Onstage Backstage

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

The fascination both children and adults have for the behind-the-scenes work at a theater is the subject of this book, focusing on a production of Just So Stories at the Palo Alto Children's Theater. Chessa, a real 10-year-old, narrates her experiences and explains the roles of all the people who help put a play on stage. Full-color photos of an actual performance midway through the book contrast with grainy, poorly reproduced black-and-white photos that illustrate the rest of the volume. An engaging idea, but potentially interesting information is presented blandly. It's best suited for young theater buffs. Ages 7-10. (August)

School Library Journal

Gr 2 Up An interesting look at what goes into the production and presentation of a play at the Palo Alto Children's Theatre. The theater is unique since it is the oldest children's theater in the United States in which the acting is done entirely by children. The text is narrated by ten-year-old Chessa Geisler, who plays a part in the theater's production of Kipling's Just So Stories. Chessa takes readers through the play's auditions, through rehearsals, performances, and finally through striking the set. The text is simple and explains new and potentially unfamiliar theatrical terms in a highly readable manner. The photographs complement the text and are used to the maximum advantage. Photos of the performance are in color; all others are in black and white. Even though Cheryl Walsh Bellville's Theater Magic (Carolrhoda, 1986) covers a similar topic in more detail, Onstage/Backstage does a very good job of depicting one girl's positive experience with a well-respected children's theater. Bound to be of great interest to children with theatrical leanings. Denise A. Anton, Cornbelt Library System, Normal, Ill.