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The Cambridge Companion to the Musical: A Comprehensive Guide to the World of Musical Theatre

Ezekiel Cox

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Published in The Cambridge Companion To The Musical (Cambridge Companions To Music)

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The Cambridge Companion to the Musical, edited by William A. Everett and Paul R. Laird, is an in-depth exploration of the world of musical theatre. This comprehensive guide covers the history of musical theatre, its various genres, and the composers, lyricists, performers, and productions that have shaped its development. The book is an essential resource for anyone interested in musical theatre, from students and scholars to enthusiasts and professionals.

History of Musical Theatre

The history of musical theatre can be traced back to the ancient Greeks, who combined music and drama in their theatrical productions. In the Middle Ages, liturgical dramas were performed in churches, and these gradually evolved into secular plays that incorporated music. By the 18th century, musical theatre had become a popular form of entertainment in Europe, and it was soon exported to the United States.

The Cambridge Companion to the Musical (Cambridge Companions to Music)

by by Robert M Roetker

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	14488 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	491 pages

In the 19th century, musical theatre underwent a number of significant changes. The development of new technologies, such as gas lighting and electric amplification, allowed for more elaborate productions. The rise of mass media, such as newspapers and radio, helped to promote musical theatre to a wider audience. And the growth of cities led to the creation of new theatres and production companies.

In the 20th century, musical theatre continued to evolve, with the emergence of new genres, such as jazz and rock musicals. The development of sound recording and film also had a major impact on the industry. Today, musical theatre is a global phenomenon, with productions being staged in countries all over the world.

Genres of Musical Theatre

There are many different genres of musical theatre, each with its own unique characteristics. Some of the most common genres include:

Operetta: A light-hearted musical comedy with spoken dialogue and arias.
Musical comedy: A comedy with music and dance, typically featuring a happy ending.
Revue: A collection of songs, sketches, and dances, often with a satirical or topical theme.
Jazz musical: A musical with a jazz score, typically featuring improvisation and dance.
Rock musical: A musical with a rock score, typically featuring electric guitars and drums.

Composers and Lyricists

Some of the most famous composers and lyricists of musical theatre include:

Richard Rodgers: Composer of such classics as Oklahoma!, South Pacific, and The Sound of Music.
Oscar Hammerstein II: Lyricist of such classics as Oklahoma!, South Pacific, and The Sound of Music.
Stephen Sondheim: Composer and lyricist of such classics as West Side Story, Sweeney Todd, and Into the Woods.
Andrew Lloyd Webber: Composer of such classics as Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, and Cats.
Tim Rice: Lyricist of such classics as Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, and The Lion King.

Performers

Some of the most famous performers of musical theatre include:

Julie Andrews: Starred in such classics as My Fair Lady, The Sound of Music, and Mary Poppins.
Barbra Streisand: Starred in such classics as Funny Girl, Hello, Dolly!, and A Star Is Born.
Patti LuPone: Starred in such classics as Evita, Sweeney Todd, and Company.
Hugh Jackman: Starred in such classics as Oklahoma!, The Boy from Oz, and Les Misérables.
Audra McDonald: Starred in such classics as Porgy and Bess, Ragtime, and Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill.

Productions

Some of the most famous productions of musical theatre include:

Oklahoma! (1943): The first musical to be considered a "modern" musical.
South Pacific (1949): A Pulitzer Prize-winning musical about love and prejudice during World War II.
The Sound of Music (1959): A beloved musical about a family of singers in Austria.
West Side Story (1957): A modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet set in New York City.
Les Misérables (1985): A musical based on the novel by Victor Hugo, set during the French Revolution.

The Cambridge Companion to the Musical is an essential resource for anyone interested in musical theatre. This comprehensive guide covers the history of musical theatre, its various genres, and the composers, lyricists, performers, and productions that have shaped its development. The book is a must-read for students and scholars, and it is also a valuable resource for enthusiasts and professionals.

The Cambridge Companion to the Musical (Cambridge Companions to Music)

by by Robert M Roetker

4.2 out of 5