My BOOKS
A History of the American Musical Theatre: No Business Like It (Routledge)
From the diverse early musical theatre pieces of the mid-1800s, the revues of the ‘20s, the musical comedies of the ‘40s, the breakdown of society of the ‘60s and the ‘mega-musicals’ of the ‘80s, every era in American musical theatre reflected its time.
Nathan Hurwitz uses these factors to explain the output of each decade in turn, showing how the most popular productions spoke to audiences of their time. He explores musical theatre as commerce, tying successes and failires to the social and economic realities in which they flourished.
This study spans from early spectacles and minstrel shows to contemporary musicals such. It traces the trends of this most commercial of art forms from the perspective of its audiences, explaining how writers and producers strove to stay in touch with these changing times. Each chapter deals with a specific decade, introducing the main players, key productions and major developments in musical theatre .
Songewriters of the American Musical Theatre: A Style Guide for Singers
From the favorites of Tin Pan Alley to today’s international blockbusters, the stylistic range required of a musical theatre performer is expansive.
Musical theatre roles require the ability to adapt to a panoply of characters and vocal styles. By breaking down these styles and exploring the output of the great composers, Songwriters of the American Musical Theatre offers singers and performers an essential guide to the modern musical. Composers from Gilbert and Sullivan and Irving Berlin to Alain Boublil and Andrew Lloyd Webber are examined through a brief biography, a stylistic overview, and a comprehensive song list with notes on suitable voice types and further reading.
This volume runs the gamut of modern musical theatre, from English light opera through the American Golden Age, up to the "mega musicals" of the late Twentieth Century, giving today’s students and performers an indispensable survey of their craft.
Musicals: The Definitive Illustrated Story (contributing author, DK/Penguin)
Musicals: The Definitive Illustrated Story showcases the complete history of the musical on stage and screen, from its origins in ancient Greece to early twentieth century dance halls and vaudeville to the golden age of cinema productions to the record-breaking Broadway musicals of today.
Packed with historical insights, memorabilia, behind-the-scenes gossip, and artifacts, Musicals: The Definitive Illustrated Story takes you on the ultimate behind-the-scenes tour of the best-loved musicals, such as Chicago, Les Misérables, The Lion King, The Phantom of the Opera, The Sound of Music, and many more.
In all, Musicals: The Definitive Illustrated Story features more than 140 notable stage and film productions and the stories of the people who created them. Throughout, clear infographics, rich black-and-white and color photography, and a clever, informative design make this comprehensive overview of musical theater and movie musicals a true showstopper.