Broadway Yearbook 2000-2001: A Relevant and Irreverent Record

In this review of Broadway Yearbook 2000-2001, readers who follow theatre closely will find a lively, interpretive account of a single season on the Great White Way and the clearest reason to buy: Steven Suskin captures not just dates and credits but the stories behind hits and flops. This book is written for readers who want context and candid recollection rather than a dry catalogue; it readably conveys why The Producers loomed large, why revivals and new plays mattered, and where ambitious efforts like Seussical faltered.

Key Features

• Comprehensive season coverage: The book records every show that opened in 2000-2001, giving readers a full picture of that theatrical year.
• Interpretive commentary: Suskin offers more than names and dates by explaining the stories behind each show's success or failure.
• Balance of hits and misses: The Yearbook treats major successes such as The Producers and The Full Monty alongside notable flops like Jane Eyre to provide a balanced historical snapshot.
• Focus on both musicals and plays: Coverage includes lively musicals, revivals such as 42nd Street, and new plays like Proof, appealing to diverse theatre interests.
• Readable, candid voice: The irreverent tone makes industry details accessible to enthusiasts who want opinion with fact.

Who It's For

The Yearbook is best for theatre enthusiasts, historians, and practitioners who value a season-by-season interpretive record rather than a strictly statistical reference. Readers who enjoy backstage context, the arc of Broadway fortunes, and anecdotal color will appreciate Suskin's candid voice and selective analysis.

Those looking for a technical production manual, script reproductions, or a coffee-table picture book should look elsewhere; this volume emphasizes narrative and critique over photos or how-to guidance. Casual readers curious about a single show may find the wider seasonal focus more than they need.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Wide-ranging entries give a clear sense of why standout shows succeeded and why others failed.
• Includes both musicals and plays, making it useful to readers across theatrical interests.
• Suskin's lively, candid tone makes industry history engaging and accessible.

Cons

• Not a heavily illustrated or visual volume, so readers wanting rich photography may be disappointed.

Specifications

Title	Broadway Yearbook 2000-2001: A Relevant and Irreverent Record
Author	Steven Suskin
Coverage	Broadway season 2000-2001, including musicals and plays
Notable shows covered	The Producers, The Full Monty, 42nd Street (revival), Proof, Jane Eyre, Seussical
Approach	Interpretive record with candid commentary and stories behind statistics
Tone	Relevant and irreverent, readable and candid

Our Verdict

Broadway Yearbook 2000-2001 is a worthwhile purchase for anyone who studies or loves Broadway history and wants a narrative, interpretive account of a single season. Its balance of reportage and opinion offers strong value to readers seeking context for major hits and failures, though those expecting extensive photography or technical detail should consider supplemental volumes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this volume cover both plays and musicals?
Yes. The Yearbook documents musicals, revivals, and new plays from the 2000-2001 Broadway season.

Is this a visual coffee-table book?
No. The focus is on interpretive commentary and narrative rather than extensive photography.

Who is the author?
Steven Suskin, a theatre writer who provides candid, contextual accounts of the season's shows.