Description
Book SynopsisMusical Theatre: A History is a new revised edition of a proven core text for college and secondary school students and an insightful and accessible celebration of twenty-five centuries of great theatrical entertainment. As an educator with extensive experience in professional theatre production, author John Kenrick approaches the subject with a unique appreciation of musicals as both an art form and a business. Using anecdotes, biographical profiles, clear definitions, sample scenes and select illustrations, Kenrick focuses on landmark musicals, and on the extraordinary talents and business innovators who have helped musical theatre evolve from its roots in the dramas of ancient Athens all the way to the latest hits on Broadway and London's West End. Key improvements to the second edition: A new foreword by Oscar Hammerstein III, a critically acclaimed historian and member of a family with deep ties to the musical theatre, is included The 28 chapter
Trade ReviewKenrick demonstrates his considerable knowledge in this enjoyable, well-written volume . . . Specific examples about particular performers (e.g., Al Jolson) and shows (e.g., Franz Lehar's Merry Widow) enliven the text . . . A section of photos, most not the usual views, is a modest addition. In place of references, the author lists titles cited in a useful annotated bibliography. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty and professionals; general readers. * Choice *
A comprehensive history of stage musicals . . . As informative as it is entertaining,
Musical Theatre is richly illustrated with anecdotes of shows * The Pass *
This eminently readable account delivers from curtain up … The text is supplemented by some wonderful archive photos which bring the productions discussed to life. The extensive bibliography is very useful and includes reference to online resources … An informed and entertaining survey of Musical Theatre which will appeal to both the novice and the knowledgeable. * Drama Magazine *
Table of ContentsForeword by Oscar Hammerstein III (Author of
The Hammersteins) Introduction: “Let’s Start at the Very Beginning” Chapter 1: Ancient Times to 1800 – “Playgoers, I Bid You Welcome!” Chapter Two: Continental Operetta (1840 – 1900) – “Typical of France” Chapter 3: Music Halls and Minstrel Shows: When Ribaldry and Racism Sang and Danced Chapter 3: “The Music of Something Beginning” – American Explorations (1624-1890) Chapter 5: Object All Sublime - Gilbert & Sullivan (1880-1900) Chapter 6: Vaudeville and Burlesque - From Small Time to Big Time Chapter 7: The Merry Widow - Refusing to Say “I Love You” Chapter 10 – A New Century: Herbert, Cohan & Berlin (1900-1913) Chapter 9: Florenz Ziegfeld – The
Follies and Beyond Chapter 12: Jerome Kern and American Ascendance (1914-1919)
0> Chapter 11: Career in Profile – Al Jolson Chapter 12: The 1920s - Part I Chapter 12: The 1920s Part II Chapter 14: Depression Era Miracles (1930-1939) Chapter 10: Rodgers & Hammerstein – A New Beginning (1940-1960) Chapter 17 – After
Oklahoma (post-1943) 1 Chapter 17: Anatomy of a Hit – My Fair Lady (1956) Chapter 18: Career in Profile – Ethel Merman Chapter 19: Abbott, Robbins & Fosse (1950-1963) Chapter 20: More Golden Age Musicals - (1950s-1960s) Chapter 21: The 1960s – “The Parade Passes By” Chapter 22: 1970s Part I - Sondheim & Prince Chapter 12: The 1970s – “You Gotta Hang on till Tomorrow” (1970-1979) Chapter 24: The 1980s – “And the Wind Begins to Moan” Chapter 25: The 1990s - “The American Dream” Chapter 26: The 2000s – “Where Did We Go Right?” Chapter 27: The 2010s - Tourists Reign Supreme Chapter 28: The Future Glossary Annotated Bibliography
