The Politics of the Musical Theatre Screen Adaptation: An Oxford Handbook of Musical Theatre Screen Adaptations

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, with landmarks such as The Wizard of Oz, Meet Me in St. Louis, Singin' in the Rain, and Gigi showing the exciting possibilities of putting musicals on the silver screen. The first of three volumes, The Politics of the Musical Theatre Screen Adaptation: An Oxford Handbook, explores how the genre of the stage-to-screen musical has evolved, starting with early screen adaptations such as the Fred Astaire-Ginger Rogers movie Roberta and working through to Into the Woods (2014).

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 424 pages
Publication date: 03 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, following the immense popularity of The Jazz Singer. The ability to synchronize moving images with a soundtrack perfectly complemented the musical, as the vibrant experience of song and dance drew attention to the groundbreaking technological advancement. The film musical experienced a remarkable thirty-year development streak, with iconic landmarks such as The Wizard of Oz, Meet Me in St. Louis, Singin' in the Rain, and Gigi showcasing the endless possibilities of bringing musicals to the silver screen.

The first of three volumes, titled "The Politics of the Musical Theatre Screen Adaptation: An Oxford Handbook," delves into the evolution of the stage-to-screen musical genre. It begins with early screen adaptations like the Fred Astaire-Ginger Rogers movie "Roberta," and proceeds to explore works such as "Into the Woods" (2014). Within these chapters, specific screen adaptations are examined in depth, while others address broader issues such as realism or the politics of adaptation in films like "Li'l Abner" and "Finian's Rainbow." Collectively, the chapters ignite lively discussions 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 provide a comprehensive overview of the historical context, theoretical frameworks, and critical approaches employed in studying musical theatre screen adaptations. They explore the challenges and opportunities inherent in translating stage performances to the visual medium, examining the impact of technological advancements, cultural influences, and artistic choices on the adaptation process. The chapters also shed light on the role of screenwriters, directors, performers, and audiences in shaping the success and reception of musical theatre screen adaptations.

Volume II: "Race, Sexuality, and Gender and the Musical Screen Adaptation"
This volume delves into the complex issues of representation, identity, and power dynamics in musical theatre screen adaptations. It examines how musicals have been used to challenge and subvert traditional gender roles, explore racial and ethnic identities, and address issues of sexuality and gender identity. The authors analyze how musicals negotiate the intersection of race, sexuality, and gender in a way that is both authentic and relevant to contemporary audiences. They also explore the impact of these adaptations on the broader cultural landscape and the potential for social change.

Volume III: "Stars, Studios, and the Musical Theatre Screen Adaptation"
In this final volume, the authors focus on the economic, institutional, and cultural factors that shape the production and distribution of musical theatre screen adaptations. They examine the role of stars, studios, and production companies in the development and marketing of musicals, as well as the impact of these relationships on the creative process and the final product. The chapters also explore the historical and contemporary trends in musical theatre screen adaptation, including the rise.

In conclusion, the three volumes of "The Politics of the Musical Theatre Screen Adaptation: An Oxford Handbook" offer a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of the film musical genre. By examining the evolution, representation, and reception of musical theatre screen adaptations, the authors provide valuable insights into the complex interplay between stage performances, visual media, and cultural contexts. These volumes will be of interest to scholars, students, and enthusiasts of musical theatre, film studies, and cultural studies, as they contribute to our understanding of the enduring power and relevance of the musical on the silver screen.

Weight: 504g
Dimension: 211 x 141 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197649398