Letters from Backstage: The Adventures of a Touring Stage Actor

This book is funny, funny, funny-- and has tremendous heart to boot. Kostroff relates scores of hilarious behind-the-scenes experiences (e.g., having a dresser who actually impedes the dressing process); pet peeves ( e.g., people who desecrate the English language); and vulnerable moments ( e.g., the some time loneliness of life on the road). What's more, Kostroff is such a fine, observant writer and humorist, that he is able to convey his thoughts with an emotional precision that compels the reader to nod in recognition. Kostroff's ascerbic wit and self-deprecating humor are matched by his generosity in letting us into his world--this world he spent so much of his life working to enter. This book is for everyone who wants to laugh, be moved or just reminded that working toward a dream can really pay off-- and sometimes in ways different from what one expects.

"Letters from Backstage" has been one of the most pleasurable reading experiences I've had in awhile. Michael Kostroff begins with his audition for the first national tour of "The Producers" and then takes us through rehearsals and on the road with him. After a year with that show, he joins the national tour of "Les Miserables". So often I've been in the audience of shows like these and wondered what it was like to be part of one...what was going on back there that we didn't see...what life was like, performing in city after city. Now I know! "Letters from Backstage" told me all about it. Michael Kostroff captured my attention and sympathy in the prologue, with his pep talk to himself before the audition. Just that quickly, I was rooting for him, and I was thrilled with him when he made Mel Brooks laugh. And it just got better with each page. The writing is genuine and skillful and confident and humorous; the tales are fascinating. I just wish it had been twice as long!

Mr. Kostroffs book is a wonderful read for true theatre junkies and anyone else who wants behind the scenes tidbits. I am a true road dog myself and have been on several national tours and Michaels book is an accurate and entertaining account of life on a broadway tour. I strongly encourage you to buy it for yourself and a friend. I devoured it in two nights. Its the type of book you just cant leave alone.

While on tour with THE PRODUCERS, I was fortunate to have Michael visit our high school to speak with students about his career. It is a rare sight in any school environment to see a room filled with people of all ages hanging on a speaker's every word, but such was the case with Michael. He has a gift of relating sincerely to people and an ability to convey meaningful messages. His work-ethic, positive attitude, wise advice, kind nature and sense of humor inspired everyone that day. Turns out, he is as engaging in writing as he is in person. The treasured moments from his school visit have been successfully captured in LETTERS FROM BACKSTAGE. Michael's experiences and insightfulness serve as more than lessons in the theatre world, they are life lessons. If only they all could be delivered in such an entertaining and informative fashion! This is a must read book for people of all ages and interests.

This book is a delight. The author started writing emails to his friends when he was on the road touring with musical theatre shows. His friends like the emails so much that he turned them into a book, and it is a great read. You will learn so much about what goes on backstage of a show! Fun stories about mishaps and near mishaps, the various eccentricities of the actors, directors etc. A real education on what actors go through to get a part,all the work that goes in to putting on a show - wow. The author writes so well that you really feel as if you were there - excellent descriptions and dialogue. I really enjoyed this book and am recommending it to everyone I know. Adults and teens , men and women will enjoy reading this.