Thomas Hischak's Books

Enter the Playmakers

Directors and Choreographers on the New York Stage

By: Thomas S. Hischak

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Enter the Playmakers

Directors and Choreographers on the New York Stage

By: Thomas S. Hischak

A companion book to author Thomas Hischak's earlier volume Enter the Players: New York Stage Actors in the 20th Century (Scarecrow Press, 2003), Enter the Playmakers: Directors and Choreographers on the New York Stage explores the lives and careers of over three hundred directors and choreographers who worked in the New York theatre. Famous artists like Elia Kazan and Jerome Robbins are featured alongside lesser known or new talents, all of whom have contributed to the American theatre. A biographical sketch outlines the life and career of each director and choreographer, explaining their strengths and talents and what makes them unique. This is followed by a chronological listing of every play or musical that the artist staged in New York, including details such as dates, venue (Broadway, Off Broadway, etc.) and whether the production was a new work or a revival. Presenting artists from the mid-18th century up through current favorites like Daniel Sullivan, Susan Stroman, Doug Hughes, and Kathleen Marshall, the book includes traditionalists (like Harold Clurman and Gower Champion), avant-garde artists (Elizabeth LeCompte and Richard Foreman), and directors and choreographers noted for various styles, genres, and theatre movements. Internationally recognized artists, such as Max Reinhardt and Peter Brook, whose productions had an impact on the New York theatre are also included. By listing all of the artist's New York credits, each entry gives a vivid picture of the stage career of these important directors and choreographers.

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158

Publisher

Scarecrow Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

0810857472

ISBN 13

9780810857476

Song of the Season

Outstanding Broadway Songs since 1891

By: Thomas Hischak

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Song of the Season

Outstanding Broadway Songs since 1891

By: Thomas Hischak

What links the popular songs "You'll Never Walk Alone", "Send in the Clowns", "Memory" and "I Am What I Am"? They all originated in Broadway musicals. Song of the Season is for those who believe that the score is at the heart of a musical and is the essential building block on which the rest of a show is built. Through a systematic historical survey from 1891 to 2023 it argues that the best musicals survive because of their songs, from early 20th century classics such as Show Boat and Oklahoma! through to the contemporary sound of Dear Evan Hansen and Hamilton. looking at outstanding songs from each Broadway season, the development and history of the musical is illustrated with a fresh perspective. As song styles and popular music tastes changed throughout the decades this structure charts the progress of American showtunes alongside popular music forms as songs evolved from the waltz and ragtime to jazz, rock, rap and hip-hop. Factual analysis and historical context combine to offer a rich picture of the American songbook from Irving Berlin to Elton John. Song of the Season paints a fresh picture for musical theatre students and fans alike, illustrating significant changes in the form through the music. Analyzed in an accessible and engaging way that doesn't rely on music theory knowledge, and including a link to playlist where all the 'songs of the seasons' can be listened to, it is a must-have for those looking to expand their knowledge of the form and trace the social history of the American showtune.

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441

Publisher

Bloomsbury Publishing

Published Date

ISBN 10

1350423742

ISBN 13

9781350423749

Theatre as Human Action

An Introduction to Theatre Arts

By: Thomas S. Hischak

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Theatre as Human Action

An Introduction to Theatre Arts

By: Thomas S. Hischak

Most introductory theatre textbooks are written for theatre majors and assume the student already has a considerable amount of knowledge on the subject. However, such textbooks may be counterproductive, because they reference several works that may be unfamiliar to students with limited exposure to theatre. Theatre as Human Action: An Introduction to Theatre Arts, Second Edition is designed for the college student who may be unacquainted with many plays and has seen a limited number of theatre productions. Focusing primarily on four plays, this textbook aims to inform the student about theatre arts, stimulate interest in the art form, lead to critical thinking about theatre, and prepare the student to be a more informed and critical theatregoer. In addition to looking at both the theoretical and practical aspects of theatre arts—from the nature of theatre and drama to how it reflects society—the author also explains the processes that playwrights, actors, designers, directors, producers, and critics go through. The four plays central to this book are the tragedy Macbeth, the landmark African American drama A Raisin in the Sun, the contemporary rock musical Rent, and—new to this edition—the American comedy classic You Can’t Take It with You. At the beginning of the text, each play is described with plot synopses (and suggested video versions), and then these four representative works are referred to throughout the book. This second edition also features revised chapters throughout, including expanded and updated material on the technical aspects of theatre, the role of the audience and critic,and the diversity of theatre today. Structured into nine chapters, each looking at a major area or artist—and concluding with the audience and the students themselves—the unique approach of Theatre as Human Action thoroughly addresses all of the major topics to be found in an introduction to theatre text.

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281

Publisher

Rowman & Littlefield

Published Date

ISBN 10

1442261099

ISBN 13

9781442261099

100 Greatest American and British Animated Films

By: Thomas S. Hischak

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100 Greatest American and British Animated Films

By: Thomas S. Hischak

Animation has been a staple of the filmmaking process since the early days of cinema. Animated shorts had been produced for decades, but not until 1937 did a major studio venture into animated features when Walt Disney produced Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Of the hundreds of animated feature films made since, many have proven their importance over the years while also entertaining generations of audiences. There are also many recent animated movies that promise to become classics in the field. In 100 Greatest American British Animated Films, Thomas S, Hischak looks at the most innovative, influential, and entertaining features that have been produced since the late 1930s—from traditional hand-drawn works and stop-motion films to computer-generated wonders. These movies have been selected not simply because of their popularity or critical acceptance but for their importance. Entries in this volume contain plot information production history critical reaction commentary on the film’s cinematic quality a discussion of the film’s influence voice casts production credits songs sequels, spin-offs, Broadway versions, and television adaptations awards and nominations Each movie is also discussed in the context of its original release as well as the ways in which the film has lived on in the years since. Familiar favorites and lesser-known gems are included, making the book a fascinating journey for both the avid animation fan and the everyday moviegoer. With a sweeping look at more than eight decades of movies, 100 Greatest American and British Animated Films highlights some of the most treasured features of all time.

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397

Publisher

Rowman & Littlefield

Published Date

ISBN 10

1538105691

ISBN 13

9781538105696

Through the Screen Door

What Happened to the Broadway Musical when it Went to Hollywood

By: Thomas S. Hischak

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Through the Screen Door

What Happened to the Broadway Musical when it Went to Hollywood

By: Thomas S. Hischak

This book is about the transition that musicals went through when they traveled from the stage to the screen. While the approach is critical, the style is readable and yields fascinating knowledge on the many things that did and didn't happen as theatre and film have merged throughout the past century.Hischak'sanalysis covers productions from The Desert Song (1927), to Chicago (2002).

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Page Count

336

Publisher

Scarecrow Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

0810850184

ISBN 13

9780810850187

American Theatre

A Chronicle of Comedy and Drama, 1969-2000

By: Thomas S. Hischak

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American Theatre

A Chronicle of Comedy and Drama, 1969-2000

By: Thomas S. Hischak

Volume Four of the distinguished American Theatre: A Chronicle of Comedy and Drama series offers a thorough, candid, and fascinating look at the theater in New York during the last decades of the twentieth century.

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515

Publisher

Oxford University Press, USA

Published Date

ISBN 10

0195123476

ISBN 13

9780195123470

Theatre as Human Action

An Introduction to Theatre Arts

By: Thomas S. Hischak

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Theatre as Human Action

An Introduction to Theatre Arts

By: Thomas S. Hischak

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281

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Rowman & Littlefield

Published Date

ISBN 10

1442261099

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9781442261099

American Presidents Attend the Theatre

The Playgoing Experiences of Each Chief Executive

By: Thomas A. Bogar

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American Presidents Attend the Theatre

The Playgoing Experiences of Each Chief Executive

By: Thomas A. Bogar

Not every presidential visit to the theatre is as famous as Lincoln's last night at Ford's, but American presidents attended the theatre long before and long after that ill-fated night. In 1751, George Washington saw his first play, The London Merchant, during a visit to Barbados. John Quincy Adams published dramatic critiques. William McKinley avoided the theatre while in office, on professional as well as moral grounds. Richard Nixon met his wife at a community theatre audition. Surveying 255 years, this volume examines presidential theatre-going as it has reflected shifting popular tastes in America.

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443

Publisher

McFarland

Published Date

ISBN 10

1476606803

ISBN 13

9781476606804

Tin Pan Alley and the Philippines

American Songs of War and Love, 1898-1946 : a Resource Guide

By: Thomas P. Walsh

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Tin Pan Alley and the Philippines

American Songs of War and Love, 1898-1946 : a Resource Guide

By: Thomas P. Walsh

In this innovative resource, Thomas P. Walsh has compiled a unique collection of some 1,400 published and unpublished American musical compositions related to the Philippines during the American colonial era from 1898 to 1946. The book reprints a number of hard-to-find song lyrics, making them available to readers for the first time in more than a century. It also provides copyright registration numbers and dates of registration for many published and unpublished songs. Finally, more than 700 notes on particular songs and numerous links provide direct access to bibliographic records or digital copies of sheet music in libraries and collections.

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439

Publisher

Rowman & Littlefield

Published Date

ISBN 10

0810886081

ISBN 13

9780810886087

Frank Loesser

By: Thomas Laurence Riis

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Frank Loesser

By: Thomas Laurence Riis

Loesser was a major figure during the Broadway golden age that included Rodgers and Hammerstein, Lerner and Loewe, and Bernstein. Riis traces Loesser's early career as a Hollywood songwriter and a noted contributor to the war effort. He discusses in depth each of Loesser's musicals and provides a look at the legacy of a man admired as a mentor who inspired dozens of assistants, proteges, young songwriters, novice singer-actors, and aspiring producers. This book offers a look at Loesser's life along with an examination of the totality of his works."--BOOK JACKET.

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360

Publisher

Yale University Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

0300110510

ISBN 13

9780300110517

American Musicals in Context

From the American Revolution to the 21st Century

By: Thomas A. Greenfield

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American Musicals in Context

From the American Revolution to the 21st Century

By: Thomas A. Greenfield

American Musicals in Context: From the American Revolution to the 21st Century gives students a fresh look at history-based musicals, helping readers to understand the American story through one of the country's most celebrated art forms: the musical. With the hit musical Hamilton (2015) captivating audiences and reshaping the way early U.S. history is taught and written about, this book offers insight into an array of musicals that explore U.S. history. The work provides a synopsis, overview of critical and audience reception, and historical context and analysis for each of 20 musicals selected for the unique and illuminating way they present the American story on the stage. Specifically, this volume explores musicals that have centered their themes, characters, and plots on some aspect of America's complex and ever-changing history. Each in its own way helps us rediscover pivotal national crises, key political decisions, defining moral choices, unspeakable and unresolved injustices, important and untold stories, defeats suffered, victories won in the face of monumental adversity, and the sacrifices borne publicly and privately in the process of creating the American narrative, one story at a time. Students will come away from the volume armed with the critical thinking skills necessary to discern fact from fiction in U.S. history.

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348

Publisher

Bloomsbury Publishing USA

Published Date

ISBN 10

1440865418

ISBN 13

9781440865411

The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, Volume 37

4 March to 30 June 1802

By: Thomas Jefferson

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The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, Volume 37

4 March to 30 June 1802

By: Thomas Jefferson

This volume opens on 4 March 1802, the first anniversary of Thomas Jefferson's inauguration as the nation's third president, and closes on 30 June. In March, a delegation of Seneca Indians comes to Washington to discuss their tribe's concerns, and Jefferson names a commissioner to handle a land sale by Oneida Indians to the state of New York. In April, the Senate ratifies a treaty with the Choctaw nation for a wagon road across their lands. Jefferson worries about an increasingly dictatorial France taking back control of New Orleans, prompting him to the intemperate remark that he would "marry" America's fortunes to the British fleet. Charles Willson Peale sends him sketches of the skull of a prehistoric bison found in Kentucky. During the closing, and very frustrating, weeks of Congress, he distracts himself with a cipher devised by Robert Patterson. He prepares lists of books to be purchased for the recently established Library of Congress and also obtains many titles for his own collection. Even while he is in Washington occupied with matters of state, Jefferson has been keeping close watch on the renovations at Monticello. In May, he has Antonio Giannini plant several varieties of grapes in the southwest vineyard, and he orders groceries, molasses, dry Lisbon wine, and cider to be shipped to Monticello in time for his arrival. He looks forward "with impatience" to the moment he can embrace his family once more.

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853

Publisher

Princeton University Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

1400838649

ISBN 13

9781400838646

The Abbott Touch

Pal Joey, Damn Yankees, and the Theatre of George Abbott

By: Thomas Hischak

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The Abbott Touch

Pal Joey, Damn Yankees, and the Theatre of George Abbott

By: Thomas Hischak

This in-depth and original study examines 100 productions and analyses why George Abbott's name became synonymous with the 'golden age' of Broadway. What did Abbott contribute? How did he work? How did he innovate the industry? How did he survive so long? All of these inquiries, and more, lead to the most fundamental question of all: what exactly was the famous “Abbott touch”? For sixty years, George Abbott was a vital force in the American theatre. As an actor, playwright, director, librettist, play doctor, and producer, he laid his "touch" on approximately 100 New York productions, from The Pajama Game and Damn Yankees through to Once Upon a Mattress and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Spanning this incredible figure's work chronologically, each chapter of The Abbott Touch examines a period of creativity in his life, culminating in how he became the famous multi-hyphenate artist he is now celebrated as. Beginning with his early career in 1913 through to his work on the 1994 revival of Damn Yankees, this book analyses his key contributions to his primary works, all of which have relied on his genius. The first study of its kind, The Abbott Touch provides key insights into the working life of one of the 20th Century's most prolific theatre practitioners, as well as a vital history for theatre scholars and fans alike.

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273

Publisher

Bloomsbury Publishing

Published Date

ISBN 10

1350340618

ISBN 13

9781350340619

The Thornton Wilder Encyclopedia

By: Thomas S. Hischak

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The Thornton Wilder Encyclopedia

By: Thomas S. Hischak

Thornton Wilder is one of America’s greatest writers, and the only author to win Pulitzer Prizes in both fiction and drama. Equally well known for his plays and novels, his unique and diverse body of work also includes essays, journals, lectures, and film and television scripts. In The Thornton Wilder Encyclopedia, Thomas S. Hischak exhaustively covers Wilder’s life and extensive career. Entries not only contain every one of his novels, plays, and scripts, but also his letters, journals, and all other existing works by Wilder, published or unpublished. In addition, this valuable reference features entries on the individuals who worked with Wilder and friends and family members who were a great influence on him. With a biography of Wilder to introduce the work and a chronology and selected bibliography to augment the entries, The Thornton Wilder Encyclopedia is the most comprehensive reference available on one of America’s greatest playwrights and finest novelists.

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235

Publisher

Rowman & Littlefield

Published Date

ISBN 10

1538152401

ISBN 13

9781538152409

The Rodgers and Hammerstein Encyclopedia

By: Thomas S. Hischak

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The Rodgers and Hammerstein Encyclopedia

By: Thomas S. Hischak

Still the most influential and popular songwriting team in the history of the American Musical Theatre, Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein represent Broadway musicals at their finest. The team revolutionized the musical play with Oklahoma! in 1943 and then went on to explore territory never put on the musical stage before in such beloved shows as Carousel, South Pacific, The King and I and The Sound of Music. The team also worked in film, as with State Fair, and in the new medium of television, with Cinderella. For the first time, the lives, careers, works, songs, and themes of Rodgers and Hammerstein have been gathered together in an encyclopedia that covers the many talents of these men. In addition to their plays and films together, every work that each man did with other collaborators is also discussed. Hundreds of their songs are described, and there are entries on the many actors, directors, and other creative artists who they worked with. A complete list of awards, recordings, and books about the team are included, as well as a chronology of everything either man wrote. But The Rodgers and Hammerstein Encyclopedia is not just about facts. It explains their work, explores themes in their musicals, and illustrates why they remain a driving force in the American Theatre. This is the first encyclpoedia to look specifically at the careers and works of Rodgers and Hammerstein, covering all their musicals together for stage, screen and televsion, but also everything they wrote with others. The purpose is to create a comprehensive guide to the American Musical Theatres foremost collaboration. The encyclopedia is (1) comprehensve, describing the works, the people involved in those works, and many of their famous songs; ( 2) up-to-date, including the most recent revivals of their works and new recordings of their scores; and (3) easy to use, being alphabetically arranged with cross-reference listings, chronological lists, lists of awards and recordings, and bibliographic information for further reading.

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462

Publisher

Bloomsbury Publishing USA

Published Date

ISBN 10

1567206840

ISBN 13

9781567206845

The Encyclopedia of Film Composers

By: Thomas S. Hischak

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The Encyclopedia of Film Composers

By: Thomas S. Hischak

For more than a century, original music has been composed for the cinema. From the early days when live music accompanied silent films to the present in which a composer can draw upon a full orchestra or a lone synthesizer to embody a composition, music has been an integral element of most films. By the late 1930s, movie studios had established music departments, and some of the greatest names in film music emerged during Hollywood’s Golden Age, including Alfred Newman, Max Steiner, Dimitri Tiomkin, and Bernard Herrmann. Over the decades, other creators of screen music offered additional memorable scores, and some composers—such as Henry Mancini, Randy Newman, and John Williams—have become household names. The Encyclopedia of Film Composers features entries on more than 250 movie composers from around the world. It not only provides facts about these artists but also explains what makes each composer notable and discusses his or her music in detail. Each entry includes Biographical material Important dates Career highlights Analysis of the composer’s musical style Complete list of movie credits This book brings recognition to the many men and women who have written music for movies over the past one hundred years. In addition to composers from the United States and Great Britain, artists from dozens of other countries are also represented. A rich resource of movie music history, The Encyclopedia of Film Composers will be of interest to fans of cinema in general as well as those who want to learn more about the many talented individuals who have created memorable scores.

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Page Count

837

Publisher

Rowman & Littlefield

Published Date

ISBN 10

1442245506

ISBN 13

9781442245501

Broadway [2 volumes]

An Encyclopedia of Theater and American Culture

By: Thomas A. Greenfield

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Broadway [2 volumes]

An Encyclopedia of Theater and American Culture

By: Thomas A. Greenfield

In two volumes spanning the era from the mid-19th century to the present, this encyclopedia offers nearly 200 entries on a variety of topics, including spotlights on 30 landmark productions. Also 30 extended thematic essays gauging the impact of theater on American life. There are also 110 profile entries on key persons and institutions whose unique careers and contributions impacted Broadway.

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456

Publisher

Greenwood

Published Date

ISBN 10

0313342644

ISBN 13

9780313342646

The Mikado to Matilda

British Musicals on the New York Stage

By: Thomas S. Hischak

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The Mikado to Matilda

British Musicals on the New York Stage

By: Thomas S. Hischak

In The Mikado to Matilda: British Musicals on the New York Stage, Thomas Hischak provides an overview of British musicals that made their way to Broadway, covering their entire history up to the present day. This is the first book to look at the British musical theatre with reference to those London musicals that were also produced in New York City. The book covers 110 British musicals, ranging from 1750 to the present day, including the popular Gilbert and Sullivan comic operettas during the Victorian era, the Andrew Lloyd Webber mega-musicals of the late twentieth century, and today's biggest hits such as Matilda. Each London musical is discussed first as a success in England and then how it fared in America. The plots, songs, songwriters, performers, and producers for both the West End and the Broadway (or Off Broadway) production are identified and described. The discussion is sometimes critical, evaluating the musicals and why they were or were not a success in New York.

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Page Count

355

Publisher

Rowman & Littlefield

Published Date

ISBN 10

1538126079

ISBN 13

9781538126073

Song of the Season

Outstanding Broadway Songs since 1891

By: Thomas Hischak

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Song of the Season

Outstanding Broadway Songs since 1891

By: Thomas Hischak

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441

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Bloomsbury Publishing

Published Date

ISBN 10

1350423742

ISBN 13

9781350423749

Theatre as Human Action

An Introduction to Theatre Arts

By: Thomas S. Hischak,Mark A. Robinson

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Theatre as Human Action

An Introduction to Theatre Arts

By: Thomas S. Hischak,Mark A. Robinson

Theatre as Human Action is the ideal textbook to introduce students to the various aspects of theatre, especially for those who may have little or no theatergoing experience. Seven diverse plays are described to the reader from the start, and then returned to throughout the book so that students can better understand the concepts being discussed. Both the theoretical and practical aspects of theatre are explored, from the classical definition of theatre to today’s most avant-garde theatre activities. Types of plays, the elements of drama, and theatre criticism are presented, as well as detailed descriptions of the different jobs in theatre, such as actor, playwright, director, designer, producer, choreographer, and more. The book concludes with a look at where and how theatre is evolving in America and the latest changes and innovations today. This fourth edition has been greatly expanded and updated, including: The introduction of four new plays—Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street; Fences; Angels in America; and Hadestown—in addition to Macbeth, You Can’t Take It With You, and Hamilton A discussion of the rise of social media in raising awareness and replacing traditional review outlets An entirely new, enhanced section on diversity and inclusion in theatre An updated selection of playwrights featured, including Terrence McNally, Lynn Nottage, Tony Kushner, and Lin-Manuel Miranda, to better reflect the diversity of those writing for the theatre today. Featuring full-color photographs, updated discussion questions, new topics for further research, and potential creative projects, the fourth edition of Theatre as Human Action is an invaluable resource to introduce students to the world of theatre.

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313

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Rowman & Littlefield

Published Date

ISBN 10

1538163454

ISBN 13

9781538163450

1939

Hollywood's Greatest Year

By: Thomas S. Hischak

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1939

Hollywood's Greatest Year

By: Thomas S. Hischak

What do Babes in Arms, Beau Geste, Gunga Din, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Only Angels Have Wings, and Young Mr. Lincoln all have in common? They are all classic films released in the same year, but none of them received Academy Award nominations for best picture. Why? In that same year, Hollywood produced Dark Victory, Goodbye Mr. Chips, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, and Ninotchka, as well as two of the most beloved films of all time, Gone with the Wind and The Wizard of Oz. In 1939 Hollywood created an unprecedented number of great films, a year that has yet to be surpassed in cinematic achievement. In 1939: Hollywood’s Greatest Year, Thomas S. Hischak looks at the most remarkable 365 days in film history. Arranged chronologically from January 1 to December 31, 1939, each entry covers one day and features major news events (national and international) as well as minor curiosities or news items that would prove to be more important in the future. The activities on Broadway, radio, the music business, literature, and other arts are included, as are noteworthy sporting events. Most significantly, this book provides a full description and commentary on the Hollywood movies that were released on that day. All 510 feature films from all the Hollywood studios are included in the book, along with notable shorts, cartoons, newsreels, and foreign releases. While others have looked at the movie highlights of this momentous year, Hischak evaluates Hollywood’s entire screen output of 1939, from B pictures and serial installments to the international blockbusters—and every film in between. 1939: Hollywood’s Greatest Year is a captivating look at this phenomenon and will fascinate any film aficionado.

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431

Publisher

Rowman & Littlefield

Published Date

ISBN 10

1442278056

ISBN 13

9781442278059

Off-Broadway Musicals since 1919

From Greenwich Village Follies to The Toxic Avenger

By: Thomas S. Hischak

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Off-Broadway Musicals since 1919

From Greenwich Village Follies to The Toxic Avenger

By: Thomas S. Hischak

Although the venue Off Broadway has long been the birthplace of innovative and popular musicals, there have been few studies of these influential works. Long-running champs, such as The Fantasticks and Little Shop of Horrors, are discussed in many books about American musicals, but what of the hundreds of other Off-Broadway musicals? In Off-Broadway Musicals since 1919, Thomas Hischak looks at more than 375 musicals, which are described, discussed, and analyzed, with particular attention given to their books, scores, performers, and creators. Presented chronologically and divided into chapters for each decade, beginning with the landmark musical Greenwich Village Follies (1919), the book culminates with the satiric The Toxic Avenger (2009). In this volume, any work of consequence is covered, especially if it was popular or influential, but also dozens of more obscure musicals are included to illustrate the depth and breadth of Off Broadway. Works that introduced an important artistic talent, from performers to songwriters, are looked at, and the selection represents the various trends and themes that made Off Broadway significant. In addition to essential data about each musical, the plot and score are described, the success (or lack of) is chronicled, and an opinionated commentary discusses the work's merits and influences on the musical theatre in general. The first book of its kind, this highly readable volume will please both the theatre scholar and the average musical theatre patron or fan.

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Page Count

523

Publisher

Scarecrow Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

0810877724

ISBN 13

9780810877726

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