts production during the mid-twentieth century through the perspective of a principal dancer at New York City Ballet.

Second Act Trouble by Steven Suskin Compiles first-hand accounts from Broadway professionals about the development process of notable musicals that faced significant creative challenges.

🎭 Lerner wrote "My Fair Lady" while battling an amphetamine addiction, which he struggled with for over 20 years. 🎬 "Gigi" was initially a stage flop in its 1951 Broadway run, but became an Oscar-winning film in 1958, sweeping all nine categories in which it was nominated. 🎭 During the writing of "Camelot," Lerner underwent psychoanalysis four times a week, which influenced the psychological depth of the characters. 👑 Julie Andrews was cast in "My Fair Lady" after Lerner and Loewe saw her perform in "The Boy Friend" - she had never had a leading role before. 🎵 Lerner and Loewe's partnership was notoriously volatile, with frequent separations and reconciliations. They would often not speak to each other for months while actively collaborating on shows.