This chapter discusses the development and characteristics of early, Golden Age, and contemporary musicals.
You need to know the origins and development of the Broadway musical.
You should be familiar with the qualities and major writers of Musical Comedy, the first phase of the musical's Golden Age.
You should know the qualities and major writers of Musical Drama, the second phase of the musical's Golden Age.
You need to be familiar with the importance of choreography in contemporary musicals and the types of shows created by choreographer-directors.
You should know the qualities that distinguish Stephen Sondheim's musicals and appreciate the characteristics of relatively new, sung-through musicals of European origin.
You should gain a sense of the kinds of directions that the modern musical is currently taking.
