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The Broadway Musical in the 1950s: A Golden Age

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Published in Coming Up Roses: The Broadway Musical In The 1950s (Broadway Musicals S)

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Coming up Roses: The Broadway Musical in the 1950s (Broadway Musicals S)

by Ethan Mordden

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	278 pages
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The 1950s was a golden age for the Broadway musical. Some of the most iconic and beloved musicals of all time were produced during this decade, including "West Side Story," "My Fair Lady," and "The Music Man."

There were a number of factors that contributed to the success of the Broadway musical in the 1950s. One factor was the post-war economic boom. After years of rationing and austerity, people were eager to spend money on entertainment. Another factor was the rise of television. While television initially posed a threat to Broadway, it also helped to create a larger audience for musicals.

The 1950s also saw the emergence of a new generation of talented composers, lyricists, and librettists. These artists were responsible for creating some of the most memorable and enduring Broadway musicals of all time.

Here are some of the most popular and influential Broadway musicals of the 1950s:

West Side Story (1957): A modern-day retelling of "Romeo and Juliet," set in the Upper West Side of Manhattan. The musical features some of the most iconic songs in Broadway history, including "Maria," "Tonight," and "America."
My Fair Lady (1956): A musical adaptation of George Bernard Shaw's play "Pygmalion." The musical tells the story of Eliza Doolittle, a young Cockney flower girl who is transformed into a lady by Professor Henry Higgins.
The Music Man (1957): A musical comedy about a con man who comes to a small town in Iowa and tries to sell the townspeople on the idea of a boys' band. The musical features some of the most memorable songs in Broadway history, including "Ya Got Trouble," "Seventy-Six Trombones," and "Till There Was You."
Gypsy (1959): A musical about the life of Gypsy Rose Lee, a famous burlesque dancer. The musical features some of the most iconic songs in Broadway history, including "Everything's Coming Up Roses" and "Let Me Entertain You."
Hello, Dolly! (1964): A musical comedy about a widowed matchmaker who tries to find a new husband for herself. The musical features some of the most iconic songs in Broadway history, including "Hello, Dolly!" and "Put On Your Sunday Clothes."

The Broadway musical in the 1950s was a vibrant and exciting time for American theater. The musicals produced during this decade are still some of the most popular and beloved musicals of all time.

Coming up Roses: The Broadway Musical in the 1950s (Broadway Musicals S)

by Ethan Mordden

4.8 out of 5