The Season: A Candid Look at Broadway

The Season: A Candid Look at Broadway documents William Goldman's comprehensive study of Broadway theater during the 1967-1968 season. Goldman spent 18 months attending every Broadway show, often multiple times, and visiting major try-out cities to observe preview productions. The book presents a detailed examination of Broadway's economic structure, audience demographics, and production processes of the late 1960s. Goldman combines show reviews with interviews of key industry figures, creating a thorough record of theatrical operations both on stage and behind the scenes. Through his focused analysis of specific plays and musicals from that season, Goldman captures a pivotal moment in American theater history. The work includes coverage of notable productions like The Boys in the Band and performances by stars such as Albert Finney and Vincent Price. The book stands as both a snapshot of a specific Broadway season and a broader commentary on the commercial realities of American theater. Its frank assessment of the industry's mechanisms continues to resonate with readers interested in the business and artistry of professional theater.

Readers view this as an honest, unvarnished look behind the scenes of Broadway in the 1967-68 season. The book maintains relevance despite its age, with many observations about theater economics and artistic decisions still applicable today. Readers appreciate: - Detailed financial breakdowns of shows - Candid interviews with producers and creators - Clear explanations of why shows succeeded or failed - Behind-the-scenes drama and politics - Goldman's direct, no-nonsense writing style Common criticisms: - Dated cultural references - Some perceived bias against certain shows/people - Focus on commercial aspects over artistic elements Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (289 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (41 ratings) Reader quote: "Goldman strips away the glamour to show how Broadway really works. His insights about what makes shows hit or miss are just as true today." - Goodreads reviewer Many theater professionals and students consider it required reading for understanding commercial theater's business realities.

Act One by Moss Hart Chronicles the playwright's journey from poverty to Broadway success in the 1920s-30s, providing insights into the theater world's inner workings during a transformative era.

Up in the Cheap Seats by Ron Fassler Documents the author's experiences attending 200+ Broadway shows as a teenager in the 1960s and 70s, capturing the same period Goldman examined from an audience member's perspective.

Broadway: A History of New York City in Thirteen Miles by Fran Leadon Traces Broadway's evolution from street to cultural icon through architecture, theater development, and urban planning.

On Broadway: From Rent to Revolution by Drew Hodges Presents Broadway marketing campaigns and poster designs from 1974-2015, revealing the business and promotional aspects of theater production.

Not Since Carrie by Ken Mandelbaum Examines Broadway's failed musicals between 1950-1990, analyzing the financial and creative factors behind theatrical disasters.

🎭 Goldman attended 58 different Broadway shows while researching this book, seeing many of them multiple times - accumulating over 200 total viewings. 📝 Although best known for screenwriting classics like "Princess Bride" and "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," this was Goldman's first major non-fiction work. 💰 The book revealed that only 1 in 8 Broadway shows during the 1967-68 season managed to turn a profit, highlighting the financial risks of theater production. 🌟 The 1967-68 season featured the premieres of now-classic shows like "Hair" and "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead." 🎬 Goldman's experience writing this book later influenced his famous Hollywood memoir "Adventures in the Screen Trade," where he applied similar behind-the-scenes analysis to the film industry.