From Gilbert and Sullivan to Andrew Lloyd Webber, from Julie Andrews to Hugh Jackman, from Half a Sixpence to Matilda, Pick a Pocket Or Two is the story of the British musical: where it began and how it developed. In Pick a Pocket Or Two, acclaimed author Ethan Mordden brings his wit and wisdom to bear in telling the full history of the British musical, from The Beggar's Opera (1728) to the present, with an interest in isolating the unique qualities of the form and its influence on the American model. To place a very broad generalization, the American musical is regarded as largely about ambition fulfilled, whereas the British musical is about social order. Oklahoma!'s Curly wins the heart of the farmer Laurey--or, in other words, the cowboy becomes a landowner, establishing a truce between the freelancers on horseback and the ruling class. Half a Sixpence, on the other hand, finds a working-class boy coming into a fortune and losing it to fancy Dans, whereupon he is reunited with his working-class sweetheart, his modest place in the social order affirmed. Anecdotal and evincing a strong point of view, the book covers not only the shows and their authors but the personalities as well--W. S. Gilbert trying out his stagings on a toy theatre, Ivor Novello going to jail for abusing wartime gas rationing during World War II, fabled producer C. B. Cochran coming to a most shocking demise for a man whose very name meant "classy, carefree entertainment." Unabashedly opinionated and an excellent stylist, author Ethan Mordden provokes as much as he pleases. Mordden is the preeminent historian of the form, and his book will be required reading for readers of all walks, from the most casual of musical theater goers to musical theater buffs to students and scholars of the form.

(Richmond Music Instrumental). One of Broadway's beloved stage productions is now available from Hal Leonard with this classic arrangement from veteran writer Alfred Reed. With such memorable songs like Oliver, Where Is Love, I'd Do Anything, As Long As He Needs Me, and Consider Yourself, this concert arrangement should be a part of every orchestra's library.

"Anecdotal and evincing a strong point of view, [this] book covers not only the shows and their authors but the personalities as well--W.S. Gilbert trying out his stagings on a toy theatre, Ivor Novello going to jail for abusing wartime gas rationing during World War II, fabled producer C.B. Cochran coming to a most shocking demise for a man whose very name meant 'classy, carefree entertainment.' ... Mordden is the preeminent historian of the form, and his book will be required reading for readers of all walks, from the most casual of musical theater goers to musical theater buffs to students and scholars of the form"--

The Artful Dodger is back! Returning to the page for the first time in 175 years, London's most skilled and charismatic thief is back to ply his trade on the capital's streets once more. From the rooftops to the sewers, Dodger leads us on a witty and thrilling adventure through Dickensian London.

About the Book Sunflower Chronicles begins a journey into the sun. Benjamin and his friends discover a secret room in the attic above his bedroom. And within, a quantum computer who leads them into the fourth dimension. The boys attempt to survive in school and on the streets as they fight to overcome the problems of adolescence while discovering the secrets of the universe within Benjimin’s own home. Their journey takes them to a silo in Oregon, where they are transported to the dark side of the moon. Throughout each step, a US marshal, believing the boys are terrorists, is hot on their trail. About the Author J H Trembley graduated from West Virginia Wesleyan College. He now lives in Elgin, Illinois, near his family. In his spare time, he enjoys writing reading, and completing crossword puzzles.

In this book you will discover the secrets of picking pockets for entertainment purposes. Written by a professional magician, the techniques are based on elementary principles of misdirection and sleight-of-hand, which can be easily learned by anyone. Anything that can be carried in a person’s pocket can be secretly removed. This book will show you how. You will be able to remove objects from people’s pockets while talking to them and even up on a stage while a thousand eyes are watching you. You will amaze everybody! You will also learn how to remove wristwatches and articles of clothing without being detected. Many excellent effects for magicians. Produces great comedy. Imagine the expressions on the faces of the audience, and your victim, when you remove his boxer shorts! Great stuff!

It took the author just over two years, a tremendous amount of determination and commitment, and lots and lots of practice to become the person she is today. She knew she was getting there when she was walking in the local neighborhood and passed a gang of young children playing in the street. She walked on and heard the pitter patter of tiny footsteps behind her. A little girl, around six years old, patted me on the backside and said, Excuse me, but you're not a real girl are you? She put her perfectly manicured finger to her lips and said, Sshh, don't tell anyone. She kept walking, but as she turned the corner, a shrill voice shrieked out I've told someone Instead of being offended, she burst out laughing. She's since dressed on coaches, trains, buses, and trams. She's dressed in Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield, Blackpool, Carlisle, and London. She's even been round the Houses of Parliament dressed. The world awaits-but is it ready?