A History of the American Musical Theatre: No Business Like It
- ISBN-10
- 1317912055
- ISBN-13
- 9781317912057
- Category
- History
- Pages
- 268
- Language
- English
- Published
- 2014-06-27
- Publisher
- Routledge
- Author
- Nathan Hurwitz
Description
From the diverse proto-theatres of the mid-1800s, though the revues of the ‘20s, the ‘true musicals’ of the ‘40s, the politicisation of the ‘60s and the ‘mega-musicals’ of the ‘80s, every era in American musical theatre reflected a unique set of socio-cultural factors. Nathan Hurwitz uses these factors to explain the output of each decade in turn, showing how the most popular productions spoke directly to the audiences of the time. He explores the function of musical theatre as commerce, tying each big success to the social and economic realities in which it flourished. This study spans from the earliest spectacles and minstrel shows to contemporary musicals such as Avenue Q and Spiderman. It traces the trends of this most commercial of art forms from the perspective of its audiences, explaining how staying in touch with writers and producers strove to stay in touch with these changing moods. Each chapter deals with a specific decade, introducing the main players, the key productions and the major developments in musical theatre during that period.
Get the book
Other editions
Similar books
-
Anything Goes: A History of American Musical Theatre
By Ethan MorddenOffers a history of American musical theater from the 1920s through to the 1970s, and includes such famous works as "Oklahoma!," "The Red Mill," and "Porgy and Bess."
-
Our Musicals, Ourselves: A Social History of the American Musical Theatre
By John Bush JonesThreepenny opened offBroadway at the Theatre deLys on March 10, 1954, foran advertised limited run, closing on May 30 after ninety sixperformances. But withtheTimes's Brooks Atkinson leading the pack, press and publicalike letout ahowl ...
-
American Musical Theatre: A Chronicle
By Gerald Martin Bordman, Richard Norton, Gerald Bordman... Barry, 851, 882 Hundley, John, 502, 505 Hunt, Ida Brooks, 287, 297 Hunter, Eddie, 430 Hunter, Glenn, 505 Hunter, ... 316, 343 Intropodi, Ethel, 491 Irby-Ranniar, Scott, 820 Irons, Jeremy, 843 Irving, George S., 632, 665, 691, 745, ...
-
The Secret Life of the American Musical: How Broadway Shows Are Built
By Jack ViertelIn The Secret Life of the American Musical, Jack Viertel takes them apart, puts them back together, sings their praises, marvels at their unflagging inventiveness, and occasionally despairs over their more embarrassing shortcomings.
-
Musical Theatre: A History
By John KenrickAs she descends Higgins's staircase in a sumptuous ball gown, she has clearly become a lady. Higgins begins to exit, then turns and offers Eliza his arm—which a true lady deserves. This scene is also completely Lerner's, and gives the ...
-
The American Musical: History & Development
By Peter RiddleThe American Musical: History & Development traces the origins of music theatre from its 18th century European roots to the present. Highlights include: exploration of the minstrel show,...
-
Better Foot Forward: The History of American Musical Theatre
By Ethan MorddenHistory of the American musical from the 1920's to the 1970's.
-
The Golden Age of American Musical Theatre: 1943-1965
By Corinne J. Naden... to why the show ran so long, although audiences loved it. 110 IN THE SHADE (October 24, 1963; Broadhurst Theatre; 330 performances) Production credits: Producer: David Merrick; Director: Joseph Anthony; Composer: Harvey 1 1 6 CHAPTER 4.
-
The American Musical and the Formation of National Identity
By Raymond KnappOn the Captain's return with his betrothed (the Baroness von Schroeder) and friend Max, he is initially angry at the children's apparent lack of discipline, but is then astonished at how well they sing, and soon joins them.
-
Broadway: The American Musical
By Laurence Maslon, Michael KantorPresents a history of the Broadway musical theater, including summaries of the shows, photographs of the stars, posters, sheet music, production stills, and essays by theater luminaries.