The Cambridge Companion to the Musical

by William A. Everett (Editor), Paul R. Laird (Editor)

This Companion is an accessible survey of one of the most popular forms of musical performance. Written especially for students and theatergoers, it offers a guide to the history and development of the musical in England and America, and worldwide. Starting with the early history of the musical, the volume examines the latest works and innovations, and includes information on the singers, audience and critical reception, and traditions. The book contains a chronology, reading lists and photos from key productions.

Genres: Nonfiction, Musicals, Theatre, Music

328 pages, Paperback

First published December 9, 2002

Reviews

[ALLEN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Franz Lehar and Rudolf Friml. Victor Herbert and Jerome Kern and of course, the Gershwins. Cole Porter and Kurt Weill. Irving Berlin and Leonard Bernstein. Cy Coleman, Dorothy Fields and Jule Styne; Rodgers and Hammerstein. Harold Arlen. And who could forget Stephen Sondheim and Andrew Lloyd Webber? The list goes on and on.

Anyone can pick this book up and get a thorough grounding in American and British musicals of the Twentieth Century. I found it amazing that in just a little over 250 pages THE CAMBRIDGE COMPANION discusses so well and so amiably evolving musical styles, the major innovators, and transatlantic influences (the "British Invasion" for example). What won't you get too much of? An emphasis on economics or recorded-music technology. And the chapters devoted to Stephen Sondheim are nothing short of superb. Look for this book in any edition.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't read all the articles thoroughly, but mostly they seemed professional. The text about European musicals was a bit pathetic, though, because it seemed like the author didn't know much about the topic herself and only cited other sources. And exactly that article I would have needed...