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Non-fiction - It's Showtime - Christchurch City Libraries

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ChristchurchLib

Christchurch City Libraries Ngā Kete Wānanga o Ōtautahi

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Prepare to be dazzled by books about your favourite films, television shows, and theatre. Written by artists, industry experts, and entertainment buffs, these books relive the rise to fame of performers, let you in behind the scenes of theatre and movie sets, and introduce you to the creators and designers behind the lens. Share the highs, lows, tips, and gossip of those who entertain us. A Christchurch City Libraries list.

By:

ChristchurchLib

Christchurch City Libraries Ngā Kete Wānanga o Ōtautahi

16 items

16 items

Showtime at the Apollo

Showtime at the Apollo

The Epic Tale of Harlem's Legendary Theater

by Fox, Ted, 1954-

Book - 2018

This graphic-novel-style history of the legendary Apollo Theatre details the ups and downs of the theatre from it's opening in the 1930s through to the to the 70s, exploring how it became the icon it is today. This graphic-novel-style history of the legendary Apollo Theatre details the ups and downs of the theatre from it's opening in the 1930s through to the to the 70s, exploring how it became the icon it is today. Show less

This graphic-novel-style history of the legendary Apollo Theatre details the ups and downs of the theatre from it's opening in the 1930s through to the to the 70s, exploring how it became the icon it is today. This graphic-novel-style history of the legendary Apollo Theatre details the ups and downs of the theatre from it's opening in the 1930s through to the to the 70s, exploring how it became the icon it is today. Show less

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I Was Better Last Night

I Was Better Last Night

A Memoir

by Fierstein, Harvey, 1952-

Book - 2022

Four-time Tony Award Winning actor and playwright Harvey Fierstein tells the story of his colourful life from growing up as an eccentric child to becoming...Show more Four-time Tony Award Winning actor and playwright Harvey Fierstein tells the story of his colourful life from growing up as an eccentric child to becoming the cultural icon he is today. Filled with lively anecdotes about his personal and professional life it offers insights into LGBT life and activism throughout the AIDS crisis and beyond. Pull back the curtain on starry encounters including Robin Williams and Ariana Grande, this is a must-read for any theatre lover. Show less

Four-time Tony Award Winning actor and playwright Harvey Fierstein tells the story of his colourful life from growing up as an eccentric child to becoming...Show more Four-time Tony Award Winning actor and playwright Harvey Fierstein tells the story of his colourful life from growing up as an eccentric child to becoming the cultural icon he is today. Filled with lively anecdotes about his personal and professional life it offers insights into LGBT life and activism throughout the AIDS crisis and beyond. Pull back the curtain on starry encounters including Robin Williams and Ariana Grande, this is a must-read for any theatre lover. Show less

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Playing Under the Piano

Playing Under the Piano

From Downton to Darkest Peru

by Bonneville, Hugh, 1963-

Book - 2022

Downton’s Lord Grantham, actor Hugh Bonneville in real life, delivers a wonderfully witty and charming memoir. Endearing and, in places, very funny, 'Play...Show more Downton’s Lord Grantham, actor Hugh Bonneville in real life, delivers a wonderfully witty and charming memoir. Endearing and, in places, very funny, 'Playing under the Piano', is full of humorous anecdotes from Bonneville's stage, television and film performances. A The Times (UK) and Sunday Times Best Book of the Year. Show less

Downton’s Lord Grantham, actor Hugh Bonneville in real life, delivers a wonderfully witty and charming memoir. Endearing and, in places, very funny, 'Play...Show more Downton’s Lord Grantham, actor Hugh Bonneville in real life, delivers a wonderfully witty and charming memoir. Endearing and, in places, very funny, 'Playing under the Piano', is full of humorous anecdotes from Bonneville's stage, television and film performances. A The Times (UK) and Sunday Times Best Book of the Year. Show less

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The History of The Court Theatre

Celebrating 50 Years, 1971-2021

by Price, Felicity, 1951-

Book - 2021

A celebration of our Court Theatre's 50th Anniversary in 2021, telling the rather dramatic story from its founding in 1971 to the recent trials of earthq...Show more A celebration of our Court Theatre's 50th Anniversary in 2021, telling the rather dramatic story from its founding in 1971 to the recent trials of earthquakes, terrorism attacks and the pandemic. Put together by author Felicty Price, and long-time Court Theatre secretary Derek Hargreaves it's a detailed and juicy story brought to life with plenty of color photos. Show less

A celebration of our Court Theatre's 50th Anniversary in 2021, telling the rather dramatic story from its founding in 1971 to the recent trials of earthq...Show more A celebration of our Court Theatre's 50th Anniversary in 2021, telling the rather dramatic story from its founding in 1971 to the recent trials of earthquakes, terrorism attacks and the pandemic. Put together by author Felicty Price, and long-time Court Theatre secretary Derek Hargreaves it's a detailed and juicy story brought to life with plenty of color photos. Show less

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Unmasked

Unmasked

by Lloyd Webber, Andrew, 1948-

Book - 2018

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s triumphant musical theatre career has graced us with popular shows like Cats, Phantom of the Opera, Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita an...Show more Andrew Lloyd Webber’s triumphant musical theatre career has graced us with popular shows like Cats, Phantom of the Opera, Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita and School of Rock. Unmasked is a a weighty 500 page volume full of backstage detail and anecdotes for every Lloyd Webber fan. Volume 2 is still to come. Show less

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s triumphant musical theatre career has graced us with popular shows like Cats, Phantom of the Opera, Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita an...Show more Andrew Lloyd Webber’s triumphant musical theatre career has graced us with popular shows like Cats, Phantom of the Opera, Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita and School of Rock. Unmasked is a a weighty 500 page volume full of backstage detail and anecdotes for every Lloyd Webber fan. Volume 2 is still to come. Show less

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Wild and Crazy Guys

Wild and Crazy Guys

How the Comedy Mavericks of the '80s Changed Hollywood Forever

by De Semlyen, Nick

Book - 2019

Empire Magazine editor Nick de Semlyen takes us behind the scenes of some of the biggest comedy films of the 1980s, telling the story of how the star come...Show more Empire Magazine editor Nick de Semlyen takes us behind the scenes of some of the biggest comedy films of the 1980s, telling the story of how the star comedians of the decade – Steve Martin, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Eddie Murphy, Jim Belushi and Chevy Chase – made the jump from Saturday Night Live to the big screen. With a keen and sharp eye, de Semlyen expertly navigates these larger-than-life personalities, the friendships between them, and both the triumphs and disasters that built their careers. Show less

Empire Magazine editor Nick de Semlyen takes us behind the scenes of some of the biggest comedy films of the 1980s, telling the story of how the star come...Show more Empire Magazine editor Nick de Semlyen takes us behind the scenes of some of the biggest comedy films of the 1980s, telling the story of how the star comedians of the decade – Steve Martin, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Eddie Murphy, Jim Belushi and Chevy Chase – made the jump from Saturday Night Live to the big screen. With a keen and sharp eye, de Semlyen expertly navigates these larger-than-life personalities, the friendships between them, and both the triumphs and disasters that built their careers. Show less

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The Lady From the Black Lagoon

The Lady From the Black Lagoon

Hollywood Monsters and the Lost Legacy of Milicent Patrick

by O'Meara, Mallory

Book - 2019

The Creature from the Black Lagoon was one of Universal Studios’ most influential monster flicks, but what became of the ground-breaking woman who designe...Show more The Creature from the Black Lagoon was one of Universal Studios’ most influential monster flicks, but what became of the ground-breaking woman who designed it? When Milicent Patrick returned to Hollywood from a promotional tour for the film, she had lost her job – the result of a male co-worker’s jealousy – and never worked in Hollywood again. Remaining only in the memories of the most fervent film fans, Patrick’s contribution to the horror genre was lost, until Mallory O’Meara’s three-year investigation into her life thrust her legacy back into the spotlight where it belongs. Show less

The Creature from the Black Lagoon was one of Universal Studios’ most influential monster flicks, but what became of the ground-breaking woman who designe...Show more The Creature from the Black Lagoon was one of Universal Studios’ most influential monster flicks, but what became of the ground-breaking woman who designed it? When Milicent Patrick returned to Hollywood from a promotional tour for the film, she had lost her job – the result of a male co-worker’s jealousy – and never worked in Hollywood again. Remaining only in the memories of the most fervent film fans, Patrick’s contribution to the horror genre was lost, until Mallory O’Meara’s three-year investigation into her life thrust her legacy back into the spotlight where it belongs. Show less

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Springfield Confidential

Springfield Confidential

Jokes, Secrets, and Outright Lies From A Lifetime Writing for the Simpsons

by Reiss, Mike, 1959-

Book - 2018

The Simpsons is the longest-running scripted series in American TV history, and its longest-serving writer, Mike Reiss, provides an inside look at the cre...Show more The Simpsons is the longest-running scripted series in American TV history, and its longest-serving writer, Mike Reiss, provides an inside look at the creation of the beloved yellow family. From the huge stars who said no to a guest spot (Bruce Springsteen is still holding out) to its startling ability to predict the future (that throwaway “President Trump” punchline), Reiss unveils countless details about the show, as well as personal stories from his 30 years in the writing room. Simpsons’ fans will devour its anecdotes, and comedy fans will love Reiss’s hilarious narration. Show less

The Simpsons is the longest-running scripted series in American TV history, and its longest-serving writer, Mike Reiss, provides an inside look at the cre...Show more The Simpsons is the longest-running scripted series in American TV history, and its longest-serving writer, Mike Reiss, provides an inside look at the creation of the beloved yellow family. From the huge stars who said no to a guest spot (Bruce Springsteen is still holding out) to its startling ability to predict the future (that throwaway “President Trump” punchline), Reiss unveils countless details about the show, as well as personal stories from his 30 years in the writing room. Simpsons’ fans will devour its anecdotes, and comedy fans will love Reiss’s hilarious narration. Show less

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Miss D & Me

Miss D & Me

Life With the Invincible Bette Davis

by Sermak, Kathryn

Book - 2017

In 1979, Kathryn Sermak, 23, fresh out of college and going by “Catherine,” was hired for the summer as a personal assistant to the ageing but formidable ...Show more In 1979, Kathryn Sermak, 23, fresh out of college and going by “Catherine,” was hired for the summer as a personal assistant to the ageing but formidable screen legend Bette Davis. She ended up staying on for 10 years, becoming a close confidante to the star who taught her the ways of Hollywood, instructing her to choose the right fork at dinner and insisting that she change her name to make it more distinctive. In this personal and intimate memoir, Sermak recounts the final years of Davis' life as she remained committed to her work on screen, even amid illness, family troubles and unflattering press. Show less

In 1979, Kathryn Sermak, 23, fresh out of college and going by “Catherine,” was hired for the summer as a personal assistant to the ageing but formidable ...Show more In 1979, Kathryn Sermak, 23, fresh out of college and going by “Catherine,” was hired for the summer as a personal assistant to the ageing but formidable screen legend Bette Davis. She ended up staying on for 10 years, becoming a close confidante to the star who taught her the ways of Hollywood, instructing her to choose the right fork at dinner and insisting that she change her name to make it more distinctive. In this personal and intimate memoir, Sermak recounts the final years of Davis' life as she remained committed to her work on screen, even amid illness, family troubles and unflattering press. Show less

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Room to Dream

Room to Dream

by Lynch, David, 1946-

Book - 2018

Iconic director David Lynch has always seemed as enigmatic as his works, the mysterious figure behind Blue Velvet, Twin Peaks and Mulholland Drive. Lynch ...Show more Iconic director David Lynch has always seemed as enigmatic as his works, the mysterious figure behind Blue Velvet, Twin Peaks and Mulholland Drive. Lynch now pulls back the curtain with his own autobiography, co-authored by journalist Kristine McKenna. The chapters alternate between the two writers, with McKenna providing a structural outline to the events of the filmmaker’s life, while Lynch then adds his personal touch to the narrative. The resulting memoir is a deep dive into the ups and downs of an illustrious career in Hollywood, and an insight into a thoroughly unique creative mind. Show less

Iconic director David Lynch has always seemed as enigmatic as his works, the mysterious figure behind Blue Velvet, Twin Peaks and Mulholland Drive. Lynch ...Show more Iconic director David Lynch has always seemed as enigmatic as his works, the mysterious figure behind Blue Velvet, Twin Peaks and Mulholland Drive. Lynch now pulls back the curtain with his own autobiography, co-authored by journalist Kristine McKenna. The chapters alternate between the two writers, with McKenna providing a structural outline to the events of the filmmaker’s life, while Lynch then adds his personal touch to the narrative. The resulting memoir is a deep dive into the ups and downs of an illustrious career in Hollywood, and an insight into a thoroughly unique creative mind. Show less

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Young Queen

Young Queen

The Story of A Girl Who Conquered the World

by Goebel, Parris, 1991-

Book - 2018

Inspirational New Zealand choreographer to the stars, Parris Goebel, got her big break choreographing for Jenifer Lopez as a 19 year old and has gone on t...Show more Inspirational New Zealand choreographer to the stars, Parris Goebel, got her big break choreographing for Jenifer Lopez as a 19 year old and has gone on to work with some of the biggest names in pop music. An immensely talented and determined young woman and "young New Zealander of the year", Parris takes us on a revealing behind the scenes look at what motivates her, and how to dream big dreams. Show less

Inspirational New Zealand choreographer to the stars, Parris Goebel, got her big break choreographing for Jenifer Lopez as a 19 year old and has gone on t...Show more Inspirational New Zealand choreographer to the stars, Parris Goebel, got her big break choreographing for Jenifer Lopez as a 19 year old and has gone on to work with some of the biggest names in pop music. An immensely talented and determined young woman and "young New Zealander of the year", Parris takes us on a revealing behind the scenes look at what motivates her, and how to dream big dreams. Show less

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Singular Sensation

Singular Sensation

The Triumph of Broadway

by Riedel, Michael (Theater critic)

Book - 2020

In the era of Lion King, Rent, and The Producers, 90s Broadway was evolving. New York Post theatre columnist Michael Riedel takes us behind the Broadway sensations and the flops during a pivotal time for “The Great White Way”. In the era of Lion King, Rent, and The Producers, 90s Broadway was evolving. New York Post theatre columnist Michael Riedel takes us behind the Broadway sensations and the flops during a pivotal time for “The Great White Way”. Show less

In the era of Lion King, Rent, and The Producers, 90s Broadway was evolving. New York Post theatre columnist Michael Riedel takes us behind the Broadway sensations and the flops during a pivotal time for “The Great White Way”. In the era of Lion King, Rent, and The Producers, 90s Broadway was evolving. New York Post theatre columnist Michael Riedel takes us behind the Broadway sensations and the flops during a pivotal time for “The Great White Way”. Show less

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The Movie Musical!

The Movie Musical!

by Basinger, Jeanine, 1936-

Book - 2019

Exhaustive, extensive, a comprehensive history of the American movie musical spanning Fred Astaire to 2018's A star is born. Veteran film historian and au...Show more Exhaustive, extensive, a comprehensive history of the American movie musical spanning Fred Astaire to 2018's A star is born. Veteran film historian and author Jeanine Basinger takes an in depth look at this most American of art forms, the Hollywood film musical. Show less

Exhaustive, extensive, a comprehensive history of the American movie musical spanning Fred Astaire to 2018's A star is born. Veteran film historian and au...Show more Exhaustive, extensive, a comprehensive history of the American movie musical spanning Fred Astaire to 2018's A star is born. Veteran film historian and author Jeanine Basinger takes an in depth look at this most American of art forms, the Hollywood film musical. Show less

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The Princess Diarist

The Princess Diarist

by Fisher, Carrie, 1956-2016

Book - 2016

Actress and successful author, the late Carrie Fisher, spills her teenage self onto the pages of The Princess Diarist. As a nineteen year old, filming Sta...Show more Actress and successful author, the late Carrie Fisher, spills her teenage self onto the pages of The Princess Diarist. As a nineteen year old, filming Star Wars as Princess Leia, she shares the diaries she wrote while working on the film. The biggest surprise being her affair with co-star Harrison Ford. Sadly, she passed away at the age of 60. Show less

Actress and successful author, the late Carrie Fisher, spills her teenage self onto the pages of The Princess Diarist. As a nineteen year old, filming Sta...Show more Actress and successful author, the late Carrie Fisher, spills her teenage self onto the pages of The Princess Diarist. As a nineteen year old, filming Star Wars as Princess Leia, she shares the diaries she wrote while working on the film. The biggest surprise being her affair with co-star Harrison Ford. Sadly, she passed away at the age of 60. Show less

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The Platinum Age of Television

The Platinum Age of Television

From I Love Lucy to The Walking Dead, How TV Became Terrific

by Bianculli, David

Book - 2016

Our fascination with television programmes has sometimes dominated our cultural life. David Bianculli's history of television is readable and interesting, weaving us an always evolving visual narrative of our time. Our fascination with television programmes has sometimes dominated our cultural life. David Bianculli's history of television is readable and interesting, weaving us an always evolving visual narrative of our time. Show less

Our fascination with television programmes has sometimes dominated our cultural life. David Bianculli's history of television is readable and interesting, weaving us an always evolving visual narrative of our time. Our fascination with television programmes has sometimes dominated our cultural life. David Bianculli's history of television is readable and interesting, weaving us an always evolving visual narrative of our time. Show less

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Mao's Last Dancer

Mao's Last Dancer

by Li, Cunxin, 1961-

Book - 2005

Forced into ballet at age 11, Li Cunxin dreamed that if he could somehow become a good enough dancer, he might not only serve Mao but help his family out ...Show more Forced into ballet at age 11, Li Cunxin dreamed that if he could somehow become a good enough dancer, he might not only serve Mao but help his family out of poverty. "We thought that if we followed Mao, we were all heading to paradise." He grew to love dance and risks followed as he moved towards defecting to the US. Li's autobiography was made into a film in 2010. Show less

Forced into ballet at age 11, Li Cunxin dreamed that if he could somehow become a good enough dancer, he might not only serve Mao but help his family out ...Show more Forced into ballet at age 11, Li Cunxin dreamed that if he could somehow become a good enough dancer, he might not only serve Mao but help his family out of poverty. "We thought that if we followed Mao, we were all heading to paradise." He grew to love dance and risks followed as he moved towards defecting to the US. Li's autobiography was made into a film in 2010. Show less

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