The DRAMA BOOK SHOP, Inc.
Neighborhood: West 40s
Type of Place: Books
Description:
It's no fun to arrange your afternoon in order to get an errand done by 5 PM—only to discover that the office you need closes at 4:30, and you just missed it. I was annoyed; and finding myself in the Times Square area around rush hour was not helping matters.
The Drama Book Shop, however, came to my rescue. I was drawn in because I can rarely resist a small, independent book store—but this one turned out to be even better than I'd imagined.
No surprise, given the name, that if you're an actor or a dramatic writer, you'll find many helpful texts here, from paperback editions of plays (and some screenplays) to audition and writing guides. But what did surprise me were great books and gift items that would appeal to just about anyone who has ever loved a play, a film, or an actor.
Spanning both of these categories was "221 One-Minute Monologues for Women" ($19.95)—useful for actresses auditioning, I'm sure, but also just fun to browse through. Likewise, "Script Tease," containing screenwriting tips from the Coen Brothers, Seth Rogan, and others (and priced at $5.95 on the sale table) could be embraced by writers and film buffs alike.
One of the most interesting finds, which also happened to be on sale ($7.98), was "What Have You Done?"—stories of auditions for famous roles. Who knew, for example, that when James Gandolfini showed up for his Sopranos try-out, he interrupted himself midway, declared his approach all wrong, and asked for the chance to come back another day? (The request was granted.)
Gifts sure to bring the drama-minded a smile include Shakesperian Insult Gum ($2.95), which is pretty much what it sounds like: 7 packs of gum, each containing two gumballs and one insult from Shakespeare; and Great Lines from Great Movies cards ($9.95, and it seems like you could invent any number of fun games using them).
Maybe because the clients here get enough drama from their working lives, they were not bringing it to the store; the vibe was relaxed and light-hearted. I loved this shop and look forward to going back—to browse, to buy, and to relax for a minute at one of the little tables in the back. "Woman supporting great little book store"—that's a role I'll gladly play.
The DRAMA BOOK SHOP, Inc.
250 West 40th Street
New York, NY 10018
(212) 944-0595
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