Smash

Fictional story told by Midge who gets the job as a production secretary for a big musical show. Through her we meet Larry the director (fighting for control of the show), Art the producer (a REAL jerk who will do anything to get what he wants--ANYTHING), the Star (she thinks it's all about her), Jenny the choreographer (alcoholic), Hy the composer (high strung) and many others. The book moves quick. There's back stabbing, sex, drug abuse, love, hate...just about everything. Author Kanin writes beautifully--the dialogue is quick, to the point and frequently hilarious...but you can have too much of a good thing. The book runs 502 pages--far too long. Also everybody speaks quickly and uses clever witty asides--even Art who's supposed to be a real jerk! Everyone sounds alike so you have trouble telling who's who. It's good and worth reading once--but too long and too one note.