The Show Makers describes twelve of the most creative and influential directors of contemporary musical theatre. Thelen creates lively portraits of theatre people at work. James Lapine's early involvement with photography becomes an influence on Sunday in the Park With George . Harold Prince's early desire to be a playwright is rechannelled into directing. George C. Wolfe speaks of the involvement of black artists with musicals since the last century. Jerome Robbins, in his final interview, discusses collaboration and the role of dance in the musical. Thelen's book is part theatre history, part interview volume, part celebration. Richly anecdotal, it communicates the passion and joy that motivate our wizards of the stage.