Sheridan Morley Prize Shortlist

Down from five finalists each of the past three years (including last year's gayfest starring Arthur Laurents' The Rest of the Story, Simon Callow's Charles Dickens and the Great Theatre of the World, and winner Rupert Everett's Vanished Years [Kindle]), the new shortlist for the Sheridan Morley Prize for the best theater book is only three titles:

• Michael Blakemore, Stage Blood
• Michael Simkins, The Rules of Acting
• Philip Zeigler, Olivier

Stage Blood recounts Blakemore's five tempestuous years as Associate Director at the National Theatre under Olivier and Peter Hall. Three reviews call it "wise," "masterly," and "tremendous fun."

The winner will be announced next month in London.