Master of Ceremonies

A Memoir

By: Joel Grey

Narrated by: Joel Grey

Joel Grey, the Tony and Academy Award-winning Master of Ceremonies in Cabaret, finally tells his remarkable life story.

Born Joel David Katz to a wild and wooly Jewish American family in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1932, Joel began his life in the theater at the age of nine, starting in children's theater and then moving to the main stage. He was hooked, and his seven-decades-long career charts the evolution of American entertainment - from Vaudeville performances with his father, Mickey Katz, to the seedy, gangster-filled nightclubs of the '40s, the bright lights of Broadway and dizzying glamour of Hollywood, and juggernaut musicals like Cabaret, Chicago, and Wicked.

Master of Ceremonies is a memoir of a life lived in and out of the limelight, but it is also the story of the man behind the stage makeup. Coming of age in a time when being yourself tended to be not only difficult but also dangerous, Joel had to act both on and off the stage. He spent his high school years sleeping with the girls next door while carrying on a scandalous affair with an older man. Romances with to-die-for Vegas showgirls were balanced with late-night liaisons with like-minded guys until finally Joel fell in love and married a talented and beautiful woman, started a family, and had a pretty much picture-perfect life. But 24 years later, when the marriage dissolved, Joel had to once again find his place in a world that had radically changed.

Drawing back the curtain on a career filled with showstopping numbers, larger-than-life stars, and even singing in the shower with Bjork, Master of Ceremonies is also a portrait of an artist coming to terms with his evolving identity. When an actor plays a character, he has to find out what makes him who he is - his needs, dreams, and fears. It's a difficult thing to do, but sometimes the hardest role in an actor's life is that of himself. Deftly capturing the joy of performing as well as the pain and secrets of an era we have only just started to leave behind, Joel's story is one of love, loss, hard-won honesty, redemption, and success.

©2016 Joel Grey (P)2016 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

"This is an insightful, delightful adult listening experience about someone you may think you know. Surprises abound." ( AudioFile)

Quite the Master

Outstanding. Bravo Mr. Grey. If I'd had a nickel for every tear I choked back...

Life Well Lived, Tale Well Told

Story behind the brilliant performances. Well told personal story made interesting by the author's connection to great works and generational talent. A life well lived as well as a tale well told.

great

great narration, though I sped up the play back to 1.15
storyline is great also. give it a try

fantastic!!!!!!

I've always loved Joel Grey, but his life is really amazing. this book made me laugh, cry and literally gasp out loud a few times. An amazing look at learning to love yourself, know who you are and know your own worth. He is a strong man to share all of this with us. A great read!

Superb

Joel Grey is a national treasure we do not deserve. I loved every minute of his story.

Legendary Autobiography

He loses a point for focusing on his sexuality more than his brilliant career. I feel like he had another book in him that could have provided all of the insights into his career that he seemed to leave out of this book. He was such a wonderful performer. It would have been great to hear about it more.

Like an old friend

This felt honest and heartwarming. A journey of self awareness. Not a tell-all, but it doesn't have to be.

I simply, love, love, loved it!!!

I enjoyed his story so much, that I will cherish this book , always. I always wanted to know about Mr. Joel Grey, and finally, in his own words and not 'hearsay" I was able to get a glimpse of the man behind the legend. So, fortright, and witty. I think he's is extraordinary! Several years ago I read and reread the biography of Montgomery Clift, by Patricia Bronsworth and it was written so well and her research was so thorough, that by the end I was practically in tears. I fell in love with him after that book. This book of course wasn't as tragic as Monty Clift's story. (thank God), but was just as moving. It is a MUST READ!

Interesting enough memoir

The book was jist OK. I'm glad I heard it and glad it's done.

it's in the old style of memoirs that assume that you already knows about these era and the subject. Joel Grey refers to shows and people but doesn't explain the vibe of the era. I never felt like I was there. it's didn't have a story quality. It was more like a summary of events and name dropping.

Mr Grey imparts wisdom from years of introspection

Excellent presentation of significant decisions from author's arduous journey to serenity; intending to hasten reader's.