Broadway needs your regards

Novel explores stage life from different angle

Amy Poeppel examines the allure of Broadway and New York in her second novel, Limelight.

The heartfelt story follows Texas transplant Allison Brinkley after moving with her husband and three children to Manhattan. The Brinkleys must navigate new jobs, different schools, a tiny apartment, adolescent mood swings and the anxiety that comes with change.

No one seems to be handling the transition well, but Allison is determined to make a life in New York. Keeping that optimistic attitude proves to be a challenge when her job falls through. Luckily for Allison, fate shows up the same day.

Allison finds herself in the posh penthouse of pop megastar Carter Reid after a minor fender bender. The brooding teenager is entitled, hung over and unsupervised. In a comedy of errors, Allison’s maternal instincts kick in and she finds herself cooking and running errands for Carter. He may be a brat, but the fact this kid is on his own is unacceptable to Allison. Plus, it’s really good money and relatively easy work that she’s already used to doing for her own children.

Carter is as rotten as they come because he’s never been taught basic etiquette. After going on a bender and firing everyone in his life, Allison refuses to let him act like a fool. Slowly but surely, she earns his respect.

The Broadway show Limelight, featuring Carter, is slated to be a huge hit. But Carter doesn’t want to put in the work.

It’s clear to Allison that Carter’s reputation is on the line. She makes it her responsibility to help him with his lines, make sure he gets to rehearsals and understands the thrill and power of live musical theatre. It’s time to take him to the next level.

Limelight is a unique blend of the audacious celebrity lifestyle and the challenges of modern-day mothers.

The story takes the spotlight off the stage and points to the importance of a strong family unit.