American Theatre: A Chronicle of Comedy and Drama

American Theatre: A Chronicle of Comedy and Drama documents the history of theater in the United States from 1930 to 1969. It catalogs over 4,500 productions that appeared on Broadway and off-Broadway during this period. The book provides details about plays, musicals, revues, and other theatrical works, including information about their creators, performers, directors, and reception. Each entry contains production dates, theater locations, cast lists, plot summaries, and critical responses from the time of premiere. Historical context accompanies the theatrical information, placing the productions within their cultural and social framework. The volume serves as both a reference work and a narrative history of American theater during these pivotal decades. The chronicle reveals patterns in American theatrical tastes and documents the evolution of dramatic forms and theatrical practices through a transformative period in U.S. history. Through its comprehensive documentation, the book illuminates the role of theater as a mirror and shaper of American society.

Readers describe this book as a reference work that catalogs American theater productions chronologically. Many appreciate its detailed facts about performances, cast members, and production dates. Multiple reviews note its value as a research tool for theater scholars and students. Likes: - Comprehensive coverage of productions from 1930-2000 - Includes both Broadway and Off-Broadway shows - Clear organization by theatrical season - Concise plot summaries Dislikes: - Limited analysis or context about productions - Expensive price point for individual buyers - Some readers found the writing dry and encyclopedic - A few note factual errors in production details Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (11 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (3 ratings) One theater professor wrote it "fills a vital research need" while a drama student called it "useful but overpriced." No widespread reader reviews exist online, likely due to its specialized academic nature.

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Broadway: The American Musical by Michael Kantor The companion book to the PBS series traces the evolution of American musical theater from vaudeville through contemporary Broadway productions.

The Oxford Companion to American Theatre by Gerald Bordman This reference work provides entries on plays, playwrights, actors, directors, and theatrical movements throughout American theater history.

American Theatre: A Story in Images by Arthur Gewirtz and James J. Kolb This pictorial history presents the development of American theater through photographs, playbills, and illustrations from the 18th century to modern times.

Stage to Screen: Theatrical Method from Garrick to Griffith by Nicholas Vardac This study examines the relationship between theater and early cinema in America and Britain, with documentation of how theatrical traditions influenced film development.

🎭 The book covers a crucial 25-year period (1969-1994) in American theater history, documenting over 2,300 productions on and off-Broadway. 🎬 Thomas S. Hischak is a professor emeritus of theatre at SUNY Cortland who has written over 40 books about theater, film, and popular music. 🏆 This volume is part of a larger series that began with Gerald Bordman's "American Theatre: A Chronicle of Comedy and Drama," covering shows from 1869-1969. 📚 Each entry includes not only plot summaries but also critical reception, run length, cast lists, and significant production details that help recreate the theatrical atmosphere of the era. 🎪 The book captures the emergence of important theatrical movements of the period, including the rise of African American theater, feminist theater, and experimental off-off-Broadway productions.