From stage to page: love of theater and books draws club members.For most book clubs, the big challenge is getting everyone to read the chosen book. At the Second Street Theatre Subscriber Book Club in Manhattan that does not appear to be a problem. As the group assembled on a recent Sunday to discuss Leaving Cecil Street Cecil John Charles Street, MC, OBE, (1884 - January 1965) was a prolific English writer of detective novels. He produced two long series; one under the name of John Rhode featuring the forensic scientist Dr Priestley, and another under the name of Miles Burton by Diane McKinney-Whetstone, a novel set in West Philadelphia in 1969, it was clear that everyone had read the book thoroughly and was ready to participate in the discussion. Organizers say this reflects a connection between avid theatergoers and avid readers, something they tapped into when they organized the club three years ago at the Off-Broadway theater. The racially and ethnically mixed group has both men and women. "Normally the group reacts most positively to the book selections, and they're always fond of the plays," says Melissa Skinner, who is director of marketing for the theater. "It's always interesting to discuss a book in conjunction with the play, something that we're unaware of any other theatre doing." The club meets after the performances, and this particular Sunday the session followed Birdie Blue by Cheryl L. West, starring S. Epatha Merkerson [of TV's Law & Order]. "I see a connection between the play we saw today, and this book," said one woman at the meeting. "People do have to resolve their pain--no matter who they are." Moderators can make or break a book discussion. In this one, the group leader selected from the publisher's discussion questions, masterfully Wing questions from the book to the play. "Neither the play or the book was a linear story," one man observed. "Someone who likes linear stories wouldn't like this book or this play!" People who liked the play tended to like the book. Perhaps not so coincidentally co·in·ci·den·tal adj. 1. Occurring as or resulting from coincidence. 2. Happening or existing at the same time. co·in , Skinner said, "I didn't know it at the time I selected this book for our club, but when I mentioned it to Epatha, she told me she owns the rights to the book and is working on a production." Lawrence Pargot, a longtime subscriber to the theater, is a member of the club along with his wife, Barbara. "We are both readers, and, independently, have been in book groups. The Second Stage seemed a perfect fit for us. Four books Four Books Chinese Sishu Ancient Confucian texts used as the basis of study for civil service examinations (see Chinese examination system) in China (1313–1905). a year, chosen in conjunction with plays we have seen causes us to focus on our reading." He said he and his wife were "enthusiastic about the discussions because we gain insights from the other participants ... even though this has never been verbalized, my take on the selections chosen is that they are all high interest, easily read books," Pargot added. "That is not to say they are not demanding, but they absolutely involve the reader." For the 2005-2006 season, Second Stage Theatre will present the first major New York New York, state, United States New York, Middle Atlantic state of the United States. It is bordered by Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and the Atlantic Ocean (E), New Jersey and Pennsylvania (S), Lakes Erie and Ontario and the Canadian province of revival of A Soldier's Play "A Soldier's Play" was a Pulitzer Prize-winning drama written by Charles Fuller in 1982. This play uses a murder mystery to explore the complicated feelings of anger and resentment that some black Americans have toward one another, and the ways in which many black Americans have absorbed , the Pulitzer Prize-winning drama by Charles Fuller
Charles Fuller (Born, best known for A Soldier's Play, winner of the 1982 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. . The play had its premier in 1981 as a production of the Negro Ensemble Company The Negro Ensemble Company is a New York City-based theater company. Established in 1967 by playwright Douglas Turner Ward, producer/actor Robert Hooks, and theater manager Gerald Krone, the company focuses on themes in "black life". . Fuller adapted the play for the 1984 film A Soldier's Story and was nominated for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award. To accompany it, the dub will read Miracle at St. Anna by James McBride James McBride may mean:
Major branch of the U.S. military forces, charged with preserving peace and security and defending the nation. The first regular U.S. fighting force, the Continental Army, was organized by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1775, to supplement local in Italy during World War II. If you would like to have your club mentioned, e-mail pathouser@aol.com or log onto www.bibookreview.com. Group Profile The Club: Second Stage Theatre Subscriber Book Club Location: The theatre's cafe, 307 West 43rd Street and 8th Ave., New York City New York City: see New York, city. New York City City (pop., 2000: 8,008,278), southeastern New York, at the mouth of the Hudson River. The largest city in the U.S. Book Preferences: Themes that closely mirror the theatre's current play or musical Number of Members: 5 to 25 participants per meeting How Often They Meet: Once per show, four times per year Last Book Read: Leaving Cecil Street by Diane McKinney-Whetstone (Harper Paperbacks, March 2005). Group's Reaction: Very enthusiastic and engaged in discussion. Next Book: Miracle at St. Anna by James McBride (Riverhead riv·er·head n. The source of a river. Books, January 2003) Next Production: A Soldier's Play, September 20-November 13, Book club discussion Sunday, October 30 at 3 P.M. For More Information: Telephone: 212-246-4422; e-mail: info@secondstagetheatre.com; or log on to ww.secondstagetheatre.com/bookclub |
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