writersrelief's review against another edition
5.0
Mary Martin is known to many as Peter Pan, the boy who refused to grow up. But do you know about her attempted Hollywood career, or how she got her start on Broadway? What about her fascinating marriage to producer Richard Halliday, or the fact that she is the mother of legendary TV actor Larry Hagman? All of this, and more, is explored in David Kaufman’s fantastic biography SOME ENCHANTED EVENINGS: THE GLITTERING LIFE AND TIMES OF MARY MARTIN.
Kaufman begins with Martin’s childhood in Weatherford, TX, where she was beloved by her family and community. It traces her attempt at a Hollywood career in Los Angeles, where she becomes known as “Audition Mary” and marries Richard Halliday, a closeted gay man whose alcoholism and erratic behavior was disparaged by many (Kaufman also hints at Martin’s own homosexuality, but never outright confirms it). The book also explores her fraught relationship with Larry, her son from her first husband—she left Larry with her mother while pursuing her career.
Kaufman reveals the complex underbelly of this sparkling, congenial, charismatic performer whose charm and humor endeared her to millions. Drawing from Martin’s memoir (another enjoyable read) and interviews with those who knew her, Kaufman has conducted a well-researched biography with an appropriately critical eye. He also writes in an engaging style that, while analytical, never feels too academic for the average reader.
A treat for fans of Broadway musicals and pop culture history, SOME ENCHANTED EVENINGS is a delight to read.
Kaufman begins with Martin’s childhood in Weatherford, TX, where she was beloved by her family and community. It traces her attempt at a Hollywood career in Los Angeles, where she becomes known as “Audition Mary” and marries Richard Halliday, a closeted gay man whose alcoholism and erratic behavior was disparaged by many (Kaufman also hints at Martin’s own homosexuality, but never outright confirms it). The book also explores her fraught relationship with Larry, her son from her first husband—she left Larry with her mother while pursuing her career.
Kaufman reveals the complex underbelly of this sparkling, congenial, charismatic performer whose charm and humor endeared her to millions. Drawing from Martin’s memoir (another enjoyable read) and interviews with those who knew her, Kaufman has conducted a well-researched biography with an appropriately critical eye. He also writes in an engaging style that, while analytical, never feels too academic for the average reader.
A treat for fans of Broadway musicals and pop culture history, SOME ENCHANTED EVENINGS is a delight to read.
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