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The Complete Guide to the 1910s Broadway Musicals: The Dawn of a Golden Era

Harry Cook

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As the twentieth century dawned, Broadway emerged as a global entertainment powerhouse. The 1910s marked a pivotal decade in the history of American musical theater, witnessing the rise of larger-than-life productions, the birth of musical comedy, and the emergence of legendary performers and composers who would shape the face of American entertainment for decades to come.

The Complete Book of 1910s Broadway Musicals

by Dan Dietz

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1797 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	583 pages

Ziegfeld's Follies: The Epitome of Extravaganza

Ziegfeld's Follies, A Lavish Broadway Spectacle The Complete Of 1910s Broadway Musicals

No discussion of 1910s Broadway musicals would be complete without mentioning Ziegfeld's Follies. Produced by the legendary Florenz Ziegfeld, these lavish spectacles were renowned for their opulent sets, elaborate costumes, and dazzling chorus girls.

The Follies featured an eclectic mix of performers, including singers, dancers, comedians, and acrobats. Among the most notable stars who graced the Follies stage were Anna Held, Gaby Deslys, Marilyn Miller, Fanny Brice, and Bert Williams.

The Birth of Musical Comedy: Irving Berlin and George M. Cohan

Irving Berlin, The Father Of American Musical Comedy The Complete Of 1910s Broadway Musicals

The 1910s witnessed the birth of musical comedy, a genre that combined the elements of traditional theater with popular music and dance.

Irving Berlin, widely regarded as the father of American musical comedy, penned some of the era's most enduring songs, including "Alexander's Ragtime Band" and "God Bless America."

Another pioneer of musical comedy was George M. Cohan, known for his patriotic anthems such as "You're a Grand Old Flag" and "Yankee Doodle Dandy."

Al Jolson: The First Superstar of Broadway

Al Jolson, The First True Superstar Of Broadway The Complete Of 1910s Broadway Musicals

Al Jolson emerged as the first true superstar of Broadway in the 1910s. Known for his powerful voice and charismatic stage presence, Jolson electrified audiences with his performances in shows such as "The Honeymoon Express" and "Bombo."

Jolson's signature song, "Swanee," became a national anthem and helped to introduce jazz to mainstream audiences.

Jerome Kern: The Musical Genius Behind "Show Boat"

Jerome Kern, The Composer Of The Groundbreaking Musical 'Show Boat' The Complete Of 1910s Broadway Musicals

One of the most influential composers of the 1910s was Jerome Kern, whose work would leave a lasting legacy on American musical theater.

Kern's most famous work, "Show Boat," debuted in 1927 and revolutionized the genre with its innovative use of music and themes of racial prejudice.

The Princess Theatre: A Crucible for Musical Innovation

The Princess Theatre, A Hub Of Musical Innovation In The 1910s The Complete Of 1910s Broadway Musicals

The Princess Theatre played a pivotal role in the development of 1910s Broadway musicals. Under the leadership of the Shubert brothers, the theater became a testing ground for new works by emerging composers and librettists.

Among the notable productions that debuted at the Princess Theatre were "The Chocolate Soldier" by Victor Herbert, "Sally" by Jerome Kern, and "Irene" by Harry Tierney.

The 1910s was a transformative decade for Broadway musicals, laying the foundation for the Golden Age of American entertainment. From the lavish spectacle of Ziegfeld's Follies to the birth of musical comedy and the emergence of legendary performers, the decade witnessed a remarkable explosion of creativity that would continue to inspire future generations.

The music and performances of the 1910s Broadway musicals remain as enchanting today as they were a century ago, a testament to the enduring power of American musical theater.

The Complete Book of 1910s Broadway Musicals

by Dan Dietz

4.9 out of 5