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Shy: The Alarmingly Outspoken Memoirs of Mary Rodgers

Name: Shy: The Alarmingly Outspoken Memoirs of Mary Rodgers
Price: 19.29 USD
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Rating: 4.4 (1090 reviews)

4.4 of 5 Stars: Performing Arts - Shy: The Alarmingly Outspoken Memoirs of Mary Rodgers

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Book Synopsis: The memoirs of Mary Rodgers—writer, composer, Broadway royalty, and “a woman who tried everything.”

“What am I, bologna?” Mary Rodgers (1931–2014) often said. She was referring to being stuck in the middle of a talent sandwich: the daughter of one composer and the mother of another. And not just any composers. Her father was Richard Rodgers, perhaps the greatest American melodist; her son, Adam Guettel, a worthy successor. What that leaves out is Mary herself, also a composer, whose musical Once Upon a Mattress remains one of the rare revivable Broadway hits written by a woman.

Shy is the story of how it all happened: how Mary grew from an angry child, constrained by privilege and a parent’s overwhelming gift, to become not just a theater figure in her own right but also a renowned author of books for young readers (including the classic Freaky Friday) and, in a final grand turn, a doyenne of philanthropy and the chairman of the Juilliard School. But in telling these stories—with copious annotations, contradictions, and interruptions from Jesse Green, the chief theater critic of The New York Times—Shy also tells another, about a woman liberating herself from disapproving parents and pervasive sexism to find art and romance on her own terms.

Whether writing for Judy Holliday or Rin Tin Tin, dating Hal Prince or falling for Stephen Sondheim over a game of chess at thirteen, Rodgers grabbed every chance possible—and then some. Both an eyewitness report from the golden age of American musical theater and a tale of a woman striving for a meaningful life, Shy is, above all, a chance to sit at the feet of the kind of woman they don’t make anymore—and never did. They make themselves.

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Experience the astounding journey of Mary Rodgers, an exceptionally talented writer and composer, through her captivating memoirs in "Shy: The Alarmingly Outspoken Memoirs of Mary Rodgers." Dive into the intriguing life of a woman who dared to defy the expectations placed upon her as the daughter and mother of iconic composers. With her own musical compositions, such as the timeless Broadway hit "Once Upon a Mattress," Mary Rodgers carved her own path to success.

Uncover the remarkable story of resilience as Mary Rodgers, on her quest for artistic freedom, breaks free from the confines of privilege and paternal influence. In "Shy," you'll find yourself engrossed in her transformation from an angry child to an accomplished theater figure and acclaimed author of beloved books for young readers, including the classic "Freaky Friday."

With Jesse Green, the esteemed theater critic of The New York Times, providing valuable insights, annotations, and delightful interruptions, "Shy" takes you on a rollercoaster ride. It vividly highlights Mary Rodgers' triumph over disapproving parents and pervasive sexism to pursue her passion for art and find love on her own terms. Get ready to embark on this exhilarating journey filled with anecdotes, contradictions, and encounters with legendary figures like Hal Prince and Stephen Sondheim.

Embrace the golden era of American musical theater through Mary Rodgers' eyes, and witness her remarkable pursuit of a meaningful life. "Shy" not only offers a window into the making of a remarkable woman, but it also provides inspiration to empower yourself in a world that often tries to confine. Don't miss out on the opportunity to be enchanted by the extraordinary life of Mary Rodgers. Take a seat at her feet, and revel in the brilliance of a woman who defied the odds. Order your copy of "Shy: The Alarmingly Outspoken Memoirs of Mary Rodgers" now.

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