Lorenz Hart
Subtitle: a poet on Broadway
By: Frederick Nolan.
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Published: 1994
Place of publication: New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 390
Subjects: Hart, Lorenz, 1895-1943; Lyricists -- United States -- Biography
Description: Lorenz Hart: A Poet on Broadway presents the public triumphs of a true genius of the American musical theatre, and the personal tragedies of a man his friend the singer Mabel Mercer described as "the saddest man I ever knew." Author Frederick Nolan began researching this definitive biography in 1968, tracking down and interviewing Hart's friends and collaborators one by one, including a remarkable conversation with Richard Rodgers himself.

A veritable who's who of Broadway's golden age, including Joshua Logan, Gene Kelly, George Abbott, and many more, recall their uncensored and often hilarious, sometimes poignant memories of the cigar-chomping impresario who composed some of the best lyrics ever concocted for the Broadway stage, but who remained forever lost and lonely in the crowds of hangers-on he attracted.

A portrait of Hart emerges as a Renaissance man and endearing bon vivant conflicted by his homosexuality and ultimately torn apart by alcoholism.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. [359]-361) and indexes.