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Showtime: A History of the Broadway Musical Theater
The definitive history of the Broadway musical: the shows, the stars, the movers, and the shakers. Showtime brings the history of Broadway musicals to life in a narrative as engaging as the subject itself. Beginning with the scandalous Astor Place Opera House riot of 1849, Larry Stempel traces the growth of musicals from minstrel shows and burlesques, through the golden age of Show Boat and Oklahoma! , to such groundbreaking works as Company and Rent .
Stempel describes the Broadway stage with vivid accounts of the performers drawn to it, and detailed portraits of the creators who wrote the music, lyrics, and stories for its shows, both beloved and less well known. But Stempel travels outside the theater doors as well, to illuminate the wider world of musical theater as a living genre shaped by the forces of American history and culture. He reveals not only how musicals entertain their audiences but also how they serve as barometers of social concerns and bearers of cultural values.
Showtime is the culmination of decades of painstaking research on a genre whose forms have changed over the course of two centuries. In covering the expansive subject before him, Stempel combines original research―including a kaleidoscope of primary sources and archival holdings―with deft and insightful analysis. The result is nothing short of the most comprehensive, authoritative history of the Broadway musical yet published. 16 pages of four-color; 105 black-and-white illustrations
Stempel describes the Broadway stage with vivid accounts of the performers drawn to it, and detailed portraits of the creators who wrote the music, lyrics, and stories for its shows, both beloved and less well known. But Stempel travels outside the theater doors as well, to illuminate the wider world of musical theater as a living genre shaped by the forces of American history and culture. He reveals not only how musicals entertain their audiences but also how they serve as barometers of social concerns and bearers of cultural values.
Showtime is the culmination of decades of painstaking research on a genre whose forms have changed over the course of two centuries. In covering the expansive subject before him, Stempel combines original research―including a kaleidoscope of primary sources and archival holdings―with deft and insightful analysis. The result is nothing short of the most comprehensive, authoritative history of the Broadway musical yet published. 16 pages of four-color; 105 black-and-white illustrations
848 pages, Hardcover
First published September 6, 2010
22 people are currently reading
461 people want to read
About the author
Larry Stempel
1 book1 followerLarry Stempel, an associate professor of music at Fordham University and a recipient of a National Endowment for the Humanities Fellowship, was a member of Lehman Engel's BMI Musical Theater Workshop. He lives in Mount Vernon, New York.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 18, 2013
Anyone who knows me at all is most certainly aware that I have a deep and abiding love for the Broadway musical. It has served as the soundtrack of my life since I was a little boy. In fact, when I was 11, my father use to coerce me to finish my physical therapy regimen by reminding me that if I did, I would be able to hear the nightly Broadway album on WVNJ; (it worked every time.)
So it was with great anticipation and a bit of trepidation that I began to read Larry Stempel's "Showtime: a History of the Broadway Musical Theater." The reason for the anticipation is obvious, but you may be asking yourself, "Why the trepidation?" Well, simply because I was afraid that I might have set my expectations way too high.
I finished the book last night at around 3:00 AM, and, for the most part, it lived up to and even surpassed those expectations.
In the preface, Stempel tells us that he began working on the book in the late 1970's and has been doing so ever since. That long-term commitment is evident in the 826 pages of this book. (The recorded version on BARD runs 35 hours, 28 minutes.)
The history begins with the Astor Place Opera House riot of 1849 and ends with a discussion of the musical in the 21st century which includes recent works such as Avenue Q and Wicked.
In the introduction, Stempel points out that scholarly study of the Broadway musical is a relatively new endeavor and that, because of this, a lot of what he needed to do was to make order out of chaos. (Don't skip that introduction, by the way; the book is made richer by the understandings it imparts.) The book is divided into three parts: Out of the 19th Century, Into the 20th Century, and Toward the New Millennium. Each part contains chapters which examine different topics relevant to the subject. Each chapter begins with a short list of musicals which relate to the topic being discussed. Because I am quite familiar with most of the musicals mentioned, I found this to be extremely helpful in focusing my thinking; it served as an overture of sorts. At the end of the book is a reading of all of the picture captions followed by a rather lengthy list of works sited (which I didn't read) and a short but very important historical discography which gives information on where one might find recordings of music from some of the shows produced in the early years whose scores were not recorded. (I will definitely try to locate some of those recordings.)
so what did I love about this book? It is the most comprehensive treatment of the subject I've ever read. I found the first part especially interesting because most of the information was completely new to me; I simply never went back that far. It filled in gaps in my understanding of the genre and was therefore extremely rewarding. Although I already knew much of the information in the second part, reading it was quite telling because Stempel does an excellent job of showing how social, economic and historical events shaped the Broadway musical and how the Broadway musical impacts our reaction to those events. (I contend that people often downplay the importance of the musical. They view it as a fun pass-time, but not much more than that, a perspective which I wholeheartedly reject.) I've given a lot of thought to many of the issues discussed in the final part, but Stempel's writing caused me to connect these issues with the overall history, therefore deepening my understanding of them.
My only problem with this book is that surprisingly little time is devoted to the performers who have devoted their lives to this art form. I understand that Stempel's subject is an extremely broad one and that not everything can be covered in a book such as this. But this oversight is rather shocking. Don't get me wrong: he doesn't completely ignore the performers, but they most certainly don't get the attention they deserve.
Ray Hagan does an excellent job with the narration. He seems to be the go-to guy in those rare instances when books about the Broadway musical are recorded and he is definitely the right person for the job. He clearly knows his stuff and that shows in the choices he makes while reading.
Would I recommend this to all of you? I don't know. I am so passionate about the subject that I find it impossible to put myself in the place of the average reader. So I'll leave it up to the rest of you to comment on that. Suffice it to say that, for me, this book is most certainly worthy of a prolonged and boisterous standing ovation and that I'll return to it again and again as I further explore the Broadway musical I so cherish.
So it was with great anticipation and a bit of trepidation that I began to read Larry Stempel's "Showtime: a History of the Broadway Musical Theater." The reason for the anticipation is obvious, but you may be asking yourself, "Why the trepidation?" Well, simply because I was afraid that I might have set my expectations way too high.
I finished the book last night at around 3:00 AM, and, for the most part, it lived up to and even surpassed those expectations.
In the preface, Stempel tells us that he began working on the book in the late 1970's and has been doing so ever since. That long-term commitment is evident in the 826 pages of this book. (The recorded version on BARD runs 35 hours, 28 minutes.)
The history begins with the Astor Place Opera House riot of 1849 and ends with a discussion of the musical in the 21st century which includes recent works such as Avenue Q and Wicked.
In the introduction, Stempel points out that scholarly study of the Broadway musical is a relatively new endeavor and that, because of this, a lot of what he needed to do was to make order out of chaos. (Don't skip that introduction, by the way; the book is made richer by the understandings it imparts.) The book is divided into three parts: Out of the 19th Century, Into the 20th Century, and Toward the New Millennium. Each part contains chapters which examine different topics relevant to the subject. Each chapter begins with a short list of musicals which relate to the topic being discussed. Because I am quite familiar with most of the musicals mentioned, I found this to be extremely helpful in focusing my thinking; it served as an overture of sorts. At the end of the book is a reading of all of the picture captions followed by a rather lengthy list of works sited (which I didn't read) and a short but very important historical discography which gives information on where one might find recordings of music from some of the shows produced in the early years whose scores were not recorded. (I will definitely try to locate some of those recordings.)
so what did I love about this book? It is the most comprehensive treatment of the subject I've ever read. I found the first part especially interesting because most of the information was completely new to me; I simply never went back that far. It filled in gaps in my understanding of the genre and was therefore extremely rewarding. Although I already knew much of the information in the second part, reading it was quite telling because Stempel does an excellent job of showing how social, economic and historical events shaped the Broadway musical and how the Broadway musical impacts our reaction to those events. (I contend that people often downplay the importance of the musical. They view it as a fun pass-time, but not much more than that, a perspective which I wholeheartedly reject.) I've given a lot of thought to many of the issues discussed in the final part, but Stempel's writing caused me to connect these issues with the overall history, therefore deepening my understanding of them.
My only problem with this book is that surprisingly little time is devoted to the performers who have devoted their lives to this art form. I understand that Stempel's subject is an extremely broad one and that not everything can be covered in a book such as this. But this oversight is rather shocking. Don't get me wrong: he doesn't completely ignore the performers, but they most certainly don't get the attention they deserve.
Ray Hagan does an excellent job with the narration. He seems to be the go-to guy in those rare instances when books about the Broadway musical are recorded and he is definitely the right person for the job. He clearly knows his stuff and that shows in the choices he makes while reading.
Would I recommend this to all of you? I don't know. I am so passionate about the subject that I find it impossible to put myself in the place of the average reader. So I'll leave it up to the rest of you to comment on that. Suffice it to say that, for me, this book is most certainly worthy of a prolonged and boisterous standing ovation and that I'll return to it again and again as I further explore the Broadway musical I so cherish.
February 15, 2017
What time is it? Showtime! Larry Stempel does an in superb job of making Broadway musical theater come to life. Anyone who enjoys any part of theater will be drawn into the vivid accounts of plays past and present. The book covers musical history from as far back as the early 1700s to the “movicals” of today. It is quite obvious that this was a labor of love for Stempel and we are blessed to have such an extensive and brilliant account of theater. While I read the inside of the book jacket, I was skeptical of the promises made. However, every promise was kept throughout the book. Overall, Stempel wrote a sensational, satisfying history of musical theater and for any person who is even remotely interested in Broadway, this is a must read.
October 13, 2016
As if I didn’t know enough about Broadway musicals, Stempel’s well-researched, tightly crafted and intriguing read puts me at the head of any “Broadway musical” MeetUp group. As I embarked on the journey of this book, I had my doubts that I could get through this exhaustive 685-page academia-base history, but Stempel supported my way with fascinating facts, historical juxtapositions and just enough Broadway scandal to move things along. This is a must-read for any avid fan or current practitioner of the American musical.
January 25, 2016
So many books try to paint the "complete history of musical theater" but are either inaccurate, disposable, too academic or too breezy. This book hits the perfect sweet spot and can be used as a casual read or a learning resources. Full of fascinating details and anecdotes, if I had to recommend a book for every university theater teacher to assign on musical theater, this would be it.
July 24, 2023
I really enjoyed this comprehensive and very readable history of musical theatre on Broadway…until the last chapter about important new composers in the genre, where there was absolutely no mention of Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Of course, not every book can mention EVERY person, but considering that the book was published in 2010 (i.e. five years after In The Heights premiered), I feel the author should have had some inkling of the growing importance of this particular composer. And in light of LMM’s subsequent game-changing impact on musical theatre, this feels like an egregious oversight.
Of course, not every book can mention EVERY person, but considering that the book was published in 2010 (i.e. five years after In The Heights premiered), I feel the author should have had some inkling of the growing importance of this particular composer. And in light of LMM’s subsequent game-changing impact on musical theatre, this feels like an egregious oversight.
July 26, 2019
A little dry for my taste, but it does cover some very interesting things about Broadway musical theater history. There are many better books out there that cover the same things in a way that's not as boring. I'd put this one on the bottom of the pile and definitely read the Untold Stories of Broadway books first - those are SO awesome.
August 20, 2018
This book is definitely not a casual read. If you want a casual history pick up another book. As far as accuracy, I can't say because it's the only book on Broadway history I've ever read. I enjoyed it though. I picked up a lot of little tidbits along the way.
January 26, 2020
This is truly the go-to book on the complicated, frustrating, inspiring, and fascinating history of musical theatre in America. It is an informative and enjoyable read; but what it does best is provide the historical context for the shows we all love (and hate).
May 15, 2024
Some chapters are more invigorating than others, but a very thorough (nearly 700 pages) history of Broadway with interesting tidbits of information that even the most zealous Broadway fan may not know.
November 7, 2017
If you are at all interested in the history of Broadway Musical Theater then you should read this book. Very informative and entertaining at the same time. Lots of great pictures too!
April 14, 2021
Si ya misseaba Broadway ahora más :(
December 2, 2024
Boo. I mean I guess it was good info but hated how some things were stated.
December 18, 2024
Extremely accessible chronological history of Broadway. If you’re looking for a very thorough primer, this is an excellent choice.
June 2, 2013
Larry Stempel's history of Broadway musicals is probably the most comprehensive history of musical theatre currently available. In this respect, it is an incredibly valuable book. Stempel also includes a 37-page bibliography, in small type, of books on the musical theatre. This resource alone would be incredibly valuable, since it is probably the most comprehensive bibliography on musical theatre currently in print.
Beyond the fact that this substantial book provides a historical resource previously unseen in any one place (outside of encyclopedias), Stempel's book is sumptuously illustrated and full of engaging analyses of many musicals. Naturally, Stempel cannot attempt to discuss in detail every musical ever produced on Broadway, so he divides his study up by theme, selecting representative musicals to discuss in detail.
The book is by no means perfect. Like any historical study, it can get very dry, especially when Stempel writes about the music itself. I taught using this book as mytextbook in my Musical Theatre History class at Wagner College, and found that my students were intensely bored by the book, frequently not reading it because of its density. I did enjoy it, but must admit that while Stempel's analysis of dance, direction, actors, creators, and staging can be wonderful, his examination of musical scores can be deadly.
The book is aimed at fans of musical theatre who want to learn more about the history of the form. For this reason, Stempel avoids footnotes. This is probably for the best, since the book is already a very heavy tome. But he complicates this by including a section of "notes" at the end to which the text makes no reference, and this also means that a reader never knows precisely where Stempel found various pieces of information.
Ultimately, I think this will remain the definitive history of musical theatre for a decade or two, and after that will continue to be relied upon heavily by scholars creating new histories. But I still wish the book were more engagingly written and less dry.
Beyond the fact that this substantial book provides a historical resource previously unseen in any one place (outside of encyclopedias), Stempel's book is sumptuously illustrated and full of engaging analyses of many musicals. Naturally, Stempel cannot attempt to discuss in detail every musical ever produced on Broadway, so he divides his study up by theme, selecting representative musicals to discuss in detail.
The book is by no means perfect. Like any historical study, it can get very dry, especially when Stempel writes about the music itself. I taught using this book as mytextbook in my Musical Theatre History class at Wagner College, and found that my students were intensely bored by the book, frequently not reading it because of its density. I did enjoy it, but must admit that while Stempel's analysis of dance, direction, actors, creators, and staging can be wonderful, his examination of musical scores can be deadly.
The book is aimed at fans of musical theatre who want to learn more about the history of the form. For this reason, Stempel avoids footnotes. This is probably for the best, since the book is already a very heavy tome. But he complicates this by including a section of "notes" at the end to which the text makes no reference, and this also means that a reader never knows precisely where Stempel found various pieces of information.
Ultimately, I think this will remain the definitive history of musical theatre for a decade or two, and after that will continue to be relied upon heavily by scholars creating new histories. But I still wish the book were more engagingly written and less dry.
February 10, 2017
I picked this up whilst looking for reference books for a report as a backup plan, should I need more obscure information. But three pages in, I was reading out of interest and forgot to take notes. XD It's a fantastic book if you're interested in anything Broadway related. I would highly recommend it.
July 31, 2015
I will not recall any of this book, but bravo, Dr. Stempel, for creating an articulate, comprehensive history of the Broadway musical.
I feel like that lady in the bad Indiana Jones flick who gains infinite knowledge from the weird alien blob God thing and then disintegrates.
I feel like that lady in the bad Indiana Jones flick who gains infinite knowledge from the weird alien blob God thing and then disintegrates.
January 29, 2011
Really interesting read, super-comprehensive (sometimes too much so) historical account of the musical.
March 14, 2012
I read this about six months ago. Learning about the history of Broadway was very interesting, and it helped a lot with my senior project.
April 24, 2012
Meh. I found this to be a little dry in some areas. It's a good book for skimming through and picking out the interesting parts of the book.
May 11, 2012
Fun book, if only to see how my favorite musicals fit into the history of Broadway. Of more interest to me was how Broadway "evolved", and Stempel was up to the task.
March 16, 2013
Really enjoyed this book, read most of it on a cruise. Appreciated the analysis of American culture as well as the shows themselves. Missed any reference to Forbidden Broadway.
Want to read
January 10, 2014Is anyone missing 30 pages from their book? Mine is, and I don't know what to do about it!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews