Encyclopedia of the Musical Theatre

Drawing equally from Viennese operetta, Parisian cabaret, vaudeville, and Tin Pan Alley, the American musical theatre has thrived in an unprecedented variety of forms and styles as our truest hybrid art. From Show Boat and Oklahoma to West Side Story, Fiddler on the Roof, and A Chorus Line, the musical has attracted our finest actors, composers, writers, directors, and choreographers. The greats and near-greats are finally brought together in this essential reference guide to over 2,000 personalities, productions, and songs of the musical theatre in both New York and London from the late nineteenth century right up to Sweeney Todd and Evita. Scholars, professionals, critics, and devoted fans alike will find a wealth of fascinating information on the backgrounds, plots, casts, scores, and credits of the leading musicals; biographies of their artists; and complete lists of Broadway, off-Broadway, and London productions, long runs, and awards. With a complete bibliography and discography.