The Musical: A Look at the American Musical Theater (Applause Books) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is good introductory reading for high school students who are seriously interested in theater.A wonderful yet solid history of theAmerican theater occupies the front half of the book, but historicalthreads are found throughout.There is an insightful chapter on Sondheimand his creative processes. The section entitled "Elements of MusicalTheater" is at times tedious reading, but informative.Kislan's"Problems and Issues"(what's wrong with the present Broadwayscene)is an eye-opener. Some drawbacks:Much has happened to the theatersince this 1995 edition. I would love an updated third edition. Many of themusical examples mentioned are in every theater-lover's listening library,but a new edition should include an accompanying recording(or at the veryleast a CD and/or video guide).This would be particularly helpful withregard to very early 20th century musical theater. Also, there are manywonderful musicals, composers & lyricists, and librettists who are noteven referenced(Loesser,{Guys & Dolls is mentioned}Comden/Green,Schwartz{Pippin's there, too} to name a few).Surely their contributionsare significant.My students have enough savvy to catch these omissions. They'll want to know why.Still in all, this is a good textbook for ouryouth.

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Musical: A Look at the American Musical Theater (Applause Books)

Product Description:
This revised and expanded edition of Kislan's acclaimed study of America's musical theater includes a new section on "Recent Musical Theater: Issues and Problems." "The ancient union of drama and song, known as musical theater, comes in many forms - vaudeville, burlesque, comic opera, minstrels, etc. The author reviews these and other highlights of American musicals ... with a fascinating background on the elements that contribute to the success of a Showboat." - King Features * "Worth study by anyone who still thinks that the musical is a collection of songs." - The Stage

Get 32% OFF

Want to read more honest consumer review about The Musical: A Look at the American Musical Theater (Applause Books) now ?