Jack & Louisa: Act 1

Jack & Louisa #1

by Andrew Keenan-Bolger, Kate Wetherhead

Twelve-year old Jack Goodrich was a Broadway star, with two shows under his belt and a third in rehearsals. But when his voice changes suddenly, Jack and his parents leave the spotlight and move from New York City to Shaker Heights, Ohio. While Jack hopes to leave his Broadway past behind, his new neighbor refuses to let him off the hook. Louisa is a self proclaimed "musical theater nerd" and can hardly believe when an actor moves to town. What’s more, the local theater has announced auditions for her favorite show, “Into the Woods.” As the audition date looms nearer, the two are faced with difficult choices. Should Jack risk humiliation and return to the stage? Will Louisa have confidence to go it alone? And can their friendship survive all those complicated octave leaps?

Genres: Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Fiction, Young Adult, Childrens, Contemporary, Friendship

240 pages, Hardcover

First published February 10, 2015

Reviews

[Megan Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story! As a Christian, I would have appreciated more kid-appropriate shows mentioned in positive ways. Like, Spring Awakening is a pretty sketchy show, as well as Kinky Boots and others. But, they're mentioned favorably. Given the authors, that doesn't really surprise me. (Side note: don't get me wrong, Andrew is a super cool guy, I just don't agree with all of his life choices.) However, this is definitely a well-written kids' book, focusing on friendship, loyalty, and the love of theater. (Also, standing up to bullies.)
Also, Andrew signed my copy of this book!!!

[Liz Harmath · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's set in Shaker Heights, OH! Which is awesome, but as a Clevelander myself, I wonder why they didn't throw in the fact that Cleveland has a very large, vibrant theater scene. Depending upon how you run the numbers, I've heard it's right behind NYC for the 2nd largest district in the US.

I really liked it, as did my children, both of whom insisted that I read it! I liked it for the emphasis on friendship and openness to interacting with new people, and that it dealt with the nerd factor head-on. My 11yo son thought it was funny and he found the theater topic intriguing (surprise to mom!). My 9yo daughter liked the characters.

The only flaw I found was that they did not explain in clear terms why a voice change for a middle/high school boy happens and what it means for him singing. I got the nuance as an adult, but the real impact was lost on my two kids. An aware 7th grader (or one w/ older siblings/friends) might get it, but I think that a short, simple explanation would make the book much more understandable to younger readers or older ones that are blissfully unaware...particularly girls. Frankly, my teenage self never noticed it in my friends, but then I may have been obtuse.

[Beccie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book may not be for everyone because of all of the musical theater references that most won't get, but oh, how I loved it! If Better Nate Than Ever, with its bad language and sexual references is too edgy for you (like it is for me), than this is the musical theater-themed book for you. I will admit to being slightly obsessed with the authors' web series Submissions Only , which is why I wanted to read Jack and Louisa, Act 1 , but even if you have never heard of authors/Broadway veterans Andrew Keenan-Bolger and Kate Wetherhead, this is still a fun read. And if you are a confirmed Musical Theater Nerd (MTN) like myself, what are you waiting for?!

I wasn't thrilled by the characters' infatuation with Stephen Sondheim's Into The Woods . In fact, if you mention that musical to anyone in our family we start singing in atonal voices, "Into the woods, into the woods, into the woods, into the woods". And yes, I do know that brands us as Broadway plebians because only the truly cultured "get" Sondheim, but I did bond with Louisa's dad in the book when they were discussing Sondheim.

"You just don't appreciate the complexity of Sondheim," I muttered.
Dad looked at me, eyebrows raised. I could tell my big words had impressed, or at least surprised him. Still, he wasn't about to give in.
"I 'appreciate the complexity' of a turbine engine," Dad said with a smirk. "THAT is complexity worth appreciating. This Sondheim stuff sounds like a record skipping."

Amen, brother.

Aside from not liking Into the Woods , I loved everything else about this book. The story is fun, the main characters are very likable, and the Broadway and New York references spoke to this poor, New York-deprived Colorado girl. I am lucky enough to have taken a couple of trips to New York, and this next quote from the book reminded me so much of a girl's trip I had with 2 of my daughters last year at this time. We just wanted to blend in and not look too touristy - so to accomplish that we had my son-in-law take a picture of us standing nonchalantly in Grand Central Station reading the paper and messing with our phones - mission accomplished! In this quote, Louisa just found out that her new neighbor, Jack, moved to her neighborhood in Shaker Heights, Ohio, from New York City. She got excited about that and he asked her if she had ever been there.

"To New York? Yeah, a couple times," I replied, like going to the cultural capital of the world was no big deal. Like I hadn't squealed with delight the first time I walked through Times Square, or practically fainted when I got a picture with Tony Award-winner Norbert Leo Butz in front of Schmackary's Cookies. Exposing my inner geek was a delicate process. I needed to at least attempt to be cool."

Or maybe it reminds me of last summer when I flew to Long Island on a Tuesday for the birth of my granddaughter, told my daughter not to have the baby for another day and took the train into the city by myself on Wednesday (the baby obliged and didn't come for another couple of days). I walked from Penn Station to the Shake Shack on 8th Avenue, stood in the long line on a hot July day (while pretending to talk to someone on the phone so I looked like a "real" New Yorker), got my shake and fries and walked to the St. James Theater just down the street to go to the matinee of Something Rotten! . I was incredibly early, and as I was standing in front of the theater all by myself with a fry halfway up to my mouth, Tony Award-winner Christian Borle walked right in front of me. I'm pretty sure I stood with my mouth open and my hand holding the fry frozen in the air just watching him walk to the stage door... but it is all kind of a blur :) . So you can see why I connected to Louisa in that moment. I try not to expose my inner geek as well - and I'm not a 12 year old girl! (And yes, we are planning another girls trip to New York in the fall and Schmackary's is definitely on the docket, along with Magnolia Bakery and 16 Handles. Not that I obsessively watch broadway.com's backstage shows like The Princess Diary or Renaissance Woman - where they talk about the wonder of those places - or anything.)

So, do you have to be a Musical Theater Nerd to like this book? No, it is a sweet and fun story even if you don't get all thrilled and tingly at the Broadway/New York references. However, if you ARE an MTN, you will absolutely love it like I did. I can't wait to read Act 2! And now I have to find out which of my middle schoolers will love it as much as I did. (I do have one student named Sutton, and the first time she checked out a book I told her one of my favorite Broadway performers was named Sutton and she knew who I was talking about - that bodes well.)

http://read-me-maybe.blogspot.com

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one warrants little beyond a solid “it was cute”. I picked it up because, you know, Andrew Keenan-Bolger. It was a fun read, great for young musical theater nerds…but there could have been more to it.

Some points were over-explained and some weren’t properly elaborated at all. Most of the conflicts were presented in the form of slightly uncomfortable situations that were resolved within six pages. I did like the friendship between Jack and Louisa. And I really appreciate that it’s one more musical theater/performing arts book for young readers. On to Act 2! 3.4/5

[Alissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every theater nerds dream! No matter the age! You may be a bit jealous of the characters in this book every so often (he's been on Broadway!) but there are plenty of moments to make you smile and laugh out loud; immersing you in a world filled with brand new friends but so many familiar moments from preparing for an audition to being onstage opening night! Just from reading this I got the tell-tale knots in my stomach of excitement and anticipation that comes from opening night of a show. Anyone who likes books and musical theatre? I recommend this read!

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lou just got back from theater camp, and she's even more infatuated with being on stage than ever! When she spots her new neighbor sporting a Mary Poppins: the Musical T-shirt, her active imagination kicks into overdrive. Could he possibly be an MTN, musical theater nerd, just like her?

Jack can't believe he was forced to move from New York City, where he starred in Broadway musicals, to the Midwest, where all the houses look the same. Mortified about the embarrassing incident that cost him his last job, he's determined to keep his acting persona under wraps. But can Jack overcome his fear of performing to star in his favorite musical . . . with a little help from his spunky neighbor?

MTNs and acting lovers alike with adore this charming new novel of friendship and pursuing your dreams. Jack & Louisa: Act 1 will inspire you to belt your favorite song a little louder, shimmy down a stage, and cartwheel over whatever's stopping you.

I reviewed this on my blog! Follow along on my blog https://www.mypen2paper.com/ for sweet recipes, book reviews, writing advice, and book lists. Stay tuned for a spring break post!

[Kidsmomo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review by Nancy, intended for young readers:

Sometimes the stars align and two people who are destined to be friends are brought together. In the case of Jack and Louisa: Act 1, the stars align to bring two STARS together!

Middle schooler Louisa Benning of Shaker Heights, Ohio, is a self-proclaimed MTN — a Musical Theatre Nerd— but the closest thing to Broadway for her is the local community theater group. Fortunately for Louisa, her new neighbor is bonafide Broadway actor Jack Goodrich. But Jack is not about to break out into song and dance (even though he could, expertly) about moving from New York City to Shaker Heights.

In New York City, it was perfectly normal for Jack to attend Professional Performing Arts School, take ballet classes, and sing Sondheim. But now that he’s in Shaker Heights, he’s decided to put his thespian past behind him and be “normal” — which means trying out for the soccer team, not a role in Into the Woods. But when Louisa catches wind of Jack’s spectacular past, she’s determined to be his friend, convince him to audition for the musical, and remind him that it’s completely okay to be an MTN.

Written by Broadway stars Andrew Keenan-Bolger and Kate Wetherhead, Jack and Lousia is told in alternating points of view, which I thought was great fun to read; the story moves fast and every character in the book was very believable — from the newly nervous Jack to the optimistic Louisa to their friends and family all around them.

Even though there aren’t elaborate chase sequences or epic battles fought in Jack and Louisa, it was a pleasant page-turner. This new series is perfect for fans of school stories, realistic fiction, and friendship stories — and even better if you’re a fan of musical theater!

While we wait for Jack and Louisa: Act 2 (February 2016), you can geek out as an MTN by reading Better Nate Than Never or singing some songs from Into the Woods. (I prefer the movie cast recording, but both Jack and Louisa insist on the original Broadway cast).

This review also appears on Kidsmomo.com.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really wanted to read this because of the cover, which I think is wonderful. Although, now I think it gives the impression that there are going to be illustrations in the story, and well I was disappointed that there weren't. Especially since it seems to be geared toward 8-12 year-old's and the two main characters are done so well on the cover.

Although, I'm not the intended audience for this book, having only participated in theater or musical's from the pit orchestra, I do enjoy watching an occasional production (thinking of you Le Miserables, Grease, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers) and I found Jack & Louisa utterly delightful. Keenan-Bolger and Wetherhead bring their own experiences as Broadway performers and co-creators for Submissions Only (a web series about struggling actors from New York), to Jack & Louisa. Sprinkle in some theatrical references, terms and Broadway musicals and we've got an entertaining story. Think the book Better Nate Than Ever by Tim Federle. Jack and Louisa is told in alternating first person and it worked very well for me. I got the sense of Jack's insecurities about moving to a new place and being found out about being fired from his last production, while at the same time Lou's wanting to learn from Jack' experiences and to get to know him better. There is plenty of humor and the friendship they have over a shared passion for theater is very sweet.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This went so fast, almost too fast; I didn't want it to be over.

While the musical theater references and infusions were so much fun, what made this really stand out was the evolution of Jack and Louisa's friendship. I loved that it wasn't automatic or easy because they shared an interest so important to both of them, but once they became friends their rapport was relaxed and fun.

Can't wait for Act 2!

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable story for young theater nerds written by two young Broadway vets. Fun, quick read for adult theater nerds who still nurse their own Broadway fantasies. Similar to but not as layered as Tim Federle's Better Nate Than Ever series.

[Sarah Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so cute and made my inner theatre nerd very happy. I want to find some theatre obsessed children to share it with!

[RUBY! · Rating 5 out of 5]

All three books in this series bring me great joy. I reread them often!

[Nausheen Rahman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jack & Louisa

“Jack & Louisa Act 1” is a full-on Young Adult book. Despite having crossed this stage of my life, many decades ago, I was eager to read it; there were two major reasons for this avidity: one, this book is about theatre performances (an area that attracts me), and the other - a student had recommended it. As reading is not a very popular activity among most people of this generation (I don’t mean to generalise, though), I was very pleased that there are still kids who not only read, but also feel confident enough to recommend books to their English teachers. Moreover, I enjoyed reading books for young people as they help me to understand and relate to them better.

Some of my book reviews (including this one) are meant mainly for English teachers and parents of adolescents. I feel it can be very beneficial for both children and teachers/parents if the latter suggest names of books to their students/kids. And they can do so only after they’ve read the books themselves.

Jack and Louisa are the two protagonists and narrators of this endearing novella. The plot is simple, but delightful in its very simplicity. It revolves around 12-year-old Jack and a possibly slightly younger, Louisa, their shared love for musical drama and their growing friendship. It demonstrates how children can have different interests and talents - which should be nurtured and encouraged. It shows how children can develop self-esteem and the determination to pursue a dream even in the face of adversities.

The story is also about making sensible choices and about good parenting in subtle ways. It is peopled with creative personalities who serve as motivators and role models: actors, directors, producers, script-writers, lyricists, musicians, etc. The entire scenario - of auditions, stage shows and bits and pieces from musical plays based on fairy tales (original in their own ways), had me glued to the book. It also provided a (temporary) respite from washing my hands and freaking out every time I heard it read something related to the dreaded Corona Virus.

The progression of the story is quaintly interesting and the terminology adds a distinct flavour. The MTN (Musical Theatre Nerds) are portrayed in a very appealing way: some of them go to CCU (Camp Curtain Up), to learn acting. It was heartening to read how Jack regains his belief in his abilities - with Lou’s help. Lou, although a child not yet into her teens, besides being very gifted in the sphere of acting and singing, is a genuinely caring person.

The actual musical play, “Into the Woods”, in which this book is based, charts out events that take place after the end of a collection of fairy tales, the characters of which are taken from stories by the Brothers Grimm. Equally fascinating for performers, as well as, for audiences, this is a modern version of tales that were written long ago. “Into the Woods” was staged in Broadway, among other places, won a number of awards and was adapted into a film. Both the writers are theatre personalities themselves (hence the authentic touch).

The play, “Into the Woods”, within this book, begins with the four unforgettable powerful words which many of us all over the globe grew up listening to; they also happen to be the four last words of the book itself: “once upon a time”. Now, if that can’t take us back to our childhood, what can? That childhood seems so very precious, near perfect, and very distant now. Perhaps we can all endeavour to recreate that charmed period for our children and our children’s children - in our own ways.

A significant factor is that, in this most frightening time of my entire life (due to Covid 19), I though reading something light and uplifting would do me some good. I was right; it did. It made me feel optimistic about the world’s future.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Louisa lives in Ohio and loves musical theatre with a fiery passion that has her involved every year in community theatre shows and she just went to theater camp and she knows everything about every show down to the liner notes. It is her destiny. For Jack, it’s already his destiny—he’s already been in two shows on Broadway, and was slated to star in a new show when, horror of horrors, his voice changed. Now he’s a has-been at 12, moving to Ohio for his father’s new job and determined never to do theater again. Of course, that’s before he meets Louisa and before she realizes that he’s the real deal (they get off to a rocky start, of course), and before their local theater holds auditions for Into the Woods, their favorite show…

This is crack for theater kids, and I just spent a week with sixteen of them doing a musical theater day camp at school! I thought I knew my musical theater, but I have nothing on Jack and Louisa, and I learned a lot when reading this. Now, for kids who are not passionate about musicals, this is one they can skip—it’s jammed full of references they’ll miss. For those who love it, though, they’ll love reading about Jack’s career and Louisa’s intimate knowledge of shows, and will be scurrying off for soundtracks or cast recordings for shows they don’t know. So, limited but passionate audience?

[J K · Rating 5 out of 5]

"No one's ever put themselves out there for me like that"

Fue algo magico, simplemente eso.
Desde un primer momento me senti parte de la historia y me emocione con el pasar de las paginas. No solo por que, sin planearlo, empece a leerlo mientras escuchaba al compositor del que estan hablando (Stephen Sondheim) o los cast recording de los shows de Broadway que mencionan (The Last Five Years, Into The Woods, Kinky Boots, entre otros). Sino que Jack y Luisa son personas con las que conectas instantaneamente y sentis que los conoces de toda la vida, o en realidad, que ellos te conocen de toda la vida. Ademas de la ansiedad que sentian al hablar e interactuar el uno con el otro, las inseguridades, el sobreanalizar todas sus acciones y como el otro va a reaccionar, la "necesidad" de tener una amistad con el otro, por las pasiones que tenian en comun. Y obviamente, como se va desarrollando la historia.
Creo que el unico problema , es que no podia imaginarlos tan chicos como los plantea la historia. Sea por las cosas en comun que tengo con ellos o por lo maduros que son en ciertos aspectos.


Pero que voy a saber yo? Solo soy un MTN, como diria Luisa.

[Kaitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing! While it is definitely aimed for a middle school audience, it can appeal to any MTN (Musical Theatre Nerd) of any age. It was one of those books that re-ignited my desire to get back into theatre. Andrew is a really great writer who captures the spirit of theatre perfectly in this book.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. Especially because I AM an MTN (you'll find out what that is when you read it). I feel like I had a special connection to this book because it's all about theater, and I love theater. Plus, it's written by one of my idols, actor, Andrew Keenan-Bolger. This book has inspiring friendships that make the book come together.

[Richard Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this book down. For any theatre lover, particularly actors, this novel is simply perfect!

While it is a MG book, it could and would appeal to any age! I am in my 30's! I couldn't put it down and basically read it in a single sitting.

Can't wait to read the next one!

[Mikayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t know I needed this book and these characters in my life until I read this. I need the next two books now!!💜

As a musical theatre nerd myself, this was everything I wanted in a book😂 a little juvenile, yeah, but it is a kids book. I really enjoyed this.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was okay. There were way too many musical theater references to specific shows which made this book very niche. The plot was clunky at times and kind of plodded along at parts. I was excited to read the next two books but after reading this one, am not feel too inspired to.

[michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun novel, though someone not as obsessed with Broadway as my household is might not enjoy it quite as much. Since I'm raising two theater nerds in a community where theater definitely takes a back seat to sports, I felt that Jack & Louisa were completely relatable.

[ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

All in all, I thought it was pretty cute. About to read the next two.

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super cute! Quick, fun read. Good for theater nerds ages 9-13. Good parents, good friends, very little drama, no traumatic life experiences, so it won't win any awards, but still good.

[Cloudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Relatable as a fellow MTN

[Killian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goes great with Better Nate than Ever

[Erica Timperley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd probably give this a 4/5, but my 11 year old theater loving daughter would give it 5++!

[Su · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely delightful.

[justyn case · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was quite good. I was a little old for the book when I read it but was still good regardless.

[Paige Harrington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too short!!! But seriously love the story can't wait to read the next ones!

[Roberta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series for kids about musical theatre kids.