The New American Musical: An Anthology from the End of the 20th Century - Softcover

A major new anthology of groundbreaking American musicals.

During the 1990's, a new generation of composers, lyricists and librettists emerged radically changing the face of American musical theatre. With Broadway becoming mostly a museum for revivals and Disney blockbusters, these new artists have fashioned a more highly personal and challenging form of musical theatre less interested in pure entertainment and the creation of diversions. Their work bears the influence of composers like Stephen Sondheim, Kurt Weill, Mark Blitzstein and Leonard Bernstein and their music and lyrics demand a greater commitment from the listener. The work is often dark and the stories they illuminate cut to the heart of post-modern America.

This anthology collects for the first time the groundbreaking work of these innovative new artists:

Rent

Book, music and lyrics by Jonathan Larson

"The breakthrough musical for the 90's."—Jack Kroll, Newsweek

"Reinventing Broadway. A raw and riveting milestone in musical theatre."—Peter Travers, Rolling Stone

Floyd Collins

Music and lyrics by Adam Guettel, book by Tina Landau

"This is the original and daring musical of our day—a powerhouse."—New York Magazine

Parade

Music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown, book by Alfred Uhry

"A defining moment in Broadway musical theatre."—Clive Barnes, New York Post

Nominated for 9 Tony Awards and 13 Drama Desk Awards

Winner of 2 Tony Awards and 6 Drama Desk Awards, including Best New Musical

The Wild Party

Music and lyrics by Michael John La Chiusa, book by Michael John La Chiusa and George C. Wolfe

"The first musical triumph of the 21st Century."—Daily News

Nominated for 7 Tony Awards

Wiley Hausam is the former associate producer of The Public Theater/New York Shakespeare Festival and current director of the Songbook Series at Joe's Pub in New York, which features the work of new musical theatre composers. He has recently formed his own production and consultation company in New York City.