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Musical Theatre

A History
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( 150 ratings, 20 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Musical Theatre: A History offers a comprehensive exploration of musical theatre's evolution from ancient Greek dramas to modern Broadway and West End hits. Authored by John Kenrick, an educator and theatre professional, the book balances artistic appreciation with the commercial and production aspects of the genre. It features landmark musicals, key figures, anecdotes, biographical profiles, sample scenes, and select illustrations, enriched by a new foreword from historian Oscar Hammerstein III.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$4699
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

Ideal for university and secondary school students, educators planning courses, and general readers interested in musical theatre's history and cultural impact.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Musical Theatre: A History is a new revised edition of a proven core text for college and secondary school students – an insightful and accessible celebration of twenty-five centuries of great theatrical entertainment.

As an educator with extensive experience in professional theatre production, author John Kenrick approaches the subject with a unique appreciation of musicals as both an art form and a business. Using anecdotes, biographical profiles, clear definitions, sample scenes, and select illustrations, Kenrick focuses on landmark musicals and the extraordinary talents and business innovators who have helped musical theatre evolve from its roots in the dramas of ancient Athens all the way to the latest hits on Broadway and London’s West End.

Key improvements to the second edition:

  • A new foreword by Oscar Hammerstein III, a critically acclaimed historian and member of a family with deep ties to musical theatre, is included.
  • The 28 chapters are reformatted for the typical 14-week, 28-session academic course, as well as for a two-semester, once-weekly format, making it easy for educators to plan a syllabus and reading assignments.
  • To make the book more interactive, each chapter includes suggested listening and reading lists, designed to help readers step beyond the printed page to experience great musicals and performers for themselves.

A comprehensive guide to musical theatre as an international phenomenon, Musical Theatre: A History is an ideal textbook for university and secondary school students.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Critics praise Kenrick's extensive knowledge and engaging writing style, highlighting the book's informative and entertaining nature. Reviews commend its rich anecdotes, unique photographs, and useful annotated bibliography. Noted for appealing both to novices and experts, it effectively brings musical theatre history to life and serves as a valuable academic resource.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781474267007

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 27 July 2017

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Methuen Drama

Edition: 2nd edition

Illustration: 24 bw illus

Audience: Tertiary education

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 28.0mm

Width: 156.0mm

Height: 232.0mm

Weight: 589g

Pages: 352

About the Author

John Kenrick combines a passion for entertainment history with the practical know-how earned working on stage productions at every level from amateur to Broadway. This New York native pulls back the curtain and introduces audiences and students to the fascinating people behind show business legends. Every month, his website Musicals101.com introduces thousands of visitors to the history of stage and screen musicals. He has appeared on PBS, Biography, BBC TV and radio, National Public Radio and the Travel Channel. John currently teaches at the New School University and New York University’s Steinhardt School.

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