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The Boys from Syracuse: The Shuberts' Theatrical Empire
From 1905 to the crash of 1929, Sam Shubert (1874-1905) and his brothers Lee (1874-1953) and J. J. (1878-1963), despite poor beginnings and near-illiteracy, created a theater monopoly unrivaled in history. Their ruthless business tactics and showmanship made 42nd Street the heart of American popular theater and won them the most sought-after stars of the day, including Al Jolson, Carmen Miranda, Eddie Cantor, Fanny Brice, Mae West, and Fred Astaire.
- GenresNonfiction
374 pages, Paperback
First published November 20, 1998
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
June 22, 2015
I'm going to break my rule where I rate every book I finish but never leave a review. If Foster Hirsch saw this 3-star rating, I'd want to cry, "But wait! You don't understand!"
I was in Manhattan, browsing shelves of dollar books. A book is a big time investment for me, as it is for many people. Yet I often like to start one not as a well-planned project, but with a flicker of inspiration.
"The Boys from Syracuse: The Shuberts' Theatrical Empire" caught my eye. I had heard of the Shubert Theatre a few dozen blocks uptown and have a passing interest in musical theater. I figured what the hell, let's learn about it.
What followed was 300 pages of meticulous research that walked me through the relationships, investments, and litigation behind the Shubert brothers' stronghold in the theater business. I enjoyed learning what it must have been like to see a show or work in theater back in the 30s.
What lacked was my motivation for picking up the book in the first place: captivating prose. The writing is dense, and the citations are detailed. I no longer remember how long ago I picked this book up. I went whole months without reading a page and finished several books in the process. Reading it sometimes felt tedious.
In the end, it was worth it. I value the stories I learned and recognize there will be many I won't remember. As a work of academia, it's an unquestionable 5 stars. But as a work of pleasure, especially for a theater layperson, I humbly give it 3.
I was in Manhattan, browsing shelves of dollar books. A book is a big time investment for me, as it is for many people. Yet I often like to start one not as a well-planned project, but with a flicker of inspiration.
"The Boys from Syracuse: The Shuberts' Theatrical Empire" caught my eye. I had heard of the Shubert Theatre a few dozen blocks uptown and have a passing interest in musical theater. I figured what the hell, let's learn about it.
What followed was 300 pages of meticulous research that walked me through the relationships, investments, and litigation behind the Shubert brothers' stronghold in the theater business. I enjoyed learning what it must have been like to see a show or work in theater back in the 30s.
What lacked was my motivation for picking up the book in the first place: captivating prose. The writing is dense, and the citations are detailed. I no longer remember how long ago I picked this book up. I went whole months without reading a page and finished several books in the process. Reading it sometimes felt tedious.
In the end, it was worth it. I value the stories I learned and recognize there will be many I won't remember. As a work of academia, it's an unquestionable 5 stars. But as a work of pleasure, especially for a theater layperson, I humbly give it 3.
May 28, 2025
Excellent history with quotes revealing as much about the sources as the Shuberts
September 16, 2015
Very good read
Strange bunch of people. Amazing what they accomplished in the theater. The book shows the Shubert quirks--there are lots of them! But quite balanced and does justice to their importance to theater in America.
Strange bunch of people. Amazing what they accomplished in the theater. The book shows the Shubert quirks--there are lots of them! But quite balanced and does justice to their importance to theater in America.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews