Black Musical Theatre: From Coontown to Dreamgirls - by Allen L. Woll
Black Musical Theatre begins its historical survey with Clorindy, the Origin of the Cakewalk and A Trip to Coontown, in 1898, and concludes with the Broadway smash Dreanigirls, in 1981. The section on the ragtime pianist and composer Eubie Blake and his popular 1920s show, Shuffle Along, attests to early black influence in American musical theater. Prior to the 1920s, black musical theater was enriched by Walker and Williams, Cole and Johnson, Miller and Lyles, and Ernest Hogan. White producers and composers such as George Gershwin (Porgy and Bess) who were deeply involved in black musicals are given due coverage, and the problems inherent in relations with whites over such issues as stereotyping are fully examined. Other political issues such as the lack of social criticism in white-created musicals is treated with perception. The photographs are often chosen from the Billy Rose Theatre Collection, New York Public Library, and add a visual dimension to the exposition that will be of great value to students of musical history. Costume and scenery designers will also appreciate the stills from Hot Mikado, Carmen Jones, and The Wiz. Other illustrations include sheet music, performers (such as Louis Armstrong), and programs. The tap dance, gospel songs, jazz. and other elements of musical theater were perfected by black performers and composers, and were an intricate part of the Broadway tradition that has since extended its influence into television, popular music, and film. Both academic and public libraries should buy their share of this readable, socially relevant, thoroughly researched book. -- From Independent Publisher
An event featuring OVER THE SHOULDER: A Freelancer's Guide to Telling Stories and Editing Films by Mark Solomon, will be presented at The Drama Bookshop. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
The Drama Book Shop in association with Jay Michaels Global Communications will present 'How To Sing Without Thinking' with Gabriel Weiner, a talkback, signing, and live podcast recording. Learn more!
Ari Axelrod's A Place for Us: A Celebration of Jewish Broadway – is available on CD and digital formats now. Learn more about the album and about Axelrod's upcoming performances.
The Drama Book Shop will present, in association with Jay Michaels Global Communications, 'JJ's Audition Adventure' - A talkback, signing, and live podcast recording with Javier Vazquez Jr and Denise Santos. Learn how to attend.
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Lending her voice to the audiobook is none other than Stephanie J. Block, who won a Tony Award for her portrayal of Cher in The Cher Show. BroadwayWorld is very excited to bring you an exclusive excerpt from the book- Chapter 2, I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry. Listen here!
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