Freckleface Strawberry Live!

by Stacey

Following up on my piece last week about book to theater adaptations, I was happy to learn that this type of thing is also taking place on the kid's side. The actress Julianne Moore's first children's book, Freckleface Strawberry, has now been adapted as a stage play, with music! You can learn more about it at the website or read the review in today's Huffington Post or New York Times. One thing I really love about this show is that they offer a Study Guide on the show's website which talks not only about the book and its positive messages for children of all ages, but offers ways in which all of us can help kids develop their own self-esteem, and teach kids to appreciate each individual's uniqueness. As the study guide says, "After all, differences are what make us individual and special."

To me, this book to show adaptation illustrates another great way in a tight market to broaden a book's audience, keep it relevant, and generate additional publicity for the book years after its release in bookstores. I'll be ordering the book myself, and will definitely try to take my kids to see the show. If any of you have the book or have seen the show, let us know what you think and if it's really as cute as it looks!

Gatsby personified

by Stacey

Before I had kids, I had time and money to go to the theater. I went a lot and really enjoyed it. I also read (and still read) a lot, both for work and in my personal time. I was pretty fascinated by two recent pieces in the New York Times about the new show, Gatz by Elevator Repair Service at The Public Theater, one by Charles McGrath and the other by Ben Brantley. Although McGrath has some criticism about the play's approach, both pieces describe the show as such an interesting and experimental way to adapt a book, and I love the way Ben Brantley explains the connections between reading and watching a show. It sounds like this clever and contemporary retelling of a classic book brings on stage brings it to life in such a unique and exhilarating way. I like how Brantley explains it: "Books and theater are different arts, and they frame reality in different ways. This is the first time I have ever felt those frames become one."

Our business is changing all the time, and with books seeing so many transformations in the digital arena, this feels more in my comfort zone, like a big bowl of mac and cheese. An interpretation of a classic and well-known book that's played out live and in person, on a stage with actors and a simple set, using familiar words in an unfamiliar way. If any of you lucky readers have a chance to see the show, let us know what you think since I don't think I'm getting there this time around.