Full Description
Harry B. Smith was the most prolific writer of librettos for the American musical theatre in history, with nearly half of his 300 works actually opening in New York City. In addition, Smith was instrumental in adapting and popularizing foreign musicals in America, significantly influencing writing and composing styles of American shows. He worked with every major composer in America between 1880 and 1920, and consequently this examination of his work and process is highly instructive of the history of the American musical.
Contents
Acknowledgements 1. From Buffalo to Burlesque 2. From Burlesque to Broadway 3. Come to Sherwood; Join our jolly crew 4. Am I a Wiz? 5. I'd Like to Have a Photograph of That 6. If I'd only Had a Theatre on Broadway 7. Follies of the Year 8. German Imports 9. Jerome Kern and Irving Berlin 10. Harry-B-Smithing 11. A Long Walk Uphill Against the Wind Appendix Index