Overview

In the 1930s, Broadway's lights still burned brightly. Ethan Mordden completes his history of the Broadway musical by taking a look at this forgotten era. Shows like Anything Goes brought the glitter of Cole Porter and Merman's brass to the public. Innovations in dance were pioneered by Balanchine and others. Scenic advancements made Astaire's The Band Wagon move across the stage in novel ways. Gershwin's revolutionary Porgy and Bess entered the canon of American Classics. And The Cradle Will Rock and Johnny Johnson took the American political temperature. With his trademark wit and style, Ethan Mordden shines the spotlight on Broadway's forgotten decade.

Full Product Details

9780312239510

Table of Contents

Reviews

The Great Depression not only stifled the U.S. economy, it slowed down the innovation of the Broadway musical. Despite that, and despite the fact that this era left behind few remnants for future generations, master theater historian Mordden cobbles together a breezy but comprehensive sixth edition to his series (from the 1920s to the 1970s) on the Golden Age of the Broadway musical. While economic woes forced many producers to turn to seemingly safe star vehicles and extravagant revues, Mordden points out that some notable artists commanded attention. Cole Porter's bewitching music and witty lyrics shone in 1934's Anything Goes. The following year George and Ira Gershwin elevated the black musical to new heights with Porgy and Bess. Rodgers and Hart showed their versatility with such shows as On Your Toes and The Boys from Syracuse. Agnes de Mille and George Balanchine led the integration of dance into story. And The Band Wagon, starring Fred and Adele Astaire, was responsible for an innovative scenic design element, the double revolve, which sped up scenery changes and revolutionized the way musicals could be staged. Sure, the era may best be remembered for political musicals, ranging from Marc Blitzstein's The Cradle Will Rock to the jaunty satire Of Thee I Sing, but Mordden points out that these were just one dish in a gigantic buffet of musical styles. Mordden is an encyclopedia of knowledge about the Broadway musical. Fortunately, his information is so well organized and his conversational writing style so smooth that this tome never feels like a mere onslaught of facts. Those who are devoted to musical theater will love this comprehensive historical look, but those with only a passing interest may be overwhelmed. -- Publishers Weekly Ever the enthusiastic aficionado, Mordden ferrets out the fascinating moments and important details of this period...invaluable... -- Booklist Mordden is] masterful at his description and analysis...and also excels at delineating the the contrasting styles and personalities [of] Broadway's busiest -- and in showbiz terms, best-- songsmiths of the 1930s. -- Richmond Times-Dispatch

The Great Depression not only stifled the U.S. economy, it slowed down the innovation of the Broadway musical. Despite that, and despite the fact that this era left behind few remnants for future generations, master theater historian Mordden cobbles together a breezy but comprehensive sixth edition to his series (from the 1920s to the 1970s) on the Golden Age of the Broadway musical. While economic woes forced many producers to turn to seemingly safe star vehicles and extravagant revues, Mordden points out that some notable artists commanded attention. Cole Porter's bewitching music and witty lyrics shone in 1934's Anything Goes, The following year George and Ira Gershwin elevated the black musical to new heights with Porgy and Bess, Rodgers and Hart showed their versatility with such shows as On Your Toes and The Boys from Syracuse. Agnes de Mille and George Balanchine led the integration of dance into story. And The Band Wagon, starring Fred and Adele Astaire, was responsible for an innovative scenic design element, the double revolve, which sped up scenery changes and revolutionized the way musicals could be staged. Sure, the era may best be remembered for political musicals, ranging from Marc Blitzstein's The Cradle Will Rock to the jaunty satire Of Thee I Sing, but Mordden points out that these were just one dish in a gigantic buffet of musical styles. Mordden is an encyclopedia of knowledge about the Broadway musical. Fortunately, his information is so well organized and his conversational writing style so smooth that this tome never feels like a mere onslaught of facts. Those who are devoted to musical theater will love this comprehensive historical look, butthose with only a passing interest may be overwhelmed. -- Publishers Weekly <br> Ever the enthusiastic aficionado, Mordden ferrets out the fascinating moments and important details of this period...invaluable... -- Booklist Mordden is] masterful at his description and analysis...and also excels at delineating the the contrasting styles and personalities [of] Broadway's busiest -- and in showbiz terms, best-- songsmiths of the 1930s. -- Richmond Times-Dispatch <br>

The Great Depression not only stifled the U.S. economy, it slowed down the innovation of the Broadway musical. Despite that, and despite the fact that this era left behind few remnants for future generations, master theater historian Mordden cobbles together a breezy but comprehensive sixth edition to his series (from the 1920s to the 1970s) on the Golden Age of the Broadway musical. While economic woes forced many producers to turn to seemingly safe star vehicles and extravagant revues, Mordden points out that some notable artists commanded attention. Cole Porter's bewitching music and witty lyrics shone in 1934's Anything Goes. The following year George and Ira Gershwin elevated the black musical to new heights with Porgy and Bess. Rodgers and Hart showed their versatility with such shows as On Your Toes and The Boys from Syracuse. Agnes de Mille and George Balanchine led the integration of dance into story. And The Band Wagon, starring Fred and Adele Astaire, was respon

Author Information

Ethan Mordden is the author of many books, including The Happiest Corpse I've Ever Seen: The Last Twenty-Five Years of the Broadway Musical (Palgrave Macmillan, 2004).

Tab Content 6

Countries Available