Opening Night on Broadway

Opening Night on Broadway documents reviews and critical responses to major Broadway productions from 1943 to 1969. The book compiles original opening night reviews from multiple newspapers and publications for over 200 notable shows. Each entry includes basic production details like dates, theaters, cast members, and creative teams. The reviews capture the real-time reactions of critics experiencing these now-legendary shows for the first time on their premiere nights. The text covers shows ranging from Oklahoma! to Hair, chronicling theatrical works that shaped American musical theater and drama. Critical perspectives come from publications like The New York Times, New York Herald Tribune, Daily News, and others. The collection offers insight into how Broadway's most significant works were initially received and understood before they became part of theater history. Through these contemporary responses, readers can trace the evolution of critical standards and theatrical tastes across three transformative decades of American theater.

Readers note this reference book provides detailed research about Broadway opening nights from 1943-1969. Reviews focus on the historical data and archival materials included. Positives: - Comprehensive statistics and details about shows - Inclusion of opening night cast lists and credits - Reviews from multiple publications for each show - Box office information and run lengths Negatives: - Some find the writing dry and academic - Price ($85) mentioned as steep by multiple reviewers - Several note they wanted more recent shows beyond 1969 Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (12 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (6 ratings) One theater historian called it "painstakingly researched" and "the definitive record of this period." A drama student said it was "useful for research but not exactly a page-turner." Multiple reviewers highlighted its value as a reference source while acknowledging its narrow appeal beyond theater professionals and scholars.

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🎭 The book covers 25 seasons of Broadway theater from 1943-1969, documenting the critical response to nearly 1,000 shows 🎬 Author Steven Suskin has worked as a Broadway producer, manager, and theatrical controller, bringing firsthand industry experience to his writing 📰 The book compiles reviews from seven major New York newspapers of the era, including several that are no longer in publication 🌟 Each show entry includes details about the original cast, creative team, number of performances, and theater where it played 📚 This reference work is considered a vital resource for theater historians because it preserves critical opinions that would otherwise be difficult to access, with many original newspaper archives lost or deteriorating