Between the four of us we have written at least 17 biographies. It might be more than that. I was losing count because Randy Roberts has written so many. Youve written more than half of our total number i think. So we have a lot of experience in the genre. We have obviously been drawn to it and have an affinity for it some way or another. Before we begin, let me introduce the panelists, and as i introduce each of you, if you could just stand a minute or two, telling the audience what was it that you used for your biography. What is it you love about the genre. First we have larry, from New York University of arts and a musical writing program. He is particularly interested in the history of broadway and comedy. He has written a play with Richard Rogers in addition to several other books. His most recent biographical word is the documentary film semi davis junior, i gotta be me. Larry, tell us what has drawn you to this. I may be a little different from the rest of the panel my venue is
Introduce the panelists, and as i introduce each of you, if you could just spend a minute or two telling the audience what was it that drew you to biography, and what is it you love about the genre . First we have a professor in the graduate acting program at new york universitys tish school of the arts with an affiliation in the graduate musical theater writing program, and is particularly interested in the history of broadway and of comedy. He has written biographies of xoeter Richard Rogers and p playwright. His most recent is a documentary film sammy davis jr. Ive got to be me. So, larry, tell us what has drawn you to biography. Well, i may be a little different from the rest of the panel. My venue is really entertainment. So obviously in entertainment youre dealing with the public persona of performers, what they sang, what they danced, what they acted. And then, of course, what happens off stage or behind the curtain is equally fascinating as you try to make some sense out of wha