Today's episode is the second part of a recent conversation with author Ben West about his extremely comprehensive new book, THE AMERICAN MUSICAL — EVOLUTION OF AN ART FORM.
This book traces the creative journey of the American musical from its beginnings in the 19th century to its maturity in the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century. Along the way, Ben West sheds new light on countless shows, writers, directors, and performers, including often overlooked women and African American artists.
If you missed the first episode of this series, you may want to go back and review that episode before listening to this one.
When the last episode ended, Ben and I were discussing the format of reviews, specifically annual reviews like the Ziegfeld Follies and Earl Carroll's Vanity. Today we'll feature a conversation with some of the other forms of musical theater that Ben explores in the second part of her book, a section entitled “The Birth of an Art Form.”
ben west The musical theater artist and historian is creating a massive “ for the Broadway Museum that traces the history of the Broadway stage from 1732 to 2021 and spotlights more than 500 productions and 100 artists. We have created an exhibit called “Timeline Wall.'' He has worked, created and directed on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and regionally in various capacities. unknown carolyn lee Part of Lincoln Center's American Songbook Series. West has lectured and lectured at several institutions, including Yale University, the University of Michigan, the Playwrights Guild, and the Shubert Organization. He is the recipient of Lincoln Center's Martin E. Segal Award.
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