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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.
List of contents
Whistling the Lyrics: An Introduction
The Man Who Owned Broadway: George M. Cohan
As Thousands Cheered: Irving Berlin
Going Up: Otto Harbach
Leave It To Plum: P. G. Wodehouse
No More Make-Believe: Oscar Hammerstein II
Of Words I Sing: Ira Gershwin
Anything Goes: Cole Porter
On His Toes: Lorenz Hart
On and Off the Bandwagon: Howard Dietz and Dorothy Fields
Yip's Rainbow: E. Y. Harburg
Also in the 1920s and 1930s
Almost Like Being in Love: Alan Jay Lerner
Two on the Aisle: Betty Comden and Adolph Green
Make a Miracle: Frank Loesser
Something's Coming: Stephen Sondheim
Tradition: Sheldon Harnick
Also in the 1940s and 1950s
Sunday Clothes: Jerry Herman
Trying to Remember: Tom Jones and Lee Adams
A Quiet Thing: Fred Ebb
Also in the 1960s and 1970s
The Writing on the Wall: The 1980s
Bibliography
Index
About the author
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.
