Fosse

Wasson (Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M.: Audrey Hepburn, Breakfast at Tiffany's, and the Dawn of the Modern Woman; A Splurch in the Kisser: The Movies of Blake Edwards) takes readers on a wild ride through the life of Bob Fosse, revered for his directorial and choreographical works on Broadway, such as Sweet Charity, Pippin, and Chicago, as well as the film version of Cabaret. His distinctive jazz dance style influenced many, including Michael Jackson. Fosse began performing in burlesque clubs at 16, danced for the troops during World War II, and appeared in several MGM musicals. He transitioned from dancing to choreography, directing, screenwriting, and film editing and was the first person to win an Emmy, a Tony, and an Oscar in one year (1973). Fosse often pushed his performers to the breaking point to bring out emotion, and it usually worked. Beyond his career, he battled drug addiction and distrust and, though he loved women, struggled with infidelity, as reflected in his three marriages and countless affairs. Yet Fosse was also beloved for his talent, friendship, and charm. The author interviewed more than 300 of the artist's friends, relatives, and competitors for this book, and his hard work is evident in the intricate depiction of a complicated, brilliant man.