Opening Doors
Reimagining the American Musical
1st Edition
Published on 22. January 2026
248 pages
978-1-350-50855-2 (ISBN)
Description
"In this honest, self reflective piece, John so beautifully and succinctly shares of his experience in theatre and the passion with which he pursues the opportunity to create art that is connective tissue for humanity and a reflection of the time we live in." - Cynthia Erivo, Tony, Grammy and Emmy Award-winning star of Wicked
Director John Doyle is an unlikely revolutionary. Described by critics as 'the saviour of the Broadway musical', the 'amazing Mr Musicals' and 'the man who changed the face of the American musical', his name alone has become synonymous with a style of reinvention that has opened doors to what commercial musical theatre can be in the 21st century.
In his first book Doyle reflects on the 50-year theatrical journey taken by a boy who never dreamt it could happen to him. Through simply working at his craft and trying to earn a living he gained a reputation for thinking outside of the box and is credited with helping create a new art form - that of actor-musician led musical theatre.
From the Highlands of Scotland to prestigious regional theatres and Broadway, he has achieved multiple Tony Awards thanks to revolutionary productions of Sweeney Todd, Company and The Color Purple. This reflective yet practical book tracks a rich and celebrated journey in theatre from one of its most important and recognized contemporary artists.
Through anecdotes, industry insight and practical advice, this book inspires students of theatre both young and old to look into themselves and discover what makes each of us unique. From working directly with esteemed artists such as Stephen Sondheim, John Weidman, John Kander and Terrence McNally to actors such as Patti LuPone, Chita Rivera, Judy Kuhn and Michael Cerveris, it also considers the challenges of programming and running a prestigious New York theatre at the height of Covid and against an ever shifting social background. This book is a record of a remarkable career in the theatre that demonstrates how art comes from within and our journeys make us who we are.
Director John Doyle is an unlikely revolutionary. Described by critics as 'the saviour of the Broadway musical', the 'amazing Mr Musicals' and 'the man who changed the face of the American musical', his name alone has become synonymous with a style of reinvention that has opened doors to what commercial musical theatre can be in the 21st century.
In his first book Doyle reflects on the 50-year theatrical journey taken by a boy who never dreamt it could happen to him. Through simply working at his craft and trying to earn a living he gained a reputation for thinking outside of the box and is credited with helping create a new art form - that of actor-musician led musical theatre.
From the Highlands of Scotland to prestigious regional theatres and Broadway, he has achieved multiple Tony Awards thanks to revolutionary productions of Sweeney Todd, Company and The Color Purple. This reflective yet practical book tracks a rich and celebrated journey in theatre from one of its most important and recognized contemporary artists.
Through anecdotes, industry insight and practical advice, this book inspires students of theatre both young and old to look into themselves and discover what makes each of us unique. From working directly with esteemed artists such as Stephen Sondheim, John Weidman, John Kander and Terrence McNally to actors such as Patti LuPone, Chita Rivera, Judy Kuhn and Michael Cerveris, it also considers the challenges of programming and running a prestigious New York theatre at the height of Covid and against an ever shifting social background. This book is a record of a remarkable career in the theatre that demonstrates how art comes from within and our journeys make us who we are.
More details
Edition
1. Auflage
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
ISBN-13
978-1-350-50855-2 (9781350508552)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Book
approx. 01/2026
Methuen Drama
€31.50
Not yet published
Person
John Doyle has been Artistic Director of four prestigious UK theatres. He has an extensive directing career in theatre, film and opera. His credits in the US include Broadway productions of Sweeney Todd (Tony Award for Best Director of a Musical); Company (Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical); The Visit (Tony Nomination for Best Musical); The Color Purple (Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical); A Catered Affair (Drama Desk Nomination for Best Director of a Musical), as well as Carmen Jones (Lortel Award for Best Revival of a Musical); Peter Grimes (Metropolitan Opera); The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny (LA Opera); and Road Show (The Public Theater). John has numerous theatre credits in London's West End and throughout the UK. Until recently he was Artistic Director of Classic Stage Company in New York City and a Professor at Princeton University, USA.
Content
Preface and Foreword
Chapter One - A Boy of No Importance
Chapter Two - The Only White Guy on the Bus
Chapter Three - The Early Artistic Director Years
Chapter Four - The Later Artistic Director Years
Chapter Five - Thinking Out of The Box
Chapter Six - Why God was a Woman
Chapter Seven - Then Along Came Steve
Chapter Eight- Building the Box Set
Chapter Nine - Give my Regards to Broadway
Chapter Ten - Now I was Driving the Bus!
Chapter Eleven - From The Met to Sydney Opera House
Chapter Twelve - Opening Doors
Appendix
Chapter One - A Boy of No Importance
Chapter Two - The Only White Guy on the Bus
Chapter Three - The Early Artistic Director Years
Chapter Four - The Later Artistic Director Years
Chapter Five - Thinking Out of The Box
Chapter Six - Why God was a Woman
Chapter Seven - Then Along Came Steve
Chapter Eight- Building the Box Set
Chapter Nine - Give my Regards to Broadway
Chapter Ten - Now I was Driving the Bus!
Chapter Eleven - From The Met to Sydney Opera House
Chapter Twelve - Opening Doors
Appendix
