Jack Be Nimble: The Accidental Education of an Unintentional Director
"[An] exuberant theatrical memoir . . . [O’Brien] has an unerring passion for the theater, and it shows." —Benedict Nightingale,The New York Times"Jack Be Nimbleis an ever-interesting chronicle offering a perceptive overview of the dramatic stage of the 1960s and 1970s, but it is enhanced by being written so enjoyably well . . . Entertaining, fascinating, and pretty much delectable." —Steven Suskin,Playbill"Backstage and spotlight histrionics are rendered in vivacious, eloquent but irrepressibly chatty prose. O’Brien doesn’t dwell on directing technique or the minutiae of running a company, but he captures something more valuable: a true portrait of the artistic temperament, the spirit of repertory." —David Cote,American Theatre"An irreplaceable insider account of one of the most dynamic theatrical scenes of that era." —Publishers Weekly"Theater history buffs will relish O’Brien’s vivid descriptions and cogent assessments . . . O’Brien’s evocative, loving reminiscences make clear how indelibly his artistic vision was forged in the crucible of regional and repertory theater, among some of the giants of the American stage. [Jack Be Nimbleis] smart, gossipy and oh-so-dramatic." —Kirkus Reviews"Jack Be Nimbleis more than just nimble. In telling his own exuberant story, Jack O’Brien is also telling the story of an essential and nearly forgotten chapter in American theater, the repertory movement of the 1950s and '60s. Jack presents it as a dazzling unfolding drama with an unforgettable leading man, the brilliant and complicated Ellis Rabb. I loved this book." —John Lithgow, author ofDrama: An Actor’s Education"Jack Be Nimbleis a modest, engaging autobiography of one of our most successful stage directors (Hair Spray,The Full Monty,Porgy and Bess) and his extensive experiences in regional repertory with the likes of Helen Hayes, John Houseman, and Rosemary Harris. It is also a portrait of a genius mentor—Ellis Rabb—whom he serves faithfully but eventually must reject. It is a moment out of Greek tragedy. —Edmund White, author ofCity Boy"Quite simply and honestly,Jack Be Nimbleis the best theatrical memoir since Moss Hart’sAct One. This hilarious and touching book is a must-read for any student of theater, for anyone who loves the theater, and for anyone who doesn’t love the theater, because Jack will make you fall in love with it. It’s just that good." —Nathan Lane