Fosse

By: Sam Wasson

Narrated by: Jim Meskimen

Length: 21 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

We see Bob Fosse's legacy everywhere - from Broadway to "Billy Jean" to Beyoncé's moves in the "Single Ladies" video. Yet in spite of Fosse'sdeep cultural significance, no biography has ever brought him fully to life, unveiling the man behind the bowler hat and the swaggering sex appeal. Now acclaimed cultural historian Sam Wasson traces Fosse's numberless reinventions of himself over a career that would spawn The Pajama Game, Cabaret, Pippin, Chicago, All That Jazz, and other iconic works of art andearn him Tonys, Emmys, and an Oscar.

Wasson traces not only Fosse's prodigious professional life but his intense relationships with everyone from Liza Minnelli, FredAstaire, and Neil Simon to Shirley MacLaine, Jessica Lange, and Dustin Hoffman.Through extensive interviews with collaborators and lovers and unprecedented access to Fosse's archives, Wasson also reveals the deep wounds that propelled his subject's excessive appetites - for spotlights, women, and life itself. In Fosse, Wasson's stylish, effervescent prose proves the ideal vehicle for reanimating Bob Fosse as he truly was - after hours, close up, and in vibrant color.

©2013 Blackstone Audio; 2013 Sam Wasson

Fosse, Fosse, Fosse !!!

I was motivated to read this book while watching the FX Series "Fosse/Verdon". I've always been a big fan of both of these two incredible artist's. I thought it was a GREAT READ !! What an incredible look into the career of Bob Fosse's work and personal struggles that impacted his creativity in both a negative and positive way. Exasperating !.....I felt like I'd hoofed my way through 50 years of show business and needed to go to bed and rest for another 50 !!!!

Well researched, well written, well narrated

While Fosse is a tragic tale, it includes the highs and lows of one of Broadway's legends. I enjoyed all of the history this book strung together for me. Meskimen is a master narrator and he kept me engaged and interested throughout.

Excellent study of artistic genius

I loved every minute of this book because you get a rare look inside Fosse's relentless process.

Spellbinding

I didn’t know much about Fosse until seeing the FX series, which was wonderful, and I found this biography even more illuminating. Well-written and beautifully narrated.

Entertaining and In-Depth

A very enjoyable listen of a fascinating career. Well written, read, and realized, this is a great downloads for fans of the American musical.

Wonderful book but brace yourself

I loved the book. I loved the glimpse into Fosse's world and mind. He was a genius, even if he behaved poorly sometimes. I believe he operated out of love and was clearly damaged. The author does a good job of presenting it fairly and with empathy for all. I loved all the news about the business and hearing about so many people that I admire. The author mispronounced so many dance and theater terms and names... it was baffling and frankly insulting. distracting and cringe-inducing.

Stellar

One of the best show business biographies ever written about one of the best showmen in the business.

An insightful comprehensive bio of an influentials show biz artist

This is a valuable bio of an important Broadway and movie director who deserves to be remembered and better understood which is what this audio book delivers. As a creative force who gave us important artistic movies from Cabaret to Lenny and many stage hits he brought to life original exciting breakthrough entertainment and in his time was an important creative force. This well researched book is not all praise. Fosse had his share of flops and his arrogance hurt and alienated many. He was also a sexual predator who bedded his stars and many of the dancers who worked for him. He wasn’t a Harvey Weinstein because the women he slept with and thrown discarded all came by consent even if they felt career pressure to service him. This book tells the truth about Fosse and also explains why he was a towering figure of the arts in his era, if you love show biz this is well worth a listen.

High concept biography, well executed

Wasson does more than just chart the life and career of Bob Fosse. He uses the dancer/choreographer/director to paint a sprawling picture of the sea change in the performing arts from vaudeville to MTV. Fosse is fascinating in his own right, but it is his connection to so many aspects of American culture that is particularly compelling. The worlds of dance, theatre, television, and film are all deftly handled. The paradoxes of the man are front and center throughout, with Wasson being alternately critical and forgiving of his shortcomings. There are hints of mythologizing throughout, but they're often balanced by acknowledging Fosse's insecurities and contradictions. Fosse is an innovator and a relic, an artist and a hack, kind and cruel, selfish and selfless. This biography is informative, but its value doesn't come from learning the details of Fosse's life. It's Wasson's ability to contextualize and synthesize his 60 years that make this book essential reading.

The reader Jim Meskimen is excellent. Confident, articulate, expressive, and a great tone. A wonderful audiobook experience on all fronts.

Didn't want it to end.

A must for anyone who loves American musical theater. Made me want to see all his shows.