Broadway General Manager: Demystifying the Most Important and Least Understood Role in Show Business Hardcover – September 5, 2017

This wonderful book is a must read in the event that you want to become involved in Broadway productions, if you love Broadway, if you have ever been to a Broadway show, and even if you know how to spell Broadway. Rarely will you find such an informative and clever and entertaining behind the scenes glimpse at any industry, particularly one to which we all can relate. You will rarely get such a nuts and bolts description of how it is all done, and how one may become employed in this fascinating business.And it is fascinating, to say the least. I had no idea that apprenticeships and union memberships were involved, or that you had to take an exam. Then you have to keep moving up the ladder. And Mr. Bogyo explains the true nuts and bolts, the budgets, the operations, contracts, ownership rights, programming, insurance, and all the problems, etc. If you have an interest in entering this industry then Broadway General Manager will give you more than a leg up on everyone else in obtaining your goal.It is also intriguing in the way Bogyo peppers his lessons with interesting anecdotes about his time in the business, his vast knowledge of Broadway and theater texts, and personalities. In fact, one almost wishes there were more of these. Perhaps the author might include them in a next book. I would read it. But if you wonder how quotes from Shakespeare and Katherine Hepburn might be worked into what is a primer on the operation of this business, read the book.Broadway General Manager pulls lifts the curtain on the production you never see, and I urge you to take a look and get and read this charming book.

It's easy to say what this fascinating book isn't: it's not a "bare-knuckled exposé of the industry." It's not a breezy, anecdotal light-weight. And it's not a heavy tome. You've bought this book because you're interested in the topic, so what will you get? You will get a detailed discussion of what it *really* takes to put on a Broadway show, from the financial and practical point of view. Dry? Not at all!Imagine a professor whose knowledge is so deep, and whose self-confidence is so great, that he addresses the class with humor, and a pleasant tone of voice, describing and defining, outlining and filling in, the mysteries of one of the most alluring, yet fraught, industries in the country. When the author uses a term he defines is in a completely understandable way, but without an ounce of condescension. His discussion of budget is riveting! Really! And the occasional aside keeps a slight smile on the reader's face.If you really want to know what goes into Broadway production, this is the book for you.

As a long-time theatre director, I can say with confidence that this is the book that anyone contemplating a career in large-scale theatre production has been waiting for. It’s full of necessary detail, but set out with such clarity and command that it never becomes burdensome. The data are presented with skill and visual imagination, and the raw facts are enlivened every few pages with vivid anecdotes from the field, about Ethel Merman and Jimmy Durante, Alan Bates and Frank Langella, and many others. Bogyo's prose style is elegant and concise, and a fitting expression of the years of experience it draws on.

Phenomenal book, and a must-read for anyone involved in theatre on any level. Mr. Bogyo breaks down the pivotal role of the General Manager in such vivid terms, that I feel like I finally understand the importance of the job. Even a casual reader will enjoy his breezy style!

This book is 10% anecdotal and 90% practical. Best suited for an audience that are theatre professionals wanting to understand the business side of show business, it is very specific in its knowledge and provides exact information on union rules, budgetary information, and contracts. If you're a theatre fan seeking a general, broad sense of show business, this book is not for you. If you're someone who wants to be a General Manager or a Company Manager, this book is essential.

Enjoyable and highly informative book about the theatre industry. A MUST READ for theatre lovers both in the audience and behind the scenes.

Wow, wow, wow! I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in theatre. It's so important to have a good understanding of what it takes to put a show together. This wonderful book is full of absolutely detailed information on what being a General Manager in the theatre and on Broadway takes. Having worked as a Production Stage Manager with Peter Bogyo for many years, I continue to be impressed by his knowledge of this industry, and his ability to write his book in a way that is not only amazingly educational and easy to read, but also truly entertaining. Peter has a wonderful sense of humor and an ability to be the most gently diplomatic person in any given situation. Both of those qualities come out clearly in his writing, and are an absolute necessity for this job. He always handles his shows with ease and class, making what is clearly a difficult job look easy. As a stage manager, I have always felt so much more comfortable with a show when Peter is at the helm. I can tell you first-hand, he knows whats he's talking about. You will certainly gain a lot of insight into the industry and, armed with this fantastic book, you can being to "Demystify the most important and least understood role in show business," the General Manager. Thank you, Peter Bogyo, for putting this role down in writing for all of us with such clarity and style!

Although I'm not a theater professional, I'm a NYC-based frequent theater-goer, and it was fascinating to see the curtain pulled back on the role of the Broadway General Manager in this fascinating book. Whether the theater is your work or your passion, you'll certainly enjoy this detailed account of the business side of show business.