Milestones in Musical Theatre

This book provides an overview of the development of musical theatre, including ten key moments. It is aimed at undergraduate students studying musical theatre and is inclusive, diverse, and global in approach.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Here is the rephrased text:
Musical theatre has a rich and evolving history, with numerous pivotal moments that have shaped its development across Broadway, the West End, and beyond. This comprehensive guide aims to provide an overview of ten of the most significant and influential moments in the history of musical theatre.

Designed specifically for undergraduate students pursuing degrees in BA and BFA Musical Theatre, as well as those studying BA Theatre Studies and Performing Arts, this guide takes a deliberately inclusive, diverse, and global approach. It encompasses a wide range of musical styles, periods, and cultures, making it an ideal resource for today's musical theatre course.

The evolution of musical theatre can be traced back to the early 19th century, with the emergence of popular melodramas and vaudeville shows. These performances combined music, dance, and drama to create a new form of entertainment that captivated audiences. However, it was the arrival of Rodgers and Hammerstein in the mid-20th century that truly revolutionized musical theatre.

Their groundbreaking works such as Oklahoma! (1943), The Sound of Music (1959), and South Pacific (1949) introduced a new level of sophistication and complexity to the genre. These musicals featured intricate score, memorable songs, and complex characters, and they paved the way for future generations of musical theatre composers and performers.

In the 1960s and 1970s, musical theatre saw a surge in popularity with the emergence of rock musicals such as Hair (1967) and Jesus Christ Superstar (1971). These shows fused rock music with traditional Broadway storytelling, and they challenged the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in musical theatre. They also paved the way for the development of more experimental and avant-garde styles of musical theatre.

In the 1980s and 1990s, musical theatre continued to evolve with the emergence of new technologies and styles. The rise of Disney Theatrical Productions brought a new level of spectacle and fantasy to the genre, with shows such as The Lion King (1997) and Beauty and the Beast (1991) becoming global sensations. Meanwhile, the emergence of Broadway revivals and off-Broadway productions allowed for the re-discovery and revival of classic musicals, such as My Fair Lady (1956) and West Side Story (1957).

In recent years, musical theatre has continued to push the boundaries of what is possible in the genre. Shows such as Hamilton (2015) and Dear Evan Hansen (2017) have broken records and received critical acclaim for their innovative storytelling, diverse casting, and use of technology. These shows have also challenged traditional notions of what it means to be a musical theatre performer and have opened up new opportunities for artists of all backgrounds and identities.

In conclusion, the development of musical theatre has been a rich and complex journey, with numerous pivotal moments that have shaped its evolution across Broadway, the West End, and beyond. From the early melodramas and vaudeville shows of the 19th century to the groundbreaking works of Rodgers and Hammerstein, the rock musicals of the 1960s and 1970s, the technological advancements of the 1980s and 1990s, and the innovative shows of today, musical theatre has continued to evolve and adapt to the changing world around it. Whether you are a student of musical theatre or simply a lover of the genre, there is much to appreciate and explore in this dynamic and ever-evolving art form.

Weight: 290g
Dimension: 139 x 217 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032188263