The Street Where I Live

Alan J. Lerner/and his collaborations with Fritz Lowe and Burton Lane are miracles of the 20th century. The circumstances of their coming together in an artistic and social mileux that called for--no yearned for that kind of musical theater--is a story in itself.Mr. Lerner talks eloquently about these collaborators-and others (some not so succesful), and gives us complete and insightful discussions about the shows for which he has written the lyrics--"just" productions like "My Fair Lady," "Gigi," "Camelot," and others perhaps not as well known.Mr. Lerner also discusses his own life with great candor--and even greater wit.This book is an absolute must-have for those interested in The American Musical Theater! I have given it several times as a gift.

This is a witty (if occasionally slaphappy), literate, and very readable (difficult to put down) account of the making of three musicals. I doubt, however, that persons not especially interested in the theatre will want to read this. Note also that this is not a conventional autobiography like, say, Richard Rodgers's "Musical Stages": it concerns the circumstances of the author's life only peripherally.Also recommended: Craig Zadan's "Sondheim & Company" and, for musicians, Jeff Burns's "Pentatonic Scales for the Jazz Rock Keyboardist".

Unlike many theater or Hollywood figures who write their own life stories, Alan Jay Lerner can actually organize and clearly articulate the events of his life! Even if you are not a lover of the Broadway theater or Hollywood, I recommend that you get the book purely for the pleasure of reading his prose! I have been searching for this book ever since I read a library edition of it years ago. I am more than overjoyed that they have finally reprinted it!

Alan Jay Lerner has written a funny, fascinating, charming memoir of his biggest successes (My Fair Lady, Gigi, and Camelot). Full of insight, wit, and memorable anecdotes, this book is about as close as you can come to recapturing the lost world of Broadway as a place brimming with vitality and talent. You will certainly enjoy it if you care about the subject matter at all.

For anyone who loves Broadway or Hollywood musicals, this book is pure magic. Alan Jay Lerner tells how he came to create his finest works, infusing the text with his signature wit and fascinating insight into human nature. Some of the show business giants of the 50's and 60's make appearances here, and Lerner shares marvelous anecdotes about all of them. MY FAIR LADY, CAMELOT, GIGI -- so many stars, so many songs, so many wonderful stories to tell. The result is a delightfully entertaining read, one that is both funny and filled with the author's love of his life's work.