Overview

When the young composer Douglas Cohen first secured the musical rights to the novel No Way to Treat a Lady by William Goldman—the acclaimed author of The Princess Bride and Marathon Man—he hoped it would be his big break, the first step on a gilt path to artistic triumph and commercial success in the form of a hit Broadway musical. What happened after that, while memorable, was anything but. How to Survive a Killer Musical chronicles Cohen's decade-long quest to bring that musical to the stage—writing, re-writing, and shepherding it across the US and Europe amidst all manner of adversity and plain rotten luck. It's a fascinating portrait of passion, persistence, and resilience—a coming-of-age story populated with famous mentors and formidable adversaries, told with refreshing honesty and humor. On Cohen's journey, he introduces us to an indelible cast of characters including a two-time Academy Award-winning screenwriter who invites Cohen to his personal screening room for a marathon midnight brainstorming session; a Tony Award-winning director making his comeback after a horrific accident renders him a quadriplegic; and a celebrated, volatile British director who inspires a fruitful collaboration in London, only to later leave carnage in his wake. Catastrophes abound, including the near-fatal stabbing of a female lead in rehearsal and an onstage accident incapacitating another leading lady—leaving only the author to go on in her place! Throughout, Cohen’s attempts to keep his optimism and his cool are offset by the cynical, cheerfully profane Goldman, who regards the show’s travails with bemusement even as he remains one of the composer’s most reliable supporters. Whether you’re a fan of musicals or just someone who’s suffered trying to bring a passion project into the world, this tale of fortitude in the face of obstacles, personalities, and egos will make for an eye-opening and frequently hilarious journey.

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9781493075744

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Reviews

Doug Cohen's How to Survive a Killer Musical is a surprising page turner, an exhilarating, cautionary tale of a young creator's path to production. It's all here: thrills, disasters, betrayals, and ultimately . . . wisdom. This is a poignant primer for anyone daring to try. --Tony Gilroy, Academy Award nominated writer/director; Executive Producer/Showrunner of Andor, the Star Wars prequel for Disney+ I don't care if you've never seen a Broadway play, this tale of almost making it in the big leagues of musical theater will have you turning the pages. Full of self-deprecating humor, unforgettable characters, and heartbreaking twists of fate, How to Survive a Killer Musical is a delight. --Nathaniel Philbrick, bestselling author of In the Heart of the Sea and Travels with George In How to Survive a Killer Musical, Cohen gives a wonderful first-hand account of the roller coaster ride that is developing a brand new musical. With great humor and vivid characterizations of some of the most important writers, directors, and actors of the last half century, the reader gets a front seat view to the remarkable triumphs and dramatic vicissitudes of show business. --Alex Timbers, Tony Award-winning director (Moulin Rouge, Beetlejuice, Peter and the Starcatcher) This fascinating tale about how to get a musical produced, from page to stage, is made even more fascinating because of the writer's candor, wit, and passionate desire to give his musical a life against all odds. It's always a little miracle to me when that happens. And when you have such a good writer telling the tale, it's irresistible reading. --Donna McKechnie, Tony Award-winning actress (A Chorus Line, Company, Sweet Charity) This is a story of dreams and hard work and persistence. It is a story about what success usually looks like. And most of all, it is a glorious reminder that the destination is never as rewarding as the journey. I am thrilled to have been part of this journey. I am even more thrilled that Doug has found this fabulous way of inviting you along. --Jason Alexander, Tony and Emmy Award-winning actor (Seinfeld, Jerome Robbins Broadway, Pretty Woman)

In How to Survive a Killer Musical, Cohen gives a wonderful first-hand account of the roller coaster ride that is developing a brand new musical. With great humor and vivid characterizations of some of the most important writers, directors, and actors of the last half century, the reader gets a front seat view to the remarkable triumphs and dramatic vicissitudes of show business. --Alex Timbers, Tony Award-winning director (Here Lies Love, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Beetlejuice, and Peter and the Starcatcher) Doug Cohen's How to Survive a Killer Musical is a surprising page turner, an exhilarating, cautionary tale of a young creator's path to production. It's all here: thrills, disasters, betrayals, and ultimately . . . wisdom. This is a poignant primer for anyone daring to try. --Tony Gilroy, Academy Award nominated writer/director; Executive Producer/Showrunner of Andor, the Star Wars prequel for Disney+ I don't care if you've never seen a Broadway play, this tale of almost making it in the big leagues of musical theater will have you turning the pages. Full of self-deprecating humor, unforgettable characters, and heartbreaking twists of fate, How to Survive a Killer Musical is a delight. --Nathaniel Philbrick, bestselling author of In the Heart of the Sea and Travels with George This fascinating tale about how to get a musical produced, from page to stage, is made even more fascinating because of the writer's candor, wit, and passionate desire to give his musical a life against all odds. It's always a little miracle to me when that happens. And when you have such a good writer telling the tale, it's irresistible reading. --Donna McKechnie, Tony Award-winning actress (A Chorus Line, Company, Sweet Charity) This is a story of dreams and hard work and persistence. It is a story about what success usually looks like. And most of all, it is a glorious reminder that the destination is never as rewarding as the journey. I am thrilled to have been part of this journey. I am even more thrilled that Doug has found this fabulous way of inviting you along. --Jason Alexander, Tony and Emmy Award-winning actor (Seinfeld, Jerome Robbins Broadway, Pretty Woman)

Author Information

Douglas J. Cohen is a composer, lyricist, and librettist who is the recipient of two Richard Rodgers Awards, a Jonathan Larson Grant, Drama Desk and Drama League nominations, and the Fred Ebb Award for his body of work. His nearly 300 global productions include Off-Broadway’s Manhattan Theatre Club (The Gig), The York Theatre Company (No Way to Treat a Lady), and The Cell Theatre (The Evolution of Mann). Douglas is also a vocal coach who has taught at the Neighborhood Playhouse and Jacob’s Pillow, as well as serving as Timothée Chalamet’s voice coach for the film A Rainy Day in New York.

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