In his new book "Broadway Musicals - The Biggest Hit & The Biggest Flop of the Season - 1959-2009," seasoned theatre writer Peter Filichia takes a look at fifty years of theatre and each season's biggest hit and flop. The book includes such hits as Hello, Dolly!, Fiddler on the Roof, Hair, A Chorus Line, The Phantom of the Opera and such disastrous flops as Bring Back Birdie, On the Town, Grind, Smile, Legs Diamond and The Goodbye Girl.

For the theatre-lover in your life, "Broadway Musicals - The Biggest Hit & The Biggest Flop of the Season - 1959-2009" is a can't miss gift.

Broadway Musicals - The Biggest Hit & The Biggest Flop of the Season -1959-200 by Peter Filichia - Applause Theatre and Cinema Books - 277pp - Paperback - $19.99

Purchase "Broadway Musicals - The Biggest Hit & The Biggest Flop of the Season - 1959-2009"

Stephen Sondheim's new book "Finishing the Hat" is a delight. I haven't been able to put it down since I got it. As Paul Simon wrote in his New York Times review of the book, "I felt as if I had taken a master class in how to write a musical."

The book contains Sondheim's lyrics for his musicals from 1954 to 1981. It also contains anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories of the process of writing. If you have a Sondheim lover on your holiday list, you can't go wrong with this book.

Finishing the Hat - Collected Lysic (1954-1981) with Attendant Comments, Principles, Heresies, Grudges, Whines and Anecdotes by Stephen Sondheim - Knopf - 443pp - Hard Cover - $39.95

Purchase "Finishing the Hat - Collected Lysic (1954-1981) with Attendant Comments, Principles, Heresies, Grudges, Whines and Anecdotes"

Robert Viagas's "I'm the Greatest Star - Broadway's Top Musical Legends from 1900 to Today" is a delightful read for that musical theatre lover on your holiday list. Mr. Viagas profiles some of Broadway's greatest names in musical theatre. They include Bert Williams, George M. Cohan, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, Ethel Merman, Alfred Drake, Mary Martin, Carol Channing, Zero Mostel, Chita Rivera and many, many more.

"I'm the Greatest Star - Broadway's Top Musical Legends from 1900 to Today" by Robert Viagas - Applause Theatre and Cinema Books - 425pp - Hard Cover - $29.95

Purchase "I'm the Greatest Star - Broadway's Top Musical Legends from 1900 to Today"

The third edition of Playbill's "At this Theatre" by Robert Viagas and Louis Botto takes the popular column from the historic theatre publication and compiles it into this compendium of Broadway history. This is an ideal gift for a Broadway theatre historian. Along with each theatre's history are also included original show art, Playbill covers and production photos.

"At this Theatre" by Robert Viagas and Louis Botto - Applause Books - 436pp - Hard Cover - $38.99

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This updated paperback version of "Broadway: The American Musical" by Michael Kantor and Laurence Maslon is the companion book to the Emmy-winning PBS series. It is a definitive history of the musical from its root at the turn of the 20th century through the new millenium. The book is complete with production photos and original production artwork. This is a book that theatre lovers will definately keep out on the coffee table.

"Broadway: The American Musical" by Michael Kantor and Laurence Maslon - Applause Books - Paperback - 500pp - $35.00

Purchase "Broadway: The American Musical"

The score to The Scottsboro Boys, the last musical by Fred Kander and John Ebb is undeniably enjoyable. One of Broadway's favorite leading men, John Cullum is in top form. Despite the shows limited run (the show closes December 12, 2010, get tickets now) a true musical theatre-lover will want to have this recording in their collection.

Purchase the original cast recording of The Scottsboro Boys

Fortunately, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson's short-lived run (the show closes January 2, 2011, get tickets now) will at least leave us with a recording of this wonderful, tongue-in-cheek musical. This is another recording that the Broadway entheusiast on your holiday list will want to have in their collection.

Purchase the original cast recording of Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson

Last season's hit from Roundabout, Sondheim on Sondheim has just been nominated for a Grammy Award for best Broadway show album. Barbara Cook, Vanessa Williams, Tom Wopat and even Stephen Sondheim himself headline this new recording.

Purchase the original cast recording of Sondheim on Sondheim

And speaking of rocking... also nominated for a Grammy Award this past week for Best Broadway show album is Green Days American Idiot.

Purchase the original cast recording of American Idiot 

Another nominee for a Grammy Award this year for best Broadway show album is Sondheim's A Little Night Music. The album captures the magnificent performances of Catherine Zeta-Jones singing "Send in the Clowns" and Angela Lansbury singing "Liasons."

Purchase the original cast recording of A Little Night Music

I just saw Driving Miss Daisy last week and it was one of my favorites of the first half of the 2010-11 Broadway season. Vanessa Redgrave and James Earl Jones are masters of their craft and give effortless performances that have to be seen to be believed.

Unfortunately, but understandably, Driving Miss Daisy only runs through January 29, 2011.

Purchase Driving Miss Daisy Tickets

Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice starring Al Pacino and a tremendously talented cast under the direction of Daniel Sullivan is another must-see. This is a flawless production that any theatre-lover would want to have bragging rights about having seen it.

Unfortunately, The Merchant of Venice is only running through January 9, 2011.

Purchase The Merchant of Venice Tickets

Colin Quinn's Long Story Short is a riotious look at the fall of civilizations, including our own.  While I wouldn't exactly call this theatrical, it is brilliantly written and a fine evening of entertainment and laughs. Just extended through February 9, 2011!

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Lombardi is perfect for the football lover on your holiday list who you've been trying to get to the theatre (football widows take note). The performances by Dan Lauria and Judith Light give outstanding performances.

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The talented and charming Daniel Radcliffe return in the classic musical How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying. It's a tongue-in-cheek look at one man's rise to the top of the corporate ladder. John Larroquette also stars.

Previews begin February 26, 2011
Opens March 27, 2011

Purchase How to Succeed... Tickets

Wicked is the perfect musical for theatre-lovers old and young on your list. The tuneful score by Stephen Schwartz takes you on a journey as we follow the story behind the story of everyone's classic childhood favorite, "The Wizard of Oz."

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Billy Elliot is really a feel-good musical. I loved this show and can't imagine a musical theatre lover who won't. Elton John's score soars and the dancing is joyous.

Purchase Billy Elliot Tickets

The Lion King is a theatrical work of art. Inspired by the Disney movie of the same title, you won't believe the gorgeous stage-craft and magic that director Julie Taymor has assembled.

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If you are buying tickets for someone whose taste you aren't sure of, you'll be safe with Jersey Boys. This Tony-Award winning Best Musical has great hits from Franki Valli and the Four Seasons, songs like "Sherry," "Big Girls Don't Cry," "Walk Like a Man," "Big Man In Town" and "C'Mon Marianne."

Purchase Jersey Boys Tickets