The Magic of Theater: Behind the Scenes with Today's Leading Actors

This provocative collection is adapted from conversations held between leading theater actors and Broadway producer/director Black that were originally conducted before an audience at the New School in New York City over a period of two years. Black ( The Actor's Audition ) invited two actors for each evening of the series--with the exception of Tony Randall, Eli Wallach and Liv Ullman, who each appeared alone--and questioned them about their formal drama training, their stage and film experiences and their skills. Included in the 18 evenings represented here are a probing discussion with Jessica Tandy and her husband Hume Cronyn about their acting techniques; Eli Wallach's thoughts on method acting; and a lively conversation wtih Maureen Stapleton and Beatrice Straight, who shared their memories of working with playwright Tennessee Williams. Brief biographies of the participants accompany each discussion. Photos not seen by PW. Fireside Theatre Book Club featured alternate. (June)