Lewis Kempfer’s storytelling is incredible. How the author chronicles his early days, relations with friends, the family encounters as an adult, and everything in between is thrilling. In 120 Seats in a Boiler Room: The Creation of a Courageous Professional Theater, Lewis Kempfer narrates his and others’ stories about this beautiful theater in Nashville, how it came to be, and the impact it had on the community.

The author’s storytelling aside, this book is an exciting read because of how descriptive Lewis Kempfer is when recounting events, locations, objects and even people. You get the real picture just by reading the text and get the appeal of being part of the story. This exciting book will inspire individuals in the arts and those who dream of owning a theater or something similar.

In the book, the reader is transported to Nashville. There is a rundown boiler room filled with waste and unpleasantness. What to do with this boiler room? Enter four ambitious friends who could use the boiler room for something else. Lewis Kempfer and his buddies have a theater company looking into making this boiler room a theater. Converting this old, unused boiler room into something locals would treasure was beautiful. I enjoyed reading about the strategies the friends took, the brainstorming process, completing the whole thing, and how it served the people. 

This fascinating book reads like a memoir, except it is not your typical memoir, as the author shares vital tips and also has guest authors chip in to tell the story. One moves from enjoying Lewis Kempfer’s personal stories to reading the how-to guides he shares to engaging with the letters to the editor. I appreciate having other individuals tell tales from their perspective, as it balances the author’s narration. 

120 Seats in a Boiler Room is unique, the storytelling and narration are remarkable, but the lessons readers will take from this book are invaluable. Sharing lessons on subjects like learning audience demographics, casting, licensing, production, media and public relations, staffing, and other crucial matters are all included. This is an entertaining book for readers that love semi-autobiographies fused with how-to guides. 

Pages: 418 | ASIN : B0BDKPG6JX