This book traces the origins of music theatre from its 18th century European roots through its transformation in 19th century America, and its relation to American popular forms of entertainment as the minstrel show, burlesque and the revue. The flowering of the true musical comedy is documented, as represented by the Princess Musical of Jerome Kern and P G Wodehouse, which then gave birth to the first enduring masterpieces of American music drama -- Kern and Hammerstein's 'Show Boat'. Includes section on Stephen Sondheim, Andrew Lloyd Webber and the development of music theatre through the sixties and beyond.
- ISBN10 1905287208
- ISBN13 9781905287208
- Publish Date 30 March 2006
- Publish Status Out of Print
- Out of Print 18 August 2010
- Publish Country GB
- Imprint Reynolds & Hearn Ltd
- Format Paperback
- Pages 224
- Language English