Smash

Smash chronicles the behind-the-scenes journey of a Broadway musical through the production diary of Midge Maghakian, a young production secretary. The story captures the creation of Shine On, Harvest Moon, a musical about vaudeville performer Nora Bayes, from initial casting through opening night. The novel documents the complex web of relationships and power dynamics among the creative team, including the producer, director, and biographer-turned-writer. Through Midge's detailed accounts, readers witness the constant struggle for creative control and the impact of these battles on the show's development during out-of-town tryouts in multiple cities. The narrative tracks both the evolution of the musical and Midge's personal journey as she navigates the intense world of Broadway theater. Set against the backdrop of high-stakes theatrical production, the book reveals the determination, conflict, and passion required to bring a show to opening night. At its core, Smash explores themes of artistic vision, creative ownership, and the price of ambition in the competitive landscape of professional theater. The novel provides an insider's perspective on the collaborative yet often contentious process of creating Broadway entertainment.

Most readers describe Smash as a behind-the-scenes look at making a Broadway musical, though many found it less compelling than Kanin's other theater books. Readers appreciated: - The authentic details about Broadway production - The descriptions of theatrical personalities and dynamics - The fast pacing and dialogue - The insider knowledge from Kanin's theater experience Common criticisms: - Flat, stereotypical characters - Predictable plot developments - Too much focus on romantic subplots - Less depth than expected from a theater industry veteran Ratings: Goodreads: 3.6/5 (127 ratings) Amazon: 3.8/5 (14 ratings) One reader on Goodreads noted: "The theatrical details ring true but the story feels formulaic." An Amazon reviewer said: "Worth reading for theater lovers but don't expect anything groundbreaking." The book maintains a small but steady readership among theater enthusiasts and appears on some drama school reading lists.

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The Season: A Candid Look at Broadway by William Goldman Presents an insider's account of Broadway productions during the 1967-68 season, exposing the reality behind theater success and failure.

Up in the Cheap Seats by Ron Fassler Recounts a teenager's experiences attending hundreds of Broadway shows in the 1960s and witnessing the transformation of American theater.

Act One by Moss Hart Traces a young man's journey from poverty to becoming a successful Broadway playwright in the golden age of American theater.

✧ During his career, Garson Kanin directed a total of 32 Broadway shows, including the original production of "Born Yesterday," making him uniquely qualified to write about the inner workings of theater ✧ Nora Bayes, the subject of the musical within the novel, was one of vaudeville's highest-paid performers in the early 1900s and the first to record "Over There," which became America's most famous World War I song ✧ The character of Midge Maghakian was inspired by numerous production secretaries Kanin worked with, who often became the unsung heroes of Broadway productions, maintaining detailed records of every creative decision ✧ The novel's publication in 1973 coincided with Broadway's "Golden Age," a period that produced iconic musicals like "A Chorus Line" and "Chicago," making it a valuable time capsule of that era ✧ Before becoming a writer and director, Kanin started his career as a musician and comedian in vaudeville houses - the same entertainment world that made Nora Bayes famous