Customer Reviews

Unfinished Show Business: Broadway Musicals as Works-in-Process (Theater in the Americas)

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"Unfinished Show Business: Broadway Musicals as Works-in-Process" is a rare treat of a read for enthusiasts and students of the theater. It's a fun step ahead. Bruce Kirle travels beyond the familiar chronological litany of titles and gossip to investigate what makes musical theater trends live and die.

He argues that the style of musicals is ever changing because musicals are based on the foundation of the ever changing American mind. Public scuffles and feelings about race, gender, homosexuality, war, politics, economy and the struggle for human rights are shown as the intimate energy that not only fueled changes in the meanings within the plays but the physical and musical methods as well.

As a big fan of musicals who reads these things all the time, I jumped off my couch in delight as I shared Kirle's adult consideration of history and drama as it effected what took place on the musical stage. It is exciting to depart from the hero worship of the great masters for a moment in order to get a new grip on what led audiences to crown a hit a hit and a star a star in the past century and how the most clever individuals molded their great acts and scores within a fluctuating civil atmosphere.

And there are plenty of lovely facts and amusing anecdotes to be had as well, and so much of it is new to me. Kirle brings his own experience as a composer, director and conductor into play giving a fresh appreciation to the great Broadway artists and their work.

Just when I mourned there was nothing new to think about musical theater, I got a hold of this book and I am grateful. I LOVE this book.

Kirle's assessment maps the theatre's change as America changed. The reader gains more insight into what they have seen and the way others have viewed the same play during different time periods. It is pretty well put together. Each chapter has something for a student of theatre and those that catch a show once a year. It will keep you thinking about the new shows you see. Don't be turned off that it is a text book used in universities. It was an entertaining read.

This is one of those rare books on musical theatre that really understands and appreciates the art form and that has new, fresh, interesting ideas to put forward. Anyone who loves musical theatre should check this one out. It's a smart, insightful book that is a real joy to read.