The Last Twenty-Five Years of the Broadway Musical: The History of the Broadway

In the ever-evolving landscape of the entertainment industry, few mediums have captured the hearts and souls of audiences quite like the Broadway musical. For the past twenty-five years, this iconic genre has witnessed an incredible transformation, catapulting itself into the realm of global phenomenon, and forever solidifying its place in the annals of history.

From the roaring 90s to the present day, Broadway has undergone a drastic evolution. With groundbreaking productions, innovative storytelling techniques, and the infusion of varied musical styles, the Broadway musical has experienced a revitalization, propelling itself to new heights of acclaim and popularity.

The 90s: A Revolutionary Decade

The 1990s marked a significant turning point for Broadway, as a wave of innovative musicals swept across the stages of New York City. Productions like Rent and The Lion King broke barriers and pushed the envelope, introducing a new generation of theatergoers to the magic of Broadway.

The Happiest Corpse I've Ever Seen: The Last Twenty-Five Years of the Broadway Musical (The History of the Broadway Musical Book 7)

by Ethan Mordden(Kindle Edition)

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	680 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	329 pages
Paperback	:	104 pages
Item Weight	:	3.84 ounces
Dimensions	:	5 x 0.24 x 8 inches

FREE

Jonathan Larson's Rent captured the hearts of audiences with its raw and powerful storytelling, addressing vital social issues and delivering a powerful message of hope. With its rock-inspired soundtrack and boundary-pushing themes, Rent redefined what a Broadway musical could be.

Disney's The Lion King, another cultural phenomenon of the 90s, embraced a different kind of innovation. Drawing inspiration from African art and music, the musical mesmerized audiences with its visually stunning production and an unforgettable soundtrack.

The New Millennium: Broadway Goes Big

The new millennium witnessed a Broadway that was unafraid to take risks and think outside the box. Musicals like Wicked and Hamilton emerged as the cultural icons of their time.

Wicked, an enchanting tale set in the world of Oz, captivated audiences with its magical storytelling and unforgettable musical numbers. With a fresh perspective on a beloved classic, Wicked became a global phenomenon and continues to enthrall audiences to this day.

Lin-Manuel Miranda's Hamilton revolutionized the Broadway landscape, blending hip-hop, rap, and storytelling in a way never seen before. This groundbreaking musical pushed boundaries, shining a light on forgotten historical figures and reshaping the way people think about theatrical storytelling.

Modern Day Marvels

The past decade has showcased an array of modern-day marvels, each leaving a lasting impact on Broadway's storied history. Musicals like Dear Evan Hansen, Hamilton, and Hadestown have captured audiences' hearts and garnered critical acclaim.

Dear Evan Hansen, a deeply emotional and introspective musical, explores themes of mental health and the complexities of human connection. Its heartfelt storytelling and emotionally charged performances struck a chord with audiences worldwide, cementing its place as one of Broadway's contemporary classics.

Hadestown, an extraordinary journey into the underworld of Greek mythology, took Broadway by storm. With its unique blend of folk, jazz, and blues music, this production transported audiences to a mesmerizing world while tackling timeless themes of love, sacrifice, and redemption.

The Future of Broadway

The last twenty-five years have laid the foundation for a future filled with limitless possibilities for the Broadway musical. As technology continues to advance, Broadway productions are incorporating innovative staging techniques, immersive experiences, and digital storytelling.

With diverse voices emerging and new stories waiting to be told, the Broadway musical is poised to captivate audiences for generations to come. Its power to transport, entertain, and inspire remains unrivaled, ensuring that its history will continue to be written.

The Happiest Corpse I've Ever Seen: The Last Twenty-Five Years of the Broadway Musical (The History of the Broadway Musical Book 7)

by Ethan Mordden(Kindle Edition)

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	680 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	329 pages
Paperback	:	104 pages
Item Weight	:	3.84 ounces
Dimensions	:	5 x 0.24 x 8 inches

FREE

For Ethan Mordden, the closing night of the hit musical, 42nd St. sounded the death knell of the art form of the Broadway musical. After that, big orchestras, real voices, recognizable books and intelligent lyrics went out the window in favor of cats, helicopters, yodeling Frenchmen, and the roof of the Paris Opera. Mordden takes us through the aftermath of the days of the great Broadway musical. From the long-running Cats to Miss Saigon, Phantom, and Les Miserables, to gems like The Producers, he is unsparing in his look at the remains of the day. Not content to scold the shows' creators, Mordden takes on the critics, too, splaying their bodies across the Great White Way like Sweeney Todd giving a close shave. Once more, it's "curtain going up," but Mordden is not applauding.