A Critical Companion to the American Stage Musical

by Elizabeth L. Wollman, Kevin J. Wetmore Jr. (Editor), Patrick Lonergan (Editor)

This Critical Companion to the American Stage Musical provides the perfect introductory text for students of theatre, music and cultural studies. It traces the history and development of the industry and art form in America with a particular focus on its artistic and commercial development in New York City from the early 20th century to the present. Emphasis is placed on commercial, artistic and cultural events that influenced the Broadway musical for an ever-renewing, increasingly broad and diverse the Gilded Age, the Great Depression, the World War II era, the British invasion in the 1980s and the media age at the turn of the twenty-first century.

Supplementary essays by leading scholars provide detailed focus on the American musical's production and preservation, as well as its influence on daily life on the local, national, and international levels. For students, these essays provide models of varying approaches and interpretation, equipping them with the skills and understanding to develop their own analysis of key productions.

312 pages, Hardcover

Published September 21, 2017

About the author

Elizabeth Lara Wollman

Reviews

[soup · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a generally good overview of the history of the American stage musical, however most of the historical weight is in the 1800s-1930s. After that it becomes less and less detailed in the actual history. For example there’s a good 30 pages about the Great Depression and musicals from that era, and only like 3 on the modern musical (2000-2010s). The critical perspective pieces at the end were a mixed bag, some were very interesting (like the musical culture internationally) while others were very bland, or out of touch/out of place; such as the paper on how to examine a musical (literally has advice like “listen to the lyrics”. No shit Sherlock) or the one on community theater. Overall it’s a good book, but I didn’t feel like I learned a ton of new information.

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-researched book that provides an excellent overview of a history of the American musical and putting the dramatic form into its historical, social, and cultural context. Written in an easily accessible style, this book is great for those interested in reading more about the form and advanced high school students or undergraduate theater students. Graduate students would find this useful as a quick overview.

[Sanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very helpful and interesting, easy to read introduction to the American musical.

[Mills College Library]

792.60973 W864 2017