{"title":"Elysa Gardner","description":"\u003cp\u003eElysa Gardner’s works explore the vibrant intersections of arts and culture, inviting readers into worlds rich with creativity and expression. With a voice that captures the passion and complexity of the artistic experience, her writing offers thoughtful reflections on performance, inspiration, and the magic behind the scenes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eReaders can expect engaging narratives that celebrate the transformative power of the arts, blending insightful commentary with compelling storytelling. Gardner’s books are ideal for those fascinated by the stories that shape cultural moments and the artists who bring them to life.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"magic-to-do-by-elysa-gardner-9781493064359","title":"Magic To Do","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003ci\u003eMagic to Do\u003c\/i\u003e, which celebrates the 50th anniversary of \u003ci\u003ePippin\u003c\/i\u003e's opening, two-time Pulitzer Prize jury member Elysa Gardner turns her attention to this innovative show, the musical retelling of the story of Prince Pippin, son of Charlemagne, and his quest for an \"extraordinary life.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eMagic to Do\u003c\/i\u003e dives deep into the legendary clashes, backstage drama, and incredible artistic synergy that produced one of Broadway's most influential musicals, a show that paved the way for the pop-informed musicals that we know and love today. Full of big personalities, brilliant creative minds, and never-before-told stories, \u003ci\u003eMagic to Do\u003c\/i\u003e is an intimate look at a moment in history, a time and a place in which popular culture was as defined by conflict—between the young and the old, idealism and cynicism, creation and destruction—as anything else.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGardner draws out this friction through her examination of the creative struggles between \u003ci\u003ePippin\u003c\/i\u003e's director\/choreographer, the iconic Bob Fosse, for whom the show would mark a massive career resurgence, and its young composer\/lyricist, Stephen Schwartz (of \u003ci\u003eWicked\u003c\/i\u003e fame), who was making his Broadway debut.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eMagic to Do\u003c\/i\u003e, named for the opening song of the musical, clearly marks the lasting cultural significance of \u003ci\u003ePippin\u003c\/i\u003e, which derives in large part from the timelessness of the search for self, one that presents itself anew to each succeeding generation, accounting for the show's enduring popularity around the world. Infused with R\u0026amp;B sounds and a universal message, it is fair to say that, without \u003ci\u003ePippin\u003c\/i\u003e, there is no \u003ci\u003eSpring Awakening\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eDear Evan Hansen\u003c\/i\u003e, or even \u003ci\u003eHamilton\u003c\/i\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47431507312876,"sku":"9781493064359","price":64.83,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781493064359.jpg?v=1774557662"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.co.nz\/collections\/elysa-gardner.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}