Encyclopedia of the Musical Theatre (Da Capo Paperback)

By Stanley Green

Book Overview

Drawing equally from Viennese operetta, Parisian cabaret, vaudeville, and Tin Pan Alley, the American musical theatre has thrived in an unprecedented variety of forms and styles as our truest hybrid art. From Show Boat and Oklahoma to West Side Story, Fiddler on the Roof, and A Chorus Line, the musical has attracted our finest actors, composers, writers, directors, and choreographers. The greats and near-greats are finally brought together in this essential reference guide to over 2,000 personalities, productions, and songs of the musical theatre in both New York and London from the late nineteenth century right up to Sweeney Todd and Evita. Scholars, professionals, critics, and devoted fans alike will find a wealth of fascinating information on the backgrounds, plots, casts, scores, and credits of the leading musicals; biographies of their artists; and complete lists of Broadway, off-Broadway, and London productions, long runs, and awards. With a complete bibliography and discography.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0306801132
• ISBN13: 9780306801136
• Release Date: March 1980
• Publisher: Da Capo
• Length: 516 Pages
• Weight: 1.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 5.8" x 9.4"

Customer Reviews

Lots of information presented in a great format

I absolutely love all things Broadway, so I ordered this and waited excitedly for it to come in. When it came, I sat and read through it for about two hours. There is a ton of information that is presented in an easy-to-read fashion. There are great photos and little known facts that make this totally worth the money!

THE Essential Resource on Musical Theatre History

This book is a must-have for people who work in, study, or love the musical theatre. When did a particular musical open? Who wrote it, and what else did he/she work on? What was the chronology of a performer or director's stage career? Were there revivals, London productions, tours? Who starred in a given production? While there are many books that can help find such information, no other book does it as efficiently. As a Broadway producer's assistant and as a life-long theatre buff, I have found this one-volume Encyclopedia a vital source of information. While all of Stanley Green's books are informative and entertaining, this is the one I turn to when I need the facts or figures fast. If musical theatre trivia is your bag, this is one of the motherlodes --I recommend it highly!