About the Author

Christopher Webber is an English actor, writer, and stage director. An enthusiastic champion for zarzuela, he translated, performed and directed classic works in the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as editing the award-winning Zarzuela! Web site. His publications include four collections of zarzuela romanzas; plays including Dr. Sullivan and Mr. Gilbert and Green Tea; the best-selling Bluff Your Way at the Races and Bluff Your Way in Opera (with Peter Gammond). He has also written program articles for Placido Domingo.

Reviews

It certainly deserves to succeed, not only because the aim is praiseworthy but also because it is intelligently conceived and carried out with erudition blended with literary skill. This is a marvelously useful and user-friendly compendium that is undoubtedly going to help spread the gospel of zarzuela in the English-speaking world.
*Opera Now*

Superbly informative. Webber's knowledge is encyclopaedic, his passion for the genre infectious, and his skill as a proselytiser impressive. Highly recommended.....
*Time Out*

My praise for it is immeasurable. To quote Ira Gershwin, 'Who could ask for anything more?' Gracias, Senor Webber, for this superb, much-needed volume!!!!!
*Opera*

Splendid...Everywhere the author's wit and erudition enhance the comprehensive information. One must hope that this superlative book...will find a home with all who love La Zarzuela.
*American Record Collector*

Recommended. All readers interested in cultural studies and world theater and music.
*CHOICE*

Webber can convey his enthusiasm in eloquent prose...Throughout, Webber mixes approachability with good scholarship...No existing lover of zarzuela should be without the book, and the hope must be that it helps the genre to achieve the appreciation in English-speaking countries that its wonderful music deserves.
*Teaching History: A Journal of Methods*

Superbly informative.
Webber's knowledge is encyclopaedic, his passion for the genre infectious, and his skill as a proselytiser impressive. Highly recommended.
*Time Out*

My praise for it is immeasurable.
To quote Ira Gershwin, 'Who could ask for anything more?' Gracias, Senor Webber, for this superb, much-needed volume!
*Opera*

Christopher Webber is much to be applauded for the range and nature of his achievement....an indispensable guide which deserves great success.
*Robert Matthew-Walker*

Webber's excellent survey of zarzuelas concentrates on 60 works written since 1850 out of 10,000 possibilities. He begins with a brief history (6 pages) from the baroque to the twentieth century....Highly recommended to introduce a little-known genre of musical theater.
*The Opera Journal*