The Playbill Broadway Yearbook: June 2008 - May 2009

By Robert Viagas

Book Overview

Many of the people who work on Broadway keep scrapbooks of their experiences: photos, signed posters, ticket stubs, and, of course the Playbills. These are treasured keepsakes, something to be savored over a lifetime, and then passed on to friends and descendants. Playbill Books, a division of the iconic 125-year-old company that designs the programs for every show on Broadway, has expanded this idea into an annual book that has become a Broadway institution: The Playbill Broadway Yearbook. Taking the form of a high school yearbook, the fifth edition is packed with photos and memorabilia from the entire 2008-2009 Broadway season.

The new edition includes chapters on 78 Broadway shows, which is every show that ran during the season - not just the new shows like Billy Elliot, God of Carnage, Shrek and Rock of Ages, but the long-running ones from seasons past, like Phantom of the Opera, The Lion King and Wicked. This year's roster is expected to top 9 000 names.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 142348293X
• ISBN13: 9781423482932
• Release Date: November 2009
• Publisher: Playbill / Applause
• Length: 470 Pages
• Weight: 4.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 11.4" x 1.1" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

broadway treasure

stellar compilation of the entire broadway season's playbills; a must have for any theater fan

The Playbill Broadway Yearbook June 2005- May 2006

I live in South Africa and am a regular visitor to New York but was unable to get there this year. This book gives me full information on all aspects of shows on Broadway. I find it exceptionally interesting particularly on those shows that opened within that period.

Great details of your B'way viewing

This book was just what I expected, and it was wonderful! I shall definitely go back and buy the previous years' books. However, it is targeted at a specific reader/theatregoer. Lots and lots of pictures and behind the scenes lists, not only cast, but crew, producers, etc. Also lists awards and nominations. A great find for avid theatre buffs, but probably boring for the general public.

Wonderful documentation!

I purchased the first year yearbook as well as this second one. It is a good source of documentation of the theater season- complete with the cast listing, crew,stage door stories (which I particularly enjoy), photos and events that transpired on that particular theater season.

Perfect Gift

This was an ideal gift for my granddaughter who is majoring in theater in college. I also bought her the previous year's book. She had seen many of the plays and thoroughly enjoyed reading about those along with those she hadn't seen.