The Seesaw Log

"The Seesaw Log" is one hilarious tale after another of how a play really gets mounted in New York. More than that, it's an uproariously funny chronicle of the author's frustration upon learning he has only a peripheral role in the production of the play he wrote. Gibson, a highly literate and articulate author, starts as a newcomer to the hydra-headed world of theater and discovers how much he hates it. His unique descriptions of his feelings and his detailed and painfully accurate impressions of others connected to the project had me laughing nearly non-stop into the night. I liked the play, but the log is probably the funniest book I have ever read. And the backstage gossip and personal revelations are just as amusing.

The second half of this book is the play: "Two for the See-Saw". In itself the play is fine reading but... the real entertainment is the first half of the book. We are able to discover the reality that takes place in order to get this play produced. For any "soon to be produced" playwright, aspiring playwright or just us theater lovers who enjoy reading about backstage goings on, reading this book is a must. I was totally immersed into the stops and starts and changes that the playwright had to endure just to please all those involved in the process. How much of your art and soul are you willing to give up to see a production of your play?