"A fascinating look at the hidden reefs lying below the surface waters of musicals and how to ride over most of them. A treat for anyone interested in theater."--Library Journal (starred review)

"A phenomenal book ... Anyone going into the business must read this book."--Peter Filichia, Broadway Radio

"This is a story of dreams and hard work and persistence. It is a story about what success usually looks like. And most of all, it is a glorious reminder that the destination is never as rewarding as the journey. I am thrilled to have been part of this journey. I am even more thrilled that Doug has found this fabulous way of inviting you along."--Jason Alexander, Tony and Emmy Award-winning actor (Seinfeld, Jerome Robbins Broadway, Pretty Woman)

"In How to Survive a Killer Musical, Cohen gives a wonderful first-hand account of the roller coaster ride that is developing a brand-new musical. With great humor and vivid characterizations of some of the most important writers, directors, and actors of the last half century, the reader gets a front seat view to the remarkable triumphs and dramatic vicissitudes of show business."--Alex Timbers, Tony Award-winning director (Here Lies Love, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Beetlejuice, and Peter and the Starcatcher)

"Doug Cohen's How to Survive a Killer Musical is a surprising page turner, an exhilarating, cautionary tale of a young creator's path to production. It's all here: thrills, disasters, betrayals, and ultimately . . . wisdom. This is a poignant primer for anyone daring to try."--Tony Gilroy, Academy Award nominated writer/director; Executive Producer/Showrunner of Andor, the Star Wars prequel for Disney+

"I don't care if you've never seen a Broadway play, this tale of almost making it in the big leagues of musical theater will have you turning the pages. Full of self-deprecating humor, unforgettable characters, and heartbreaking twists of fate, How to Survive a Killer Musical is a delight."--Nathaniel Philbrick, bestselling author of In the Heart of the Sea and Travels with George

"This fascinating tale about how to get a musical produced, from page to stage, is made even more fascinating because of the writer's candor, wit, and passionate desire to give his musical a life against all odds. It's always a little miracle to me when that happens. And when you have such a good writer telling the tale, it's irresistible reading."--Donna McKechnie, Tony Award-winning actress (A Chorus Line, Company, Sweet Charity)

"For anyone who wonders what it is truly like to create a musical and navigate its perilous seas, read Doug Cohen's heart-busting and heart-breaking book. Like Samuel Pepys, Doug's journals lay out the truth: the triumphs, the failures, the compromises, sometimes happening on the same day. A love letter to the theater, his family, and us."--Jeanine Tesori, Tony Award-winning composer (Fun Home, Kimberly Akimbo, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and Caroline, or Change)

"A vivid, honest, educational, and often hilarious recounting of the author's adventure adapting a novel by William Goldman to the stage."--John Kander, Tony, Grammy, and Emmy Award-winning composer (Chicago, Cabaret, New York, New York)