American Musical Theater [Paperback]

American Musical Theaterprovides a chronological history of musical theater within a cultural context. Covering the major artistic trends, seminal works, and leading figures in the field, the text uses case study musicals in each chapter as a lens through which to explore themes and developments in the evolution of musical theater over time. In addition to exposing students to the musical theater canon, author James Leve encourages them to think across the disciplines, drawing on their knowledge of music, literature, popular culture, and history. For anyone from diehard musical theater fans to novices to the style,American Musical Theateroffers a definitive guide to this inherently American art form.

Preface
Acknowledgements

1.Oklahoma!and the Integrated Book Musical
Overview
Integration Theory
Rodgers and Hammerstein
The Evolution ofOklahoma!
The Artistic Components
Plot ofOklahoma!
Interpretation
Epilogue
And Bear in Mind (Kiss Me, Kate)

2. Musical Theater in Nineteenth-Century America
Plot-Centered Genres
Variety-Show Formats
Conclusion

3. Broadway at the Turn of the Century
Musical Comedy
Plot ofLittle Jimmy Jones
Operetta
Revue
And Bear in Mind (The Chocolate Soldier)

4. The Teens
Princess Theatre Musicals
Plot ofVery Good Eddie
Beyond the Princess Theatre
And Bear in Mind (Naughty Marietta)

5. The Twenties
The Cinderella Musicals
Other Musical Comedies
The Operetta Revival
Show Boat
Plot of Show Boat
After Show Boat
And Bear in Mind (No, No, Nanette)

6. The Thirties
Cole Porter
Plot ofAnything Goes
Satirical Musicals Comedies and Revues in the Thirties
Plot ofThelC3