The Complete Book of 1900s Broadway Musicals

George M. Cohan and his quintessentially American musical comedies were popular in the 1900s, but waltz-driven operettas became popular with the arrival of The Merry Widow in 1907. Dan Dietz's The Complete Book of 1900s Broadway Musicals surveys every single book musical that opened during the decade, providing a plot summary, cast members, creative team, song lists, opening and closing dates, number of performances, and critical commentary. Numerous appendixes include a chronology of book musicals by season, a chronology of revues, a selected discography, filmography, published scripts, Black musicals, long and short runs, and musicals based on comic strips.

Format: Hardback
Length: 662 pages
Publication date: 28 July 2022
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

The 1900s were a vibrant era on Broadway, marked by the emergence of George M. Cohan and his iconic musical comedies. These shows featured contemporary American stories, accompanied by ragtime-inspired songs and a playful take on musical comedy conventions. However, a new trend emerged when The Merry Widow, an Austrian import, premiered in 1907. Waltz-driven operettas gained immense popularity, captivating audiences with their graceful melodies and romantic narratives.

In his comprehensive work, The Complete Book of 1900s Broadway Musicals, Dan Dietz delves into every single book musical that graced the stages during this decade. Each musical is given its own dedicated entry, encompassing a wealth of information. The entry includes a plot summary, a comprehensive cast list, details about the creative team, song lists, opening and closing dates, the number of performances, and critical commentary. Additionally, when applicable, the book includes information about film adaptations, recordings, and published scripts.

Numerous appendixes in the book provide valuable insights into the world of 1900s Broadway musicals. These include a chronology of book musicals by season, a chronology of revues, a chronology of revivals of Gilbert and Sullivan operettas, a selected discography, a filmography, published scripts, Black musicals, long and short runs, and musicals based on comic strips. This book serves as an invaluable and significant resource for scholars, historians, and fans of Broadway musicals, offering a comprehensive and detailed exploration of this remarkable era.

Dimension: 279 x 216 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538168936