Book Review: Broadway Baby – Russell Miller and Judith A Proffer

BROADWAY BABY – Russell Miller and Judith A Proffer (www.broadwaybabybook.com)

Star rating: five stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

At a time when theatres are temporarily shuttered and fans, artists and theatre workers are missing live performances, Broadway Baby charms with a whimsical love letter to Broadway. Artfully illustrated by the award-winning Yoko Matsuoka, this cheeky little Broadway Baby dreams of becoming a Broadway star. Those dreams take us on a truly theatrical journey from his crib to the playground to the heart of New York City, with nods to many elements that make live theatre so special.

Written by Russell Miller with Judith A. Proffer, Broadway Baby celebrates the importance of theatre and creativity; encourages children and theatre lovers of all ages to create and be whatever you want to be, whoever you are, wherever you are and reminds readers that even the loftiest of dreams can come true.

I don’t have any nephews or nieces so, when this book arrived, I shared it one of my best friend’s daughters who is three and already has aspirations of having her name on the marquee of some West End or Broadway theatre! I read the book with her and she was entranced – not only at the story but also with the awesome illustrations in this wonderful little book. In fact, as soon as we got to the last page I was grabbed round the ankles and told I wasn’t going home until I read it with her again. An up and coming critic me feels.

Not only is it a lovely book to give to someone but part of the proceeds of all books purchased in the UK are being donated to the Theatre Artists Fund.

I think I’ve lost the book – she seems to have purloined it and I would imagine it is under her pillow. As long as she’s happy!

Nick Wakeham