Working On A Song: The Lyrics of HADESTOWN

(Paperback)

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A stunning book of lyrics from Hadestown--the winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical--annotated and explained by its creator, songwriter Anais Mitchell "Working On A Songis one of the best books about lyric writing for the theater I've read."-Lin-Manuel Miranda AnaisMitchell named to TIME's List of the 100 Most Influential People in the World of 2020 Anilluminating book of lyrics and stories fromHadestown-the winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical-from its author, songwriter Anais Mitchell with a foreword by Steve Earle On Broadway, this fresh take on the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice has become a modern classic. Heralded as "The best new musical of the season," by TheWall Street Journal, and "Sumptuous. Gorgeous. As good as it gets," byThe New York Times, the show was a breakout hit, with its poignant social commentary, and spellbinding music and lyrics. In this book, Anais Mitchell takes readers inside her more than decade's-long process of building the musical from the ground up-detailing her inspiration, breaking down the lyrics, and opening up the process of creation that gave birth toHadestown. Fans and newcomers alike will love this deeply thoughtful, revealing look at how the songs from "the underground" evolved, and became the songs we sing again and again.

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Praise for Working on a Song:
"Working On A Song is one of the best books about lyric writing for the theater I've read. Up there w the Sondheim Tomes and Ira Gershwin's book. Specifically, re-writing, and revising, and holding on to your voice while telling your story."Lin-Manuel Miranda

Author Bio

Anais Mitchell is a singer-songwriter whose recordings include the original studio album of Hadestown (2010, featuring Justin Vernon and Ani Difranco) and Young Man in America (2012). Reinterpretations of traditional music include Child Ballads (2013, with Jefferson Hamer) and Bonny Light Horseman (2019, as Bonny Light Horseman). She has headlined worldwide and supported tours for Bon Iver, Josh Ritter and Punch Brothers. Awards include BBC Radio2 Folk Award and Folk Alliance International Spirit of Folk Award. Year-end best lists- NPR, Wall Street Journal, MOJO, Uncut, Guardian, Sunday Times, Observer. Hadestown is Anais's first musical.