We Open on Venus

After barely making it off planet Earth our valiant band of troupers land at the first colony world, after having spent the 3 week trip working up several possible plays to play there. New Venus is run by the big bad oil companies the same way the worst mill towns were during the early industrial age. Heck it was worse, because the company was the government on New Venus. On top of this the compny bosses don't want them to put on a play. This is how We Open On Venus starts. A well plotted out novel with descent characters and witty dialog it is Sci-Phi's answer to the Circus World for those who want to understand the inner workings of an acting company; I only wish it was as good as any of the Circus World books. This is not a criticism persay, because the Circus World books are some best books I have read in any genre. Yes, alot of the characters are cliches, but the constantly changing view points of the action as seen thru the eyes of the different compamy members, and the ongoing education of the warrior turned gofer on the history and psychology of the theatre is what makes it a 4 star book.

Well, speaking as an actor and a Stasheff fan, I can say I found this book (and indeed, the whole series) perfectly delightful. While a few of the characterizations are a little bit stereotyped (no character actresses? Really, Mr. Stasheff!), I have to admit that, to one extent or another, I've trod the boards with each and every one of those folks---guess things only get to be stereotypes because they're true. The plot is fast-paced and beautifully developed, and Stasheff has obviously done his research. The technical details (at least, those connected to the theatre) are beautifully accurate, and Mr. Stasheff is one of the few authors I've seen who can actively capture on-stage, off-stage, and audience reaction simultaneously without being a single bit boring. There's a nice tie-in with his Warlock series, as well, but only if you're paying close attention. All in all, this is an excellent book, and I recommend it quite highly. Now, if he'd only *finish* the series...