Seller’s extraordinary success as a producer speaks for itself: he produced Rent — a show that transformed American musical theater forever. In his own words:

Jonathan changed the American musical theater forever, and all contemporary American musical theater now stands on his shoulders. Jonathan changed Broadway, and Broadway is better for it.
— Jeffrey Seller

he also produced Hamilton, the phenomenon that reimagined the genre for a new generation. From his early days hustling in New York to his groundbreaking triumphs, Seller shares not only his incredible wins but also the honest missteps that shaped him.

What makes this book so powerful for every creative is that, as a producer — especially of musicals — Seller collaborates with every kind of talent: writers, composers, directors, designers, singers, dancers, actors. He weaves these voices together to create something unforgettable for an audience. In many ways, we’re all producers of our own work, and his insights are priceless for anyone determined to bring their art to life.

Personally, I highly recommend the audiobook — but the print version is just as compelling. It’s raw and deeply personal: part coming-of-age, part confessional, and all heart. Seller doesn’t hold back about his upbringing, his complicated relationship with his father, and his journey toward accepting his own sexuality.

One of my favorite parts of the audio version is the stellar cast that joins him to bring his story alive: Annaleigh Ashford, Kyle Beltran, Steven Boyer, Danny Burstein, Darren Criss, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Sas Goldberg, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Lindsay Mendez, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Alex Newell, Andrew Rannells, Conrad Ricamora, Jonathan Marc Sherman, and Christopher Sieber. It’s a true ensemble performance — thoughtful, moving, and completely engaging.

The reviews are glowing — I especially loved the New York Times take and recommend reading it if you’d like another perspective. Here’s a quick peek at the official synopsis:

A coming-of-age tale from one of the most successful American producers of our time, Jeffrey Seller — the only producer to have mounted two Pulitzer Prize–winning musicals: Hamilton and Rent.

Before producing the musicals that shaped a generation, Jeffrey was just a kid grappling with his adoption, his identity, and a rough childhood in a struggling neighborhood outside Detroit.

Follow him as he finds his voice in musical theater, moves to New York at the height of the HIV/AIDS crisis, and learns to survive and thrive in the fiercely competitive world of commercial theater.

From working as an office assistant to meeting Jonathan Larson and experiencing the magic and heartbreak of Rent, to creating In the Heights and Hamilton with Lin-Manuel Miranda — Seller pulls back the curtain on the rollercoaster of making new musicals, winning a Tony, and finding his true self along the way.

I always encourage you to check it out through your local library (audio or print!) or grab it on your favorite audiobook platform. And if you’d like to support indie bookstores, I’ve included a link through Bookshop.org too.

If you read or listen to Theater Kid, please share your thoughts in the comment section! Did you find it inspiring? I’d love to hear how it resonates with fellow musical theater lovers and artists of all kinds.

Happy reading (or listening)! I can’t wait to hear your thoughts.

You can find this book in both print and audio from your public library or library app.  If you would like to purchase the book please click on the link below and support local booksellers around the world:

Entertainers Life Book Club Picks

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Our very first Book Club read—and for good reason. This book offers powerful, practical wisdom to help artists quiet the noise, stay focused, and align their mindset with their purpose. A transformative read for any creative looking to find clarity and peace in the chaos.
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Daily Rituals Women at Work

Recommended by our inaugural Featured Entertainer, Gioia De Cari, this book is a fascinating glimpse into the daily routines of groundbreaking women artists. It’s a celebration of process, resilience, and the many unique ways women make space for their creativity.
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