The Oxford Companion to American Theatre

The Oxford Companion to American Theatre serves as a comprehensive reference guide to theater history in the United States from colonial times through the modern era. This encyclopedia-style volume contains over 3,000 entries covering plays, playwrights, actors, directors, producers, theaters, and theatrical movements. The book provides detailed information about major theatrical works produced on American stages, including plot summaries, production histories, and critical reception. Each entry is meticulously researched and includes cross-references to related topics, allowing readers to trace connections throughout American theater history. The biographical entries span from early American theatrical pioneers to contemporary Broadway figures, documenting their contributions and impact on the development of American theater. The book also covers technical aspects of theater, regional theater movements, and influential theater companies. This work stands as both a scholarly resource and a reflection of how American cultural identity has been shaped and expressed through theatrical arts. The entries reveal patterns in how social and political movements have influenced American dramatic works across different eras.

Readers describe this reference work as detailed and comprehensive for American theater history and notable productions through the 20th century. Multiple reviewers note its usefulness for quick fact-checking and research. Liked: - Thorough coverage of major plays and playwrights - Clear organization and cross-referencing - Inclusion of regional theaters and lesser-known works - Concise but informative entries Disliked: - Some entries feel dated or incomplete for recent decades - Limited coverage of technical theater and design - Few photographs or visual elements - High price point for individual buyers Ratings: Goodreads: 4.17/5 (12 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (15 ratings) Notable review: "An invaluable desk reference that provides quick access to information about plays, people, and theatrical organizations. The biographical entries are particularly well done." - Library Journal review Several academic reviewers mentioned using it frequently for theater history courses and dramaturgy research.

The Cambridge Guide to American Theatre by Don B. Wilmeth This reference work provides comprehensive entries on American theatre history, personalities, organizations, and cultural movements from colonial times through the present.

Broadway: The American Musical by Michael Kantor This companion volume traces the development of musical theatre in America through archival photographs, biographical information, and historical context.

American Theatre: A Chronicle of Comedy and Drama by Gerald Bordman This four-volume series documents American theatrical productions chronologically, with detailed information about plays, playwrights, actors, and theatrical companies.

Theatre in America: 250 Years of Plays, Players, and Productions by Mary C. Henderson This reference chronicles American theatre through documentation of significant productions, theatrical innovations, and cultural shifts that shaped performance in the United States.

The Oxford Illustrated History of Theatre by John Russell Brown This reference work places American theatre in global context through coverage of theatrical traditions, movements, and developments across different cultures and time periods.

🎭 First published in 1984, the book has gone through multiple editions to keep up with the evolving American theatre landscape 🎪 Author Gerald Bordman spent over 40 years researching and writing about musical theatre, creating several definitive reference works in the field 🎬 The companion includes more than 3,000 entries covering plays, playwrights, actors, directors, and major theatrical movements from colonial times to present day 🎨 Despite its academic rigor, the book gained popularity among theatre enthusiasts for making complex theatrical history accessible to general readers 🎭 The book's entries include not just Broadway productions but also significant regional theatre companies, experimental groups, and influential off-Broadway venues, providing a comprehensive view of American theatre culture