Right this moment’s staff evaluation is from Olga.
Olga blogs right here https://olganm.wordpress.com/
Olga has been studying Romeo and Juliet Hold Their Eyes on the Prize by Richard Engling.
I learn the earlier novel within the collection some time again and loved the adventures of the Psychedelic Dream Theater, and I needed to know what occurred subsequent.
We once more have a narrative instructed largely from the perspective of the inventive director of the corporate, Dwayne Finnegan, who continues to be looking for a approach to make a dwelling within the theatre world. As a lot as he loved the expertise with the Psychedelic Dream Theater, he’s attempting to get a paying job directing for one of many large theatre firms in Chicago, however he realises he should do one other present and get necessary individuals to see it if he desires to get an opportunity. His spouse, Angela (who seems extra on this novel than within the first one), has determined that now could be the time to have a child, and the strain begins to construct up for Dwayne. Fortunately, he will get the assistance (?) of his long-time pals (Chaz and Aleister) and the remainder of the members of the corporate, though, after all, issues don’t run easily.
I don’t need to reveal an excessive amount of, as a result of the wonder is within the element, after all, however, amongst different issues that are available the way in which of the manufacturing, there’s a cult that takes concern with having to share area with them (as they’ve rented the area the corporate additionally makes use of for rehearsals) as a result of they really feel the play, Romeo and Juliet, creates unhealthy vibes; Chaz, who acquired into actual hassle within the first ebook, now finally ends up organising the PR marketing campaign for the efficiency, manages to get himself into deb to a reasonably nasty mafia-type character who is said to one of many actresses (the well-known Coco) and has to discover a approach to repay his debt earlier than he loses a limb; there’s a lack of chemistry between the actors taking part in Romeo and Juliet; Aleister, Dwayne’s psychiatrist good friend, has written a self-help ebook and the publicity marketing campaign interferes with rehearsals; Coco isn’t delighted with the half she performs (Juliet’s nurse) however ultimately she finds a approach to make it shine; there’s a catastrophe to do with the attire that hits Peaches, the designer, fairly onerous; Dwayne’s private life is beneath loads of pressure; there may be one other go to by an necessary theatre persona that doesn’t go in accordance with plan…
All of that is peppered with the idiosyncrasies of the characters, particularly Dwayne, who continues to be keen on invoking the safety of saints and virgins to assist at tough occasions, however right here he has additionally taken to coronary heart the recommendation of a self-help ebook, Hold the Eye on the Prize, and which means he’s endlessly quoting passages from it and bringing it up on the proper (and very often additionally, the mistaken) second. Wallace, the skilled older actor, desires to play King Lear and decides that he ought to write a memoir. Tom, the choreographer and grasp of the combat scenes, takes concern with the interplay between Orlando (taking part in Romeo) and Melinda (Juliet). Ingrid and Joan have to make use of their varied skills to handle to carry every part to fruition, even when the weather appear to conspire in opposition to them.
This can be a quick and humorous ebook, written within the third individual, largely from Dwayne’s perspective, with loads of strains from Romeo and Julie to encourage readers, and it’s simple to think about the efficiency, with some elements changed by the music and songs within the fashion of Prince, a specific interpretation of race relations and the way in which the characters play their roles. It has the benefit over the earlier novel that most individuals will likely be acquainted with Romeo and Juliet, even in passing, so that ought to add to the attraction of the novel even for individuals who aren’t large Shakespeare or theatre followers. The expertise of the creator, and his in-depth data of this world shines by way of the novel, as does the love he feels for the numerous people who find themselves attempting to make a dwelling whereas bringing theatrical performances and pleasure to the general public.
The ebook features a solid of characters that —particularly at the start, when the characters are being launched— will assist readers hold them straight of their minds, and though there are many references to what occurred within the earlier novel, there may be sufficient element included for readers to comply with the motion with out having learn the earlier one. Personally, I might advocate studying them in the precise order, as it’ll make it simpler to comply with the evolution of the characters and to grasp how far the corporate has come.
Individuals who desire to keep away from any jokes or references to intercourse, sexual arousal, bodily capabilities, and a few (mildly) florid language ought to give it a miss, though the ebook is on no account express.
The novel ends on a excessive observe, and I completely loved revisiting the Psychedelic Dream Theater, the intricacies and behind the scenes have a look at how a small theatre firm works, and attending to share within the lives of its protagonists, their goals and dedication to this excellent (however oh, so robust) world. I hope there are various extra adventures to come back for them. Lengthy stay the Psychedelic Dream Theatre.
E-book Description:
On this hilarious follow-up to Give My Regards to Nowhere, Chicago director Dwayne Finnegan has one other crack on the large time if solely his manufacturing of Romeo and Juliet can shine. Nevertheless, Dwayne shares rehearsal area with a cult that takes journeys on LSD-like ayahuasca and believes Dwayne’s manufacturing is evil. The cult sabotages him. His actors insurgent. His publicist will get entangled with a mortgage shark. Bones are damaged, the manufacturing drops into chaos, Dwayne’s marriage hangs by a thread, however regardless of all of it, the present should go on.
