Description
Book SynopsisA rich history of American theater, Timothy White's Blue-Collar Broadway tells the story of the people who created costumes, shoes, scenery, lights, and props. From the 1880s to the 1990s, White explores the shifting centers of theatrical craft and their impact on the nation and the iconic New York City district of Times Square.
Trade Review"Straddling the bustling intersection where urban studies, business history, and theater studies converge, Timothy R. White's engaging study focuses on the theater-related business clustered around Times Square . . . To his enormous credit, White carefully links his analysis of the theater industry to what was happening on the streets around Times Square at specific historical moments." *
Journal of American History *
"The story of urban de-industrialization is frequently told. Rarely conveyed, however, is the effect that process had had on theatre making. With
Blue-Collar Broadway, [Timothy R.] White goes a long way toward rectifying this omission. Thus, his fine book should find a receptive audience with those who are interested in the intersection of American theatre history, American studies, and entertainment-industry studies." *
Modern Drama *
"Times Square and the Broadway theater district are world famous for bright lights, dense crowds, and long-running plays. Less well-known is the story of scenery, set design, costumes, and lights, activities once concentrated in the craft shops and rehearsal studios in Manhattan and now dispersed to the hinterlands.
Blue-Collar Broadway is the fascinating backstage story of the history and evolution of theater craft and a compelling call for the recognition and preservation of its artistry." * Kenneth T. Jackson, editor of
The Encyclopedia of New York City *
"
Blue-Collar Broadway identifies hundreds of costumers, carpenters, lighting riggers, and craftspeople who worked for commercial Broadway theater over a 130-year period and analyzes the shifting social, economic, and cultural factors that pushed these workers out of the Times Square theater district. This is a remarkable achievement." * Marlis Schweitzer, York University *
"[Timothy R.] White meticulously details the economic impact on the people, industry, and culture responsible for creating theatrical spectacle, making a persuasive plea for acknowledgement of the importance of their theatrical contributions. Highly recommended." *
Choice *
"Certainly any fan of theater history, economics, the patterns of urban New York City or general urban history will find is meticulous research stimulating. Blue-Collar Broadway is appealing for its sincere and thorough attention to a key, little-known industry." *
Shelf Awareness *
Table of ContentsIntroduction
Chapter 1. "Second-Hand Rose": The Stage Before the Broadway Brand
Chapter 2. "A Factory for Making Plays": Broadway's Industrial District
Chapter 3. "Sing for Your Supper": Theater-Related Craft Work in Radio, Film, and Television
Chapter 4. "Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'": Show Construction at Midcentury
Chapter 5. "Sunrise, Sunset": The Decline of Broadway Craft and the Rise of Regional Theaters
Chapter 6. "Every Day a Little Death": Times Square After the Collapse of a Theatrical Production Center
Chapter 7. "When the Money Keeps Rolling in You Don't Ask How": Broadway Craft in a Globalized Industry
Notes
Index
Acknowledgments
