| Abstract |
Although 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 included in many books about American musicals, but what of the hundreds of other Off-Broadway musicals? This book looks at more than 375 productions, describing and analyzing them, with particular attention to books, scores, performers, and creators. Presented chronologically and divided into chapters by decade, the book begins with the landmark musical Greenwich Village Follies (1919) and culminates with the satiric The Toxic Avenger (2009). This volume covers any works of consequence, especially if they were popular or influential, but dozens of more obscure musicals are also included to illustrate the depth and breadth of Off Broadway. Works that introduced an important artistic talent, from performers to songwriters, are considered, 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 Hischak discusses the work's merits and influences on musical theatre in general. This highly readable volume will please scholars as well as patrons and fans of musical theatre. |
