Best Broadway & Musicals Books of 2025

Barbra Streisand: The Albums | The Singles | The Music is a must-read for any fan of the iconic singer. Written by Matt Howe, the book takes readers on a journey through Streisand's extensive recording career, exploring every album, soundtrack, and single she has released. With meticulous research, Howe uncovers undiscovered gems and provides a fascinating exploration of how the greatest star assembled her unparalleled body of work. The book has received high praise from industry experts and publications, including BroadwayWorld.com and Library Journal. Overall, this definitive book on Streisand's recording career is a valuable addition to any music lover's collection.

Hamilton: The Revolution is an exceptional book that offers readers an exclusive backstage pass to the groundbreaking musical Hamilton. The book includes the libretto, behind-the-scenes photos, interviews, and footnotes from the award-winning composer-lyricist-star Lin-Manuel Miranda. The book also traces the development of the musical from its unlikely performance at the White House to its opening night on Broadway. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves Broadway and musicals.

Musical Theatre For Dummies is a comprehensive guide to the history and inner workings of Broadway musicals. Written by Broadway insider Seth Rudetsky, the book covers everything from the development of productions to the skills needed to perform in professional or amateur musical theater productions. Readers will enjoy real-life anecdotes shared by Broadway's biggest stars and become a musical theater know-it-all. Whether you're new to musical theatre or a seasoned pro, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the fascinating world of Broadway.

Shy: The Alarmingly Outspoken Memoirs of Mary Rodgers is a fascinating and entertaining book that tells the story of Mary Rodgers - a Broadway royalty, writer, and composer. Through copious annotations and interruptions from Jesse Green, the chief theater critic of The New York Times, Shy offers readers a chance to sit at the feet of a remarkable woman who liberated herself from disapproving parents and pervasive sexism to find art and romance on her own terms. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the golden age of American musical theater and the life of a woman who tried everything.

Respect for Acting by Uta Hagen is a must-read for aspiring actors, as well as working thespians. The book is a reflection of the author's years of experience in the industry and her exacting standards for herself and her students. Hagen's blueprint for "enlightened stage acting" provides valuable insights and techniques for actors looking to improve their craft. The book has been praised for its behind-the-scenes flavor and its ability to stimulate the student's imagination. Respect for Acting is a small book but packs a lot of wisdom that will stay with the reader for a lifetime.

Musicals: The Definitive Visual Guide is a go-to musical guide that takes readers on a journey through the years, immersing them in the behind-the-scenes world of musical theater. From The Wizard of Oz to Hamilton, the book covers every era of musical theater, packed with profiles of musical icons and fun infographics summarizing the plot, characters, and songs. With a foreword by Elaine Paige, this updated edition is a must-have for theater geeks and musical theater fans. This book is a perfect gift for those who love the glitter and glamour of the West End.

Wicked: The Grimmerie is a must-read for any fan of the hit Broadway musical. This whimsical keepsake takes readers on a behind-the-scenes journey of the show, offering profiles of the cast and creative team, inside stories, and full-color photographs throughout. Designed to resemble the ancient book of spells used by Elphaba in the show, the book includes irresistible special features such as an "Ozian" glossary, spells, an illustrated family tree, and a step-by-step look at how Elphaba gets green before each performance. Overall, this beautifully packaged book is a delightful addition to any Wicked fan's collection.

The Hat Box is a must-have for any theater enthusiast or Stephen Sondheim fan. This box set includes the complete lyrics from Finishing the Hat and Look, I Made a Hat, featuring some of Sondheim's most popular shows like West Side Story, Sweeney Todd, and Into the Woods. The lyrics are annotated with anecdotes, observations, and advice from Sondheim himself, making this a unique and invaluable addition to any collection. The design of the package is also impressive, making it a beautiful addition to any bookshelf. Overall, Hat Box is an excellent tribute to one of the greatest songwriters of our time.

The Phantom of the Opera - Souvenir Edition: Piano/Vocal Selections is a must-have for fans of the iconic musical. This book features full-color photos from the production and piano/vocal arrangements of nine beloved songs, including "The Music of the Night" and "All I Ask of You." Additionally, readers can enjoy bios of Andrew Lloyd Webber and the lyricists, Charles Hart and Richard Stilgoe. The inclusion of production photos featuring Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman makes this book a true treasure for any fan of the Phantom. Overall, this book is an excellent addition to any musical lover's collection.

This Vocal / Piano Selections edition of Les Miserables features 14 of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schnberg's songs from the world's longest-running musical. The book includes superb piano/vocal arrangements of famous songs such as "I Dreamed a Dream" and "Do You Hear the People Sing?" and a 16-page color section with new production photos. The introduction by Boublil and full synopsis with color photos add to the book's value. While it lacks the full-company number "One Day More," this updated edition is a must-have for fans of Les Miserables and musical enthusiasts.