As a Broadway lover, I loved getting to know Nina and the backstory of everything that happens behind the scenes. It makes Broadway much more enjoyable and relatable!

Thank you to NetGalley for this book.

A sweet book about being an understudy in New York on Broadway and how she got the lead part and the people she met and how she fell in love with her co-star. I think it was set in the 70s if I remember reading the description on Amazon but there was no reference to it besides a payphone being used.

The life of an actress is not an easy one as I found out by reading this book and I enjoyed learning about the stage and all that goes on.

Ellen Tovatt Leary's book, The Understudy, is the story of aspiring Broadway actor, Nina Landau, whose dream, for as long as she can remember, has always been, to play the lead role in a Broadway play.

When the book begins, Nina is getting ready to go for "another" audition. Her friends encourage her by saying all the "RIGHT" things ... like ... break a leg (and not good luck). After a callback reading, Nina is disappointed in receiving only a minor role as the maid, but she is the understudy for the lead role. Again, her friends encourage her ( in particular Tom, who is Nina's main support and a great character). So Nina accepts the role, and her career on Broadway begins, and along with it, a romance begins, as well.

The novel is about the trials and tribulations that actors face, in getting to Broadway, and in surviving and thriving. once they get there, with the complications and challenges of romance thrown in. Finally, the book is a homage to New York City, (home of course, to Broadway).

If you adore Broadway, and are looking for a bit of romance, then I recommend picking up #theunderstudy, it gives you all the feels of the ups and downs of that life. Thank you #netgalley and @hansenpublishing for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review. #5stars.

This was kind of a whimsical look at an actress’s life in New York. I don't’ know if it was the era or lack of conflict, but it was just kind of in the middle for me.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

Nina is an actress struggling to make it big in New York in a decade I cannot identify in this novel. She doesn't have a cell phone and lots of taxis are taken but other than that I'm not sure the time is ever set in this book. Nina's experiences lead the reader through the actors process of auditions and callbacks, costuming and tech rehearsals. As someone who has spent much time in the theater both in the audience and on the stage, I found the book to be well written but a bit boring. There is nothing new here. For someone who doesn's know much about live theater this book would be a nice introduction, but for the seasoned thespian, it's a bit ho hum.

This was more of a fairytale about an actor's life in New York than anything remotely realistic. The characters were little more than ciphers, with each plot development like one stepping stone in front of the other. Absolutely nothing was surprising.

As an actor, of course it was interesting to a point, but there were no stakes and I was just waiting for it to be over. It's a quick, fast read and good for someone who is interested in the glamour of New York and the actor's life.

Thanks to NetGalley, Hansen Publishing Group and Ellen Tovatt Leary for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I feel like I went on this rollercoaster ride of being an actor means right along with Nina. It so viscerally conveys the ups and downs, the fears and triumphs, the fatigue and adrenaline of a new play, from the audition right through to opening night, the run to closing, and the 'what comes next'. Mixing the technical elements of working on a role, with the excitement of a character coming to life, with drama in the cast and a passionate romance, the story moves quickly. It addresses the usual actor's nightmares, forgetting lines, the difficulty of tech, and how to deal with all the many things that can go wrong. The story also addresses how to feel like an actor in a variety of situations, with various directing styles, roles, or colleagues. Set in the 1970s it is interesting to see what feels like it is happening today, the things that have not changed and certain aspects that have, and the lasting magic of Broadway.

If you love theatre, whether professionally or just as an interest, this is a fun read that articulates why so many people chose this life as hard as it is. Especially during the pandemic where live theatre is one of the things that I miss most, this felt like a lovely connection to the theatre world, a reigniting of a spark of what I love, and a hope for the world that will one day return.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are all my own.

Words cannot express how much I loved this story. I was in a reading rut until this hit my kindle. I love getting glimpses into the theatrical world. Makes me feel like I'm a part of that world. Will recommend to others.

This was a very good, enjoyable story about life and love in the American theater. I’ve been a theater nerd for decades, and I really enjoyed a glimpse into behind the scenes from point of view of one actress.

No words can describe how amazing this book was
Honestly i didn't know what to expect reading this book but i was blown away
I felt transported to the Broadway and New York whilst falling in love with the characters along the way especially Tom
I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for something sweet and beautiful to read

I absolutely loved this book! Couldn’t put it down. I loved all the Ins and outs of the behind the scenes .
This is a story about an actress trying to make it on Broadway and about all the behind the scenes things that take place.

The Understudy is a wonderful book. It evokes New York in the 1970s and the theater scene. The characters are so true to life I feel I know them. The author brings a special warmth and humor to the story and I found myself happy to be along for the ride. I definitely recommend it.

I could not put this book down! Nina's story was captivating, and as a bonus we get a beautifully written love letter to New York.

My one critique was the setting of the book in the 70's. Without being familiar with New York theater in the 70's, I missed many of the name-drops. For most of the book, I thought it was set in the early 90s (or some other time without cell phones). That being said, I still enjoyed the book a lot, and I assume if you are a fan or are familiar with the names of that time period, you will enjoy the book that much more.

The Understudy is a fantastic read. It goes deep into the mysterious world of acting and auditioning. Throws in a bit of romance, which helps to make it a captivating and engrossing page-turner.