Off-Broadway Musicals Since 1919 : From Greenwich Village Follies to The Toxic Avenger

Although the venue Off Broadway has long been the birthplace of innovative and popular musicals, there have been few studies of these influential works. Long-running champs, such as __The Fantasticks__ and __Little Shop of Horrors__, are discussed in many books about American musicals, but what of the hundreds of other Off-Broadway musicals? In __Off-Broadway Musicals since 1919__, Thomas Hischak looks at more than 375 musicals, which are described, discussed, and analyzed, with particular attention given to their books, scores, performers, and creators. Presented chronologically and divided into chapters for each decade, beginning with the landmark musical __Greenwich Village Follies__ (1919), the book culminates with the satiric __The Toxic Avenger__ (2009). In this volume, any work of consequence is covered, especially if it was popular or influential, but also dozens of more obscure musicals are included to illustrate the depth and breadth of Off Broadway. Works that introduced an important artistic talent, from performers to songwriters, are looked at, and the selection represents the various trends and themes that made Off Broadway significant. In addition to essential data about each musical, the plot and score are described, the success (or lack of) is chronicled, and an opinionated commentary discusses the work's merits and influences on the musical theatre in general. The first book of its kind, this highly readable volume will please both the theatre scholar and the average musical theatre patron or fan

Although the venue Off Broadway has long been the birthplace of innovative and popular musicals, there have been few studies of these influential works. Long-running champs, such as The Fantasticks and Little Shop of Horrors, are discussed in many books about American musicals, but what of the hundreds of other Off-Broadway musicals? In Off-Broadway Musicals since 1919, Thomas Hischak looks at more than 375 musicals, which are described, discussed, and analyzed, with particular attention given to their books, scores, performers, and creators. Presented chronologically and divided into chapters for each decade, beginning with the landmark musical Greenwich Village Follies (1919), the book culminates with the satiric The Toxic Avenger (2009). In this volume, any work of consequence is covered, especially if it was popular or influential, but also dozens of more obscure musicals are included to illustrate the depth and breadth of Off Broadway. Works that introduced an important artistic talent, from performers to songwriters, are looked at, and the selection represents the various trends and themes that made Off Broadway significant. In addition to essential data about each musical, the plot and score are described, the success (or lack of) is chronicled, and an opinionated commentary discusses the work's merits and influences on the musical theatre in general. The first book of its kind, this highly readable volume will please both the theatre scholar and the average musical theatre patron or fan.

Although the venue Off Broadway has long been the birthplace of innovative and popular musicals, there have been few studies of these influential works. Long-running champs, such as The Fantasticks and Little Shop of Horrors, are discussed inmany books about American musicals, but what of the hundreds of other Off-Broadway musicals? In Off-Broadway Musicals since 1919, Thomas Hischak looks at more than 375 musicals, which are described, discussed, and analyzed subjectively, with particular attention given to their books, scores, performers, and creators. Presented chronologically and divided Alphabetical list of musicals off-Broadway musicals Chronological list of off-Broadway musicals Broadway's stepchild : beginnings A new arena : the 1950s Too loud not to notice : the 1960s Threat of extinction : the 1970s A new face : the 1980s Battling the big bucks : the 1990s Fodder for Broadway : the 2000s Appendix : guide to recordings. Annotation In this volume, Thomas Hischak looks at more than 375 Off-Broadway productions, from the early decades of the 20th century through 2010. These musicals are described, discussed, and analyzed with particular attention given to their books, scores, performers, and creators Describes and analyzes over 375 Off-Broadway musicals produced between 1919 and 2009, providing essential data about each show, describing its plot and score, and offering an opinion on it merits