A Chronology of American Musical Theater - by Richard C. Norton
With an introductory chapter discussing the very earliest productions—The Beggar's Opera (1750), The Archers (1796), Tom and Jerry (1823), and The Bohemian Girl (1844)—A Chronology of American Musical Theater offers in-depth coverage of Broadway musicals from 1850-2001. The book's entries span more than 5,000 shows, including not only "book musicals" but also revivals, revues, burlesques, operettas, farce comedies, comic operas, ice skating shows, rock operas, and other musical spectacles that appeared on Broadway stages.
Drawing on primary documents—playbills, newspaper reviews, advertisements, and articles—Richard C. Norton has assembled a wealth of information in an easy-to-use format. All productions appear in chronological order by season in the first two volumes and are indexed alphabetically in volume three, allowing readers to quickly locate shows by either date or title, with variant titles also included. Entries contain the full cast, including chorus and dance ensemble (when known), composers, lyricists, book writers, choreographers, set designers, costumers, lighting designers, directors, and producers, followed by details of acts and scenes, and a comprehensive list of songs, sketches, dances, and specialties. The opening paragraph of each entry also contains information which does not appear in programs, such as opening and closing dates, change of venue, return engagements, and number of performances. In addition to the title index, complete song and principal performer indexes are also included, as well as a selected index of personal names of creators and secondary performers. No other resource—print or electronic—offers as many musicals as the Chronology of American Musical Theater.
For anyone wishing to trace the history of a Broadway musical, or to research any aspect of this vital popular art, this three-volume set is the best, and in many instances, the only place to start.
BroadwayWorld has the exclusive first listen to “D.O.A.,” performed by Paisley Billings and company, from the upcoming The Lightning Thief: Original London Cast Recording.
Ghostlight Records will release Deathless: Original Studio Cast Recording – new indie-folk musical by Zack Zadek – featuring Jeremy Jordan and more. BroadwayWorld has your exclusive first listen to the track 'The License Plate Game'.
CENTER STAGE RECORDS will host a special online Listening Party for the new album The Lightning Thief: Original London Cast Recording. The event will be hosted by Max Harwood and Samantha Mbolekwa, joined by their fellow original London cast members.
Known for his stage presence in Rock of Ages Hollywood alongside Frankie Grande and Nick Cordero, Broadway performer and recording artist Ian Ward steps into a new chapter with the release of his latest single, 'Ocean Eyes.' L
Stevie Holland has released the music video for “Talk to Your Tomatoes,” the tile track to her just-released new album. Written by Stevie Holland and Gary William Friedman, the song and video are a swinging, zany, and veggie-gardening loving trip.
The Americas, the 10-part NBC series narrated by Tom Hanks, will arrive on 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray on November 18. The release also includes an exclusive bonus feature, taking viewers behind the scenes with an in-depth documentary.
Bloomsbury Methuen Drama published An Alchemy of Living Culture: Collected Writings on Double Edge Theatre, an anthology gathering decades of Stacy Klein's visionary reflections, interviews, speeches, and essays.
With the release of WE LIVE IN CAIRO (Original Off-Broadway Cast Recording), The Lazours reflect on the show’s evolution, the collaboration behind the album’s sound, and how their upcoming musicals extend their artistic conversations.
Jackie Burns delivers “Shotgun,” the first single from the upcoming musical Hard Road to Heaven. Now streaming on all platforms, the track blends Broadway drama with an authentic country sound. Listen here!
Award-winning Broadway and jazz vocalist Darius de Haas has released his new holiday album Let Me Carry You This Christmas, now available digitally via Concord Theatricals Recordings.
The original off-Broadway cast recording of “Welcome to The Big Dipper,” staged by The York Theatre Company, is available now! Learn more and listen here!
STEVIE HOLLAND – the acclaimed jazz vocalist and songwriter – returns with her new album Talk to Your Tomatoes, which is currently available on CD and in digital and streaming platforms. Listen here!
CENTER STAGE RECORDS has released We Live in Cairo: Original Off-Broadway Cast Recording in streaming and digital formats now. Learn more and listen here!
The new album from Phillip Officer – who originated the role of the “Geek” in the Broadway’s Tony Award-nominated musical Side Show – is out tomorrow. BroadwayWorld has your exclusive first listen to a track here!
Bronco Billy – The Musical, Recorded live in performance during its 2024 run at London’s Charing Cross Theatre, will release an album. BroadwayWorld has an exclusive listen to 'I’m Gonna Be Strong' here.
Amnon Kabatchnik has penned a new in his award-winning reference series. Kabatchnik's latest, Bloody Broadway: Plays of Menace, Murder, and Mystery, Volume I (BearManor Media) is now available.
CENTER STAGE RECORDS will release The Lightning Thief: Original London Cast Recording in streaming and digital formats. Learn more about the recording here!
Joël René Scoville and Jenna Gillespie Byrd have released the concept album for their original musical 2&1: A Harlem Love Story with Loose Morals. Learn more!
CENTER STAGE RECORDS will release We Live in Cairo: Original Off-Broadway Cast Recording in streaming and digital formats this week. Learn more about the album here!
Apollo Publishers will release Making Rent: The Story Behind the Music that Changed Broadway in January. Learn more about the book, and about the author Tim Weil here!
Brainstorm Records has released the new single “I’ll Be Here” – featuring Broadway sensation Julie Benko – from The Fitzgeralds of St. Paul, the new musical by Christie Baugher. Listen here!
Producers Gary Grossman, Bronco Billy Partners, and Yellow Sound Label have announced the upcoming release of Bronco Billy – The Musical (Live Original London Cast Recording), captured during its acclaimed 2024 run at London’s Charing Cross Theatre.
With the holiday season just around the corner, BroadwayWorld caught up with Scott and Mark Hoying to discuss their new children's book Fa La La Family, its accompanying album, Dancing with the Stars, and more.
Pirates! The Penzance Musical Broadway cast album – starring Ramin Karimloo, Jinkx Monsoon and David Hyde Pierce – will be out in digital formats. BroadwayWorld has your exclusive first listen of the opening number “My Brothers / Pour, Oh Pour.”
Author and gaming expert Barry Joseph uncovers a hidden side of Stephen Sondheim in Matching Minds with Sondheim: The Puzzles and Games of the Broadway Legend.
New editions of the forthcoming Wicked and Wicked: For Good soundtracks are now available for pre-order at Republic Records. They will be released on November 21, the same day Wicked: For Good arrives in theaters.
America's Got Talent's Jimmie Herrod is set to release his first-ever full-length album, PRETTY IS WHAT CHANGES, due out on November 21st. The set features jazz takes on repertoire from Stephen Sondheim.
Celebrity-loved psychic medium Travis Holp is bringing his signature blend of laughter, love, and spiritual connection to New York City this holiday season. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets!