The Ballad of John Latouche: An American Lyricist's Life and Work

Although less remembered now than some other creators of mid-20th-century American musical theater, John Latouche (1915–56) was lyricist for several famous works of the period, ranging from Cabin in the Sky and The Golden Apple to Candide and The Ballad of Baby Doe. Pollack (Mark Blitzstein) draws on interviews and reviews of his work to paint a complete portrait of this mercurial, talented writer. From Latouche's humble beginnings in Richmond, VA, before leaving for New York and Columbia University, to service during World War II and an interesting sojourn in the Congo up to his Broadway notoriety, his struggles with alcoholism and his need to be the center of attention dogged him until his unfortunate early demise. The complete scene-by-scene descriptions for shows and reminiscences of contemporaries are especially gratifying. Salacious musings about Latouche's personal relationships detract and seem designed more to titillate or repel readers than enlighten them, which also dilutes the impact of Pollack's otherwise impressive effort.