Broadway has been a major American cultural phenomenon for more than 100 years. Editor Greenfield and more than 70 academics provide nearly 200 essays about the well known (Bob Fosse, Oklahoma!) as well as the less well known (playwright Rachel Crothers, performer Bert Williams). Coverage include seminal productions; individuals (actors, authors, composers and lyricists, choreographers and dancers, directors, producers, and more); and institutions, along with a variety of other related topics (Asians and Asian Americans, Comic strips, European “megamusicals,” Puppetry). Volume 1 opens with a “Guide to Related Topics.” The introduction, which provides historic and thematic context, is followed by a nine-page chronology. The ensuing entries are arranged in alphabetical order and range in length from two pages to a dozen (typically for broader themes, such as Gay culture). Sidebars (for example, “The Most-Produced Musicals and Nonmusical Plays in American High Schools, 2006–2007”) and black-and-white illustrations supplement the text. Entries for productions start out with a summary of the Broadway run (dates, venue, total performances, lead performers, etc.), and each entry concludes with reading suggestions. Back matter in volume 2 includes a “Glossary of Selected Historical and Technical Terms,” a bibliography, notes about the contributors, and a detailed index. Although other reference works, such as Broadway Plays and Musicals: Descriptions and Essential Facts of More than 14,000 Shows through 2007 (2009), provide more exhaustive coverage of productions and performers, this one adds something extra by exploring “the powerful impact of theater on American life.” In addition, it is a fun resource to browse. Recommended for public and academic libraries. Also available as an e-book. --Donna Seaman
Review
"…this one adds something extra by exploring the 'powerful impact of theater on American life.' In addition, it is a fun resource to browse. Recommended for public and academic libraries."
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Booklist
"Editor Greenfield and 77 contributors offer an extensive encyclopedic treatment of Broadway…"
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Reference & Research Book News
"This fun and interesting series features nearly 200 entries on an assortmant of topics…If you have serious theatre kids, this is a most valuable resource for research or browsing."
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Pennsylvania School Librarians Association
"If you have Broadway fanatics at your school that might choose to write a history paper about any aspect of Broadway, this is a great source….Well done."
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Pennsylvania School Librarians Association
"…provides diversion, insight and inspiration for further exploration. The volumes offer interesting entries on a wide range of topics."
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DC Theatre Scene
"This set would be a welcome addition to any theater history collection. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates and above; general readers."
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