The Virgin Encyclopedia of Stage and Film Musicals (Virgin Encyclopedia Series) (Paperback)

by Colin Larkin (Editor), John Martland (Editor)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
Following up on his extraordinary eight-volume Encyclopedia of Popular Music (LJ 2/15/99, 3d ed.), music critic Larkin's latest reference title is a kind of updated and expanded version of The Who's Who of Stage Musicals and The Who's Who of Film Musicals combined. The 1600-plus entries contained here (which range in length from one paragraph to a few pages) cover the gamut of American and British musical history and its composers, lyricists, and shows. Larkin's light yet incisive writing style makes for a great read, and he doesn't shy away from including the musically obscure and awful (the Broadway version of Footloose, for example). The result is a tremendous bargain for the quality of information, although continual use will quickly destroy the paper binding. Highly recommended for all theater and music collections.AAnthony J. Adam, Prairie View A&M Univ. Lib., Houston
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description
A guide to the greatest shows and films in the history of the musical, as well as their stars, lyricists and composers. Over 1600 entries provide facts, figures and critical opinion on all aspects of the field.

Product Details

• Paperback: 680 pages
• Publisher: Virgin Publishing (June 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0753503751
• ISBN-13: 978-0753503751
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.2 x 2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,053,011 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent but not frighteningly complete, June 6, 1999

By A Customer

The Virgin Encyclopedia of Stage & Film Musicals is, of course, an excellent work. The merging of the earlier two (Guinness) Who's Who:s of Stage/Film Musicals is a good decision, since for example we don't have to look in vain, as we did in the Guinness Who's Who in Film Musicals for entries on Hair and Grease. The added discographical and bibliographical data more than doubles the value of some entries. The book is destined to give help and happiness to many. The backside review quote, however, from The Times, promises "A work of almost frighteningly completeness". If it is so, I do need to complain: I very much lack biographical entries on Shirley MacLaine and Ann-Margret. The fact that the two ladies abandoned musicals for dramatic roles doesn't disqualify, does it? And what about these not so successful or well made musicals, that still are purchased on CD and may be discussed in many a "Lost Musicals" forum - Happy Hunting, Prettybelle, Bajour, Tovarich, Walking Happy, Fade Out Fade In, Darling Lili (movie) - with wonderful singularities in them, don't they deserve at least a small entry? Two more remarks: Why this concentration on things Anglo-American? Mightn't an "encyclopedia" at least mention Les Parapluies de Cherbourg or the German film musical business in the thirties or the Indian Bollywood musicals? And, while discussing additions, I strongly suggest the cutting of Isham, Jarre, Korngold and other composers of music to dramatic films. What do those have to do with musicals? Apart from that, a perfect book. Johan Franzon, Finland

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An essential resource, September 27, 1999

By A Customer

No single volume could truly be "fighteningly complete," but this is a badly needed up-to-date resource on musical theatre and film. The Stanley Green 2 volume work dates back more than a decade -- this one fills in the gaps.