Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll, and Musicals

“The writing is compelling, whether you’ve seen the shows or not. Miller backs up his assertions with copious quotes from writers, actors, critics, lyrics and historians. In addition to everything else this book accomplishes, it functions as historical writing and an examination of morality.”—Clayton-Richmond Heights Patch

"Ferocious theatrical intelligence."—American Theatre

“Miller offers insightful commentary and perspectives on shows that all began as experimental and intensely challenging works, although some, such as Grease, Hair, and Jesus Christ Superstar, have in some ways entered the mainstream. Throughout, he challenges directors to return these shows to their subversive, groundbreaking roots and implores audiences to recognize the transgressive power inherent in musical theater.”—Notes

"Scott Miller is a theater sage. His thorough dissection of the genre and the shows he has chosen to represent it are great research opportunities for fledgling directors and actors alike who may be looking to build their backstories and character definition. Better yet, to fully understand what exactly it is they're working on besides just a well crafted script and some great songs passed down from artist to artist. The more recreating performers and production teams have Scott's level of understanding about where the original creative team came from, the stronger even the smallest theater company will become at making something new out of what's been done before. Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll, and Musicals is a valuable addition to the world library of theater history & analysis."—Doug Storm, original cast member of Bat Boy: The Musical

"Finally, someone who believes the American musical is not only alive and well but is growing and thriving in ways other observers may have missed. Scott Miller embraces the here and now of the art form and cries out 'Hooray!'—or a more appropriate and less printable rock and roll interjection. Well, f_ _ _ yeah for Scott Miller!"—Andrew Lippa

"There are those who say that today's musicals are just thrown together with little thought behind them. Scott Miller proves otherwise in this extraordinary book. He's been able to glean the meaning, subtext, skill and genuine intelligence that many others have missed. Miller will have you aching to see new productions of these works, and will send you back to the original cast albums so that you can now appreciate what you missed the first time around."—Peter Filichia, Newark Star-Ledger, Theatermania.com