The Making of an American Musical, Revised and Expanded Edition: Broadway Legacies
A Historical and Cultural Journey into the Heart of Musical Theatre
The American musical is a uniquely American art form that has captured the hearts and imaginations of audiences worldwide. From its humble beginnings in vaudeville and minstrel shows to its modern-day incarnations on Broadway and beyond, the American musical has evolved into a vibrant and diverse genre that reflects the social, cultural, and political landscape of the United States.
4.2 out of 5
Language | : | English |
File size | : | 26047 KB |
Text-to-Speech | : | Enabled |
Screen Reader | : | Supported |
Enhanced typesetting | : | Enabled |
Print length | : | 330 pages |
Lending | : | Enabled |
In The Making of an American Musical, Revised and Expanded Edition, renowned theatre historian Gerald Bordman takes readers on a comprehensive journey through the history and development of the American musical. This revised and expanded edition includes new material on the latest trends and developments in musical theatre, as well as in-depth interviews with influential figures such as composer Stephen Sondheim, lyricist Sheldon Harnick, and director/choreographer Tommy Tune.
The Early Years: From Vaudeville to Broadway
The roots of the American musical can be traced back to the vaudeville era of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Vaudeville was a popular form of entertainment that featured a variety of acts, including singing, dancing, and comedy. Many of the early musical theatre stars, such as Al Jolson, Eddie Cantor, and Fanny Brice, got their start in vaudeville.
In the early 1900s, a new type of musical theatre began to emerge on Broadway. These shows were more elaborate than vaudeville productions and featured longer storylines, more complex characters, and more sophisticated music. Some of the most popular early Broadway musicals include The Black Crook (1866),The Mikado (1885),and Show Boat (1927).
The Golden Age: From Oklahoma! to My Fair Lady
The golden age of musical theatre is generally considered to have begun with the opening of Oklahoma! in 1943. This groundbreaking musical, with music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, featured a fully integrated book, music, and dance score that told a compelling story about life in the American West.
Oklahoma! was a huge success and helped to usher in a new era of musical theatre. During the golden age, Broadway was home to some of the most iconic musicals ever written, including South Pacific (1949),The King and I (1951),and My Fair Lady (1956).
The Modern Era: From Hair to Hamilton
The modern era of musical theatre is characterized by a wide variety of styles and genres. Some of the most popular modern musicals include Hair (1967),A Chorus Line (1975),and The Phantom of the Opera (1986).
In recent years, Broadway has seen a resurgence of interest in historical musicals. One of the most successful examples of this trend is Hamilton (2015),which tells the story of the American founding father Alexander Hamilton. Hamilton has been praised for its innovative use of hip-hop and R&B music, as well as its groundbreaking portrayal of American history.
The Legacy of the American Musical
The American musical has had a profound impact on American culture. It has helped to shape our understanding of ourselves as a nation and has provided us with some of our most cherished songs and stories. The American musical is a vibrant and dynamic art form that continues to evolve and entertain audiences around the world.
Interviews with Influential Figures
In addition to providing a comprehensive history of the American musical, The Making of an American Musical, Revised and Expanded Edition also includes in-depth interviews with influential figures in the field. These interviews offer unique insights into the creative process and the challenges and rewards of working in musical theatre.
Some of the interviews featured in the book include:
- Stephen Sondheim, composer/lyricist
- Sheldon Harnick, lyricist
- Tommy Tune, director/choreographer
- Audra McDonald, actress/singer
- Lin-Manuel Miranda, composer/lyricist/actor
The Making of an American Musical, Revised and Expanded Edition is the definitive history of the American musical. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves musical theatre or who wants to learn more about this uniquely American art form.
4.2 out of 5
Language | : | English |
File size | : | 26047 KB |
Text-to-Speech | : | Enabled |
Screen Reader | : | Supported |
Enhanced typesetting | : | Enabled |
Print length | : | 330 pages |
Lending | : | Enabled |
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4.2 out of 5
Language | : | English |
File size | : | 26047 KB |
Text-to-Speech | : | Enabled |
Screen Reader | : | Supported |
Enhanced typesetting | : | Enabled |
Print length | : | 330 pages |
Lending | : | Enabled |