I’m mainly looking for something along the lines of a fairly professional B+/A- production rather than some backwoods playhouse number. Rather like how former TV actresses such as Barbara Eden or Linda Gray will tour in a cross-country version of a Broadway hit.
I want info on what it is like to do such a grinding, three or four-month long schedule, the day-to-day activities, the highs and lows, etc.
Conceivably, your recommendations could be actual published journals of such things, works of fiction, documentaries or movies.
Looking for info on modern times–last twenty years or so.
The best I ever read is about the era 50 years old not 20 or 30 I’m afraid, and I would be willing to bet it is out of print.
I believe the author is (was) Margaret Webster. and the title was something to the effect of “Don’t Let Your Daughters Go On the Stage”. Comes from a Noel Coward song I believe.
Having toured not that many years ago, I found many of the insights very valid.
Honestly, in the decades of the 60s and 70s and early 80s there were very few touring companies around. I know because I was trying to keep an Equity card healthy in those days. So in the time frame you requested, I wouldn’t be too hopeful.
There was another book that was by a house manager/owner where most of us played. I seem to remember it was very much on the lines you are talking about except from the other side and roughly in that time frame you are requestin. But the players came to him. I used to know his name like everyone else in the business, but I’m getting old I guess.
I seem to remember the book was called “All This and a Pickle Too.”