So, You'Re The New Musical Director! »

So, You're the New Musical Director! is aimed at the person who has music training but little or no experience with musical theatre, the high school choral director with a degree in music education, or the actor participating in community theatre productions. It details the duties involved in directing a Broadway musical, including overseeing singer and orchestra rehearsals and conducting the musical itself. The chapters follow the actual progression of a musical from a discussion of the production team's responsibilities to the final bow. Filled with photos, illustrations, and examples, So, You're the New Musical Director! is a comprehensive guide that no one involved in musical theatre should be without.

Library Journal

OK, so you've got musical director credentials. What's more, you've also sung in and directed choirs. But what about overseeing musical theater a grand undertaking that will combine and test all of your skills? Musical director veteran Laster (emeritus, Shenandoah Conservatory) shows those with music education and choral backgrounds how to do just that. Chockfull of examples, anecdotes, and clear, concise instruction on everything from selecting the work to staging the performance, this guide is written in a conversational yet authoritative tone that will connect with its audience. Laster's book is similar to Robert Boland and Paul Argentini's Musicals! (LJ 10/1/97), though the former deals more with the instrumental side and latter is more of a general overview. This would be an excellent textbook in music education. Highly recommended for public, academic, and music libraries. Janet Brewer, Murray State Univ., KY Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.