Race, Sexuality, and Gender and the Musical Screen Adaptation: An Oxford Handbook of Musical Theatre Screen Adaptations, Volume 2

The film musical reached its early peak in the 1920s with the advent of sound, thanks to the opportunity to synchronize moving pictures with a soundtrack. It enjoyed around thirty years of development until the 1960s, with landmarks such as The Wizard of Oz, Meet Me in St. Louis, Singin' in the Rain, and Gigi showcasing the exciting possibilities of putting musicals on the silver screen. Volume II: Race, Sexuality, and Gender and the Musical Screen Adaptation, focuses on how the genre of the stage-to-screen musical has evolved, particularly focusing on issues of race, gender, and sexuality. Enduringly popular adaptations such as Kiss Me, Kate and Pal Joey are considered through the lens of identity, while several chapters consider how different adaptations of the same stage musical reflect shifting historical contexts. Together, the chapters incite lively debates about the process of adapting Broadway for the big screen and provide models for future studies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 424 pages
Publication date: 17 April 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

The advent of sound in Hollywood in the 1920s marked a significant milestone in the film musical genre, building upon the immense popularity of The Jazz Singer. The ability to synchronize moving images with a soundtrack perfectly complemented the musical, as the vibrant combination of song and dance drew attention to the groundbreaking technological advancement. This period of the film musical's evolution lasted for approximately thirty years, during which time landmark films such as The Wizard of Oz, Meet Me in St. Louis, Singin' in the Rain, and Gigi showcased the immense potential of bringing musicals to the silver screen.

In the second of three volumes, titled "Race, Sexuality, and Gender and the Musical Screen Adaptation: An Oxford Handbook," the authors delve into the intricate evolution of the stage-to-screen musical genre. They specifically focus on issues of race, gender, and sexuality, providing a comprehensive examination of the adaptations that have shaped the genre over time. The chapters in this volume explore enduringly popular adaptations like Kiss Me, Kate and Pal Joey through the lens of identity, while also examining how different adaptations of the same stage musical reflect shifting historical contexts. Through their insightful analysis, the chapters ignite lively debates about the process of adapting Broadway for the big screen and offer valuable models for future studies.

Volume I: The Politics of the Musical Theatre Screen Adaptation

In this introductory volume, the authors explore the political dimensions of the musical theatre screen adaptation. They examine the power dynamics at play, the challenges faced by filmmakers, and the ways in which adaptations can challenge or reinforce societal norms and expectations. The chapters in this volume provide a foundational understanding of the political context within which musical theatre adaptations are created and offer insights into the ways in which they can contribute to social change.

Volume II: Race, Sexuality, and Gender and the Musical Screen Adaptation

In this volume, the authors delve deeper into the intersection of race, sexuality, and gender in musical theatre screen adaptations. They explore how these themes are represented, interpreted, and challenged in the adaptations, and how they contribute to the broader discourse on identity and representation. The chapters in this volume offer valuable insights into the ways in which musical theatre adaptations can challenge stereotypes, promote inclusivity, and promote diversity.

Volume III: Stars, Studios, and the Musical Theatre Screen Adaptation

In this final volume, the authors examine the role of stars, studios, and the musical theatre screen adaptation in shaping the genre. They explore the impact of celebrity culture on the adaptations, the influence of studio systems on the production process, and the ways in which these factors contribute to the commercial success and cultural significance of musical theatre screen adaptations. The chapters in this volume offer valuable insights into the industry-specific aspects of the musical theatre screen adaptation and provide a roadmap for future scholars and practitioners.

In conclusion, the film musical genre experienced a remarkable transformation with the advent of sound in Hollywood in the 1920s. This period of evolution saw the genre reach its early peak, with landmark films showcasing the immense potential of bringing musicals to the silver screen. The subsequent volumes in this handbook series provide a comprehensive examination of the genre's evolution, focusing on issues of race, sexuality, and gender and the process of adapting Broadway for the big screen. Through their insightful analysis, the chapters ignite lively debates about the process of adapting Broadway for the big screen and offer valuable models for future studies. The film musical genre continues to evolve and adapt to new technologies and cultural contexts, making it an exciting and dynamic field for research and analysis.

Weight: 376g
Dimension: 139 x 210 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197663226