The Magic of Light: The Craft and Career of Jean Rosenthal, Pioneer in Lighting for the Modern Stage

By Jean Rosenthal and Lael Wertenbaker

Book Overview

Learn About the Magic of Light from a Master

Step into the captivating world of Jean Rosenthal, a trailblazing figure in the realm of lighting design for modern theater. The Magic of Light, a professional memoir crafted with the assistance of friend and novelist Lael Wertenbaker, unveils the artistry behind Rosenthal's technical mastery. Renowned for transforming stage illumination from a mere necessity to a mesmerizing art form, Rosenthal shares her insights, experiences, and the evolution of her craft.

Part one of the memoir delves into Rosenthal's profound thoughts on light, exploring its role in theatrical history, dissecting its impact on plays, musicals, operas, and dance. Part two, "Tools of the Trade," serves as a comprehensive guide, detailing the mechanics of lighting instruments, with diagrams, charts, and photographs illustrating Rosenthal's creative process. Included are light plots, cue sheets, and scene designer's elevations for the famous Broadway productions of Hello, Dolly and Plaza Suite.

In a heartfelt preface, Wertenbaker offers a glimpse into the life of Rosenthal, a woman of immense talent, professionalism, and profound humanity. From her early collaborations with Martha Graham to her work with Broadway stage greats, Rosenthal's journey unfolds with anecdotes, humor, and the unwavering dedication that endeared her to colleagues and theater crews alike.

The Magic of Light is not only a technical guide; it's a celebration of Rosenthal's legacy and her impact on the theatrical world. With contributions from luminaries like Martha Graham, John Houseman, Oliver Smith, Mary Martin, and Garson Kanin, this memoir is a tribute to a pioneering artist whose work continues to shape the essence of stage illumination.

This book is also available from Echo Point Books as a hardcover (ISBN 1648374298).

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1648374301
• ISBN13: 9781648374302
• Release Date: April 2024
• Publisher: Echo Point Books & Media, LLC
• Length: 270 Pages
• Weight: 1.39 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 8.5" x 11.0"

Customer Reviews

Inspirational

It wasn't until I first read this book that I truly understood the purpose of light on the stage. As Jean stated at the beginning of the book, she was a pioneer of lighting design. Her book is not about gadgetry, even though she does list some aspects, it is about lighting as an art form, lighting as a business, and lighting as a career. I still use this book as an inspiration whenever I become complacent or dismayed in the industry, and it helps me remember the overall picture of which lighting is only a part. Every lighting designer should read this book at some point early in their career, and then come back to it often.

The only textbook I kept

I was a technical theatre student in the mid-80s, and this is the only book which I've kept from the many we had to buy. While it doesn't include all the modern technical gadgets available, it is a wonderfully readable and entertaining discussion on the art of lighting theatre, dance and opera. Jean Rosenthal was a pioneer in stage lighting, moving designers away from making sure the stage wasn't dark to illuminating the plot, characters and theme. This book is hard to find now, which is a pity. It would do many designers well to read it with care. We've gone from "light to see" to Jean's art to "showing off our gadgetry".