Not Since Carrie: Forty Years of Broadway Musical Flops

Not Since Carrie examines Broadway musical failures from the 1950s to the 1990s, analyzing why promising shows with talented creative teams did not succeed. The book takes its title from the notorious 1988 musical adaptation of Stephen King's Carrie, which became a benchmark for theatrical disasters. Author Ken Mandelbaum documents the development, production history, and reception of dozens of unsuccessful musicals through interviews and archival research. The failures range from high-profile crashes like Breakfast at Tiffany's to obscure productions that closed during previews. Each chapter focuses on specific categories of flops, including adaptations of classic literature, star vehicles, and concept musicals. The text incorporates production photos, reviews, and behind-the-scenes accounts from creators and performers. The book serves as both a cautionary tale and celebration of theatrical risk-taking, highlighting how even experienced artists can miscalculate when trying to create successful commercial theater. Through these stories of creative missteps, the book illuminates broader patterns in Broadway history and musical theater development.

Readers appreciate the detailed documentation of failed Broadway musicals from 1950-1990, with many noting the book's comprehensive research and behind-the-scenes accounts. Theater fans highlight the author's knowledge and dry humor in describing production mishaps and creative missteps. Likes: - Thorough coverage of obscure shows - Production photos and cast details - Analysis of why shows failed - Entertainment value of disaster stories Dislikes: - Sometimes mean-spirited tone toward creators - Focus on negative aspects over redeeming qualities - Occasional factual errors - Limited coverage of pre-1950 flops Ratings: Goodreads: 4.16/5 (483 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (89 ratings) Sample review: "A fascinating look at what can go wrong in musical theater, though Mandelbaum can be harsh in his assessments. Still, an invaluable resource for theater history buffs." - Goodreads reviewer The book remains a frequently referenced source for theater enthusiasts and professionals studying Broadway failures.

Second Act Trouble by Steven Suskin Chronicles Broadway musical disasters through first-hand accounts and reviews from the 1960s through the 2000s.

Broadway's Greatest Flops by Kevin Kelly Documents the creation, production, and demise of unsuccessful Broadway musicals through archival materials and interviews with cast members.

Something Wonderful Right Away by Jeffrey Sweet Presents oral histories from performers and creators involved in notable Broadway failures and successes through detailed interviews and behind-the-scenes stories.

Opening Night on Broadway by Steven Suskin Compiles critical reviews of Broadway shows from 1943 to 1969, including documentation of high-profile musical failures.

Broadway Bound by William Goldman Examines the mechanics of Broadway productions through case studies of both hits and failures from a veteran producer's perspective.

🎭 The book's title references the infamous 1988 musical adaptation of "Carrie," which lost its entire $8 million investment and became one of Broadway's most legendary flops. 🎵 Author Ken Mandelbaum wrote "Not Since Carrie" after compiling detailed notes and reviews from attending countless Broadway shows throughout the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. 🎪 The book helped establish "flop musicals" as a legitimate subject of theatrical study and created a cult following around failed Broadway productions. 🌟 Several shows discussed in the book, including "Follies" and "Mack & Mabel," were commercial failures during their original runs but later became respected classics in musical theater history. 💫 Despite chronicling theatrical disasters, the book actually helped preserve many forgotten musicals by documenting their scores, plots, and production histories that might otherwise have been lost to time.