The Lively Years

Brooks Atkinson's (1894-1984) long shadow fell on the Broadway theatre district for decades. He was a voice that kept the Broadway in Times Square, even when it appeared that the star of this Mecca of Entertainment would dim. Though Broadway changed over time in content and grandeur, his focus on the writing and the acting was clear and motivating for both the players and the audience. A Brooks Atkinson hoorah meant money for the producer and playwright, fame for the stars, and entertainment for the crowds, while his razzie foretold a quick decline in attendance and, often, a kiss of death for the production.The Lively Years describes those plays that from 1920-1973 shifted in focus. No longer solely concerned about contrived but happy endings, the theatre grew by showing the warts of society and people who are never as perfect as we would prefer.As a consequence, The theatre not only reflected but also created public opinion; and its plays became pertinent to the human tradition. It is in historical projects such as this one that Atkinson performs the ultimate connecting of the dots over long periods of time. We see him recognizing other decade-long patterns, … and continuing to elevate his impression of the astonishing creative outbursts that belied the Great Depression's grueling hardship. The defining characteristics for him - the conclusions he always seeks - have to do with the fundamental originality of the works in question, and in what way they struggle with, or somehow shed new light on, real-life predicaments. Nancy MalitzFounding music critic at USA TodayEditor, Classical Voice North AmericaPublisher, Chicago On the Aisle