Black Musical Theatre: From Coontown to Dreamgirls.

Abstract

While theatregoers are generally familiar with the names of such pioneers as George M. Cohan, Irving Berlin and Jerome Kern, the names of their black counterparts - Will Marion Cook, George Walker and Bob Cole, among others - are virtually unknown today. Allen Woll aims to remedy that neglect in this book, offering a thoroughly researched account of the evolution of black musical theatre from the turn of the century to the present day. In his discussion of the careers of Ethel Walters, Eubie Blake and Lena Horne, to name just a few of the luminaries considered here and in his outlines and analyses of A Trip to Coontown, Shuffle Along, Porgy and Bess, Ain't Misbehavin', The Wiz, Dreamgirls and dozens of other shows, Woll brings the works vividly to life. Black Musical Theatre should become an essential reference and guide for anyone interested in theatre and African American history.

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