This volume surveys the development of the American musical
during the 20th century by focusing on one of the most important
yet least recognized members of the creative team: the lyricist.
From George M. Cohan and Irving Berlin through Oscar Hammerstein
II, Alan Jay Lerner, Ira Gershwin, Stephen Sondheim, and others,
"Word Crazy" examines both well-known and obscure writers who have
shaped one of America's most beloved theatrical forms. The author
offers an overview of each lyricist's career and works and
evaluates his or her strengths, weaknesses, patterns, temperament,
and personal vision. The result is an unusual critical history of
the Broadway musical that will be of significant interest to
students of the theatre as well as to anyone who wishes to learn
more about the unique craft of the theatre lyricist.
Beginning with George M. Cohan, the American theatre's first
important lyricist, and continuing up into the 1980s, the book
presents an overall history of the musical theatre during this
century. Hischak explores the various trends and movements, from
the early operettas through the arrival of jazz, and up through the
conceptual musicals of the last 30 years. The treatment is
chronological with most chapters focusing on a single lyricist. A
bibliography and index complete the volume. By reviewing the
careers and works of America's most influential theatre lyricists,
Hischak offers a fresh new perspective on the evolution of musical
theatre in America.
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