Word Crazy - Hischiak, Thomas S.

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Résumé :
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....

Biographie:
Thomas Hischak retired from full time teaching in New York State and now teaches theatre and part time at Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida, USA. He is the author of over 30 non-fiction books on theatre, film and popular music. His publications include The Theatregoer's Almanac, (Greenwood, 1997), The American Musical Theatre Song Encyclopedia (Greenwood, 1995), which received the 1995 Choice Outstanding Academic Book award, Stage It With Music (Greenwood, 1993), and Word Crazy (Praeger, 1991). He is also the author of eighteen published plays....

Sommaire:
Thomas Hischak retired from full time teaching in New York State and now teaches theatre and part time at Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida, USA. He is the author of over 30 non-fiction books on theatre, film and popular music. His publications include The Theatregoer's Almanac, (Greenwood, 1997), The American Musical Theatre Song Encyclopedia (Greenwood, 1995), which received the 1995 Choice Outstanding Academic Book award, Stage It With Music (Greenwood, 1993), and Word Crazy (Praeger, 1991). He is also the author of eighteen published plays....