Selected Musical Plays by Noel Coward: A Critical Anthology: This Year of Grace; Bitter Sweet; Words and Music; Pacific 1860; Ace of Clubs; Sail Away; The Girl Who Came to Supper

Noël Coward's contributions to British musical theatre have been overlooked, but this anthology showcases his adaptability, creativity, and diverse styles. It includes previously unpublished musical plays, providing a critical introduction to his work and its lasting influence on the wider world of the British musical.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 552 pages
Publication date: 22 September 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Noël Coward, a multi-talented artist known for his work as a playwright, songwriter, and actor, has garnered widespread acclaim for his contributions to the British theatrical scene. However, his significant contributions to the British musical have often been overlooked or overshadowed.
To address this gap in the musical theatre landscape, Selected Musical Plays by Noël Coward: A Critical Anthology emerges as a groundbreaking publication. This anthology showcases Coward's remarkable adaptability, creativity, and diverse range of styles, which have left an indelible mark on the world of musicals. From his early flop shows at Drury Lane with the legendary Mary Martin to his triumphant Broadway hits featuring the iconic Elaine Stritch, Coward's work spans a wide spectrum of genres, including revue, musical comedy, and operetta.
The works included in this volume provide a contemporary critical introduction that delves into the breadth and depth of Coward's artistic output. It highlights the diverse identities of the collaborators and performers with whom he worked, shedding light on the social and cultural contexts that shaped his creations. Despite the varying styles employed in these works, Coward's creative thread runs through them all, weaving together sharp observations of his social world with witty banter and clever dialogue.
Selected Musical Plays by Noël Coward serves as a timely portrait of Coward's oeuvre and its enduring influence on the broader world of British musicals. This collection includes previously unpublished musical plays by a central figure in theatre history, meticulously curated and accompanied by comprehensive critical apparatus designed to cater to students, scholars, and fans alike. By exploring the rich tapestry of Coward's musical contributions, this anthology offers a deeper understanding of his artistic genius and his lasting impact on the theatrical landscape.

Weight: 860g
Dimension: 157 x 234 x 48 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350234680