Musical Theater: An Appreciation, Second Edition offers a history of musical theater from its early origins to the Broadway shows of today, combined with an in-depth study of the musical styles that paralleled changes on stage. Alyson McLamore teaches readers how to listen to both the words and the music of the stage musical, enabling them to understand how all the components of a show interact to create a compelling experience for audiences.
This second edition has been updated with new chapters covering recent developments in the 21st century, while insights from recent scholarship on musical theater have been incorporated throughout the text. A new companion website includes links to audio of musical examples discussed in the text, accompanied by detailed listening guides. From Don Giovanni to Hamilton, Musical Theater: An Appreciation both explores the history of musical theater and develops a deep appreciation of the musical elements at the heart of this unique art form.