Title
Strike Up the Band: A New History of Musical Theatre,Used
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The way some histories portray the advent of musicals, youd think the genre emerged fully formed with Show Boat. Yet in truth, it took root decades earlier. In Strike Up the Band Scott Miller tells the whole story of musicals, pulling back the curtain on the amazing innovation and adventurousness of the art form, revealing its political and social conscience, and chronicling its incredibly rapid evolution over the last century.Strike Up the Band focuses not only on what happened on stage but also on how it happened and why it matters to us today. Its a different kind of history that explores the famous and, especially, the notso famous productions to discover the lineage that paved the way to contemporary musicals. Digging into 150 shows, Miller offers a forwardlooking perspective on treasures from each erasuch as Anything Goes, West Side Story, Hair, and Rentwhile also looking at fascinating, genrebusting, and often shortlived productions, including Bat Boy, Rocky Horror Show, Promenade, and The Capeman, to see how even obscure or commercially unsuccessful musicals defined and advanced the form.Moving decade by decade, Miller offers insight and inside information about the artistic approaches various composers, lyricists, bookwriters, and directors have taken, how those approaches have changed over time, and what social and historical forces continue to shape musical theatre today. He provides a strong sense of what groups have historically controlled the industry and how other groups hard work and vision continue to change the musical theatre landscape for the better. In fact, Strike Up the Band opens a new and vitally important discussion of the roles played in the musicals history by people of color, by gays and lesbians, by people with disabilities, and by women. It frames musical theatre as an important, irreplaceable piece of American history and demonstrates how it reflects the social and political conditions of its timeand how it changes them.On Broadway or off, Strike Up the Band is as adventuresome, detailed, and thoughtful in tracing the story behind the musical as it is in celebrating the forms diversity, vigor, innovation, and promise. Join Scott Miller not only in commemorating great moments on stage, but in gaining a powerful understanding of what the musical was, what it is today, and what it is becoming.
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This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: The book has two hundred seventy-six pages. This length provides a comprehensive exploration of the history of musical theatre.
- Q: What are the dimensions of the book? A: The dimensions are seven point four inches in length, zero point five seven inches in width, and nine point two one inches in height. These measurements make it a convenient size for reading and shelving.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: The book is a paperback edition. This binding type is lightweight and flexible, making it easy to handle.
- Q: Who is the author of 'Strike Up the Band'? A: The author is Scott Miller. He provides an insightful narrative on the evolution of musical theatre.
- Q: What genre does this book belong to? A: This book belongs to the History and Criticism genre. It critically examines the development of musicals over time.
- Q: How do I read this book effectively? A: You can read this book by exploring it chapter by chapter or focusing on specific musicals discussed. Each section provides context and historical significance.
- Q: Is this book suitable for beginners in musical theatre? A: Yes, the book is suitable for beginners. It offers a clear and engaging overview of musical theatre's history, making it accessible to newcomers.
- Q: What age group is this book appropriate for? A: The book is suitable for young adults and older. It deals with complex themes in musical theatre that appeal to mature readers.
- Q: How can I keep the book in good condition? A: To keep the book in good condition, store it in a dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid bending the spine excessively while reading.
- Q: Are there any safety concerns with this book? A: No, there are no safety concerns with the book. It is safe for general reading without any hazardous materials.
- Q: What if the book arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, you should contact customer support for a return or exchange. Most sellers have return policies for damaged items.
- Q: Can I find comparisons with other musical theatre books? A: Yes, this book can be compared to other musical theatre histories. It focuses on both famous and lesser-known productions, providing unique insights.
- Q: Is this book a good choice for theatre students? A: Yes, this book is an excellent choice for theatre students. It offers valuable historical context and critical analysis relevant to their studies.
- Q: Does this book discuss the contributions of diverse groups? A: Yes, the book discusses the roles of diverse groups in musical theatre history. It highlights contributions from people of color, women, and the LGBTQ+ community.
- Q: What themes does the book explore? A: The book explores themes such as innovation, social conscience, and the evolution of musical theatre. It provides a rich narrative of the genre's development.
- Q: How does this book differ from other historical accounts of musicals? A: This book differs by providing a detailed examination of both well-known and obscure musicals, offering a broader perspective on the genre's evolution.