The Making of an American Musical, Revised and Expanded Edition: Broadway Legacies

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.