Bibliograph

Singular sensation, the triumph of Broadway, Michael Riedel

Type

Label

Singular sensation, the triumph of Broadway, Michael Riedel

Language

eng

Bibliography note

Includes bibliographical references (pages 315-317) and index

Illustrations

platesillustrations

Index

index present

Literary Form

non fiction

Main title

Singular sensation

Medium

electronic resource eBook

Nature of contents

dictionariesbibliography

Responsibility statement

Michael Riedel

Sub title

the triumph of Broadway

Summary

"The 1990s was a decade of profound change on Broadway. At the dawn of the nineties, the British invasion of Broadway was in full swing, as musical spectacles like Les Miserables, Cats, and The Phantom of the Opera dominated the box office. But Andrew Lloyd Webber's Sunset Boulevard soon spelled the end of this era and ushered in a new wave of American musicals, beginning with the ascendance of an unlikely show by a struggling writer who reimagined Puccini's opera La Bohème as the smash Broadway show Rent. American musical comedy made its grand return, culminating in The Producers, while plays, always an endangered species on Broadway, staged a powerful comeback with Tony Kushner's Angels in America. A different breed of producers rose up to challenge the grip theater owners had long held on Broadway, and corporations began to see how much money could be made from live theater. And just as Broadway had clawed its way back into the mainstream of American popular culture, the September 11 attacks struck fear into the heart of Americans who thought Times Square might be the next target. But Broadway was back in business just two days later, buoyed by talented theater people intent on bringing New Yorkers together and supporting the economics of an injured city. Michael Riedel presents the drama behind every mega-hit or shocking flop, bringing readers into high-stakes premieres, fraught rehearsals, tough contract negotiations, intense Tony Award battles, and more. From the bitter feuds to the surprising collaborations, all the intrigue of a revolutionary era in the Theater District is packed into Singular Sensation. Broadway has triumphs and disasters, but the show always goes on"--, Provided by publisher

Table Of Contents

Foreword -- I'm ready for my close-up, Mr. Lloyd Webber -- Boulevard of broken dreams -- 508 Greenwich, #4 -- La vie Broadway -- The gambler -- I got the horse right here -- Winging it -- Who's afraid of Edward Albee? -- Razzle dazzle -- The Fran and Barry show -- Everything's coming up Rosie -- The making of a mogul -- Be at the fucking matinee -- The Lion Queen -- The unmaking of a mogul -- The playmakers -- It's good to be the king -- Epilogue: And the show goes on

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