Synopses & Reviews
This book concludes Gerald Bordman's acclaimed survey of American non-musical theatre. It deals with the years 1930 to 1970, a period when the number of yearly new plays was shrinking, but a period during which American drama as a whole entered the world stage and became a dominant force. With works like Eugene O'Neill's Long Day's Journey Into Night, Tennessee William's A Streetcar Named Desire, and Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman, American theater finally reached adulthood both dramatically and psychologically. Bordman's lively, authoritative study covers every Broadway production, as well as every major off-Broadway show. His discussion moves season by season and show by show in chronological order; he offers plot synopses and details the physical production, directors, players, theaters, and newspaper reviews. This book and the preceding volumes of American Theatre stand as the premier history of American drama.
Review
"Theater aficiandos will revel in Bordman's newest addition to his acclaimed 'American Theatre' series....This volume stands as the premier record of American theater for the mid-20th century. A lively, sweeping reference source highly recommended for both academic and large public libraries."--Choice
"'American Theatre' is packed with such juicy bits of information that it's safe to say the book will leave no theatrelover unsatisfied."--What's Up
About the Author
Gerald Bordman is the author of many books, including
American Musical Theatre: A Chronicle,
Jerome Kern: His Life and Music, and
Days to be Happy, Years to be Sad: The Life and Music of Vincent Youmans.