The Oxford Companion to American Theatre
Grade 9 Up–In this new edition of the well-known A-to-Z reference work, Hischak extensively updates and revises Bordman's previous works (Oxford, 1984, 1992; o.p.). Besides the necessary additions and deletions of plays and people, this volume provides several articles on relevant topics, such as "Performance Art" and "AIDS and the American Theatre." The preface states that all "Tony Award, Pulitzer Prize, and New York Drama Critics Circle Award-winning American plays are now included"; however, there are a few omissions. In order to make room for this additional material and yet keep the companion to one volume, Hischak condensed and edited the previous edition, and, as a result, the information projects a more balanced and neutral tone. Unfortunately, the editing has also eliminated much of Bordman's ascerbic wit. Nonetheless, despite some quibbling with entries left intact and exclusion of some modern theatre personalities (e.g., Ann Reinking, Romulus Linney), this is a good choice for libraries needing to update their collections.–Betty S. Evans, Southwest Missouri State University, SpringfieldCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.--This text refers to an alternateHardcoveredition.