Great American Book Musical: A Manifesto, Monograph, and Manual »

"I'm trying to leave a record of the technique, to create a blueprint for an ancient art." - Denny Martin Flinn Devoted theatergoers fondly remember Broadway's Golden Age - when musical theatre reached its apex and creativity was infused into every time signature, witty remark, and kick-ball-change. Denny Martin Flinn analyzes the classic musicals of that era, outlining the unique artistic and theatrical qualities that elevate these great American book musicals.

Preface Prologue Ch. 1 A Brief History 1 Ch. 2 How to Have a Success 49 Ch. 3 The Music That Makes the Show Dance 59 Ch. 4 The Lyricist: Sung Hero of the Broadway Musical 71 Ch. 5 At the Heart of It All: The Libretto 99 Ch. 6 Another Opening, Another Show 151 Ch. 7 The Choreographers Who Created the Golden Age 161 Ch. 8 Only Choreographers Should Direct Musicals 209 Interlude You Gotta Have Heart 227 Ch. 9 Concepts and the Concept Musical 231 Ch. 10 Revivals We'd Like to See, and Why(By No Means a Complete List) 243 Finaletto 253 A Casual Bibliography 257