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The Complete Guide to 1960s Broadway Musicals

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The Complete Book of 1960s Broadway Musicals

by Dan Dietz

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3635 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	622 pages

The 1960s was a decade of change and innovation on Broadway. New genres emerged, such as rock musicals and concept musicals, and classic shows like "West Side Story" and "The Sound of Music" were born.

In this guide, we'll take a look at some of the most popular and influential Broadway musicals of the 1960s. We'll also explore the trends and themes that shaped this decade in musical theater.

Rock Musicals

Rock musicals emerged in the 1960s as a new way to tell stories on Broadway. These musicals featured rock music and lyrics, and they often dealt with contemporary issues such as race, poverty, and war.

Some of the most popular rock musicals of the 1960s include:

Hair (1967): This musical follows a group of young people who live in New York City during the Vietnam War. The show features a score by Galt MacDermot and lyrics by Gerome Ragni and James Rado.
Jesus Christ Superstar (1971): This musical tells the story of the last days of Jesus Christ. The show features a score by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice.
The Who's Tommy (1969): This musical is based on the album of the same name by The Who. The show follows the story of Tommy, a young boy who is deaf, dumb, and blind. The show features a score by The Who and lyrics by Peter Townshend.

Concept Musicals

Concept musicals are musicals that are built around a single idea or theme. These musicals often use innovative staging and design to create a unique theatrical experience.

Some of the most popular concept musicals of the 1960s include:

Company (1970): This musical follows a group of friends in New York City as they navigate the ups and downs of love and relationships. The show features a score by Stephen Sondheim and lyrics by George Furth.
A Little Night Music (1973): This musical is based on the play of the same name by Ingmar Bergman. The show follows a group of people who are all connected by a series of love affairs. The show features a score by Stephen Sondheim and lyrics by Hugh Wheeler.
Follies (1971): This musical is a revue that follows a group of former showgirls as they reunite for a reunion. The show features a score by Stephen Sondheim and lyrics by James Goldman.

Other Notable Broadway Musicals of the 1960s

In addition to the rock musicals and concept musicals mentioned above, there were many other notable Broadway musicals that premiered in the 1960s. These musicals include:

West Side Story (1957): This musical is a modern adaptation of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet." The show features a score by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.
The Sound of Music (1959): This musical is based on the true story of the Von Trapp family, who fled Austria during the Nazi invasion. The show features a score by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II.
Hello, Dolly! (1964): This musical is a comedy about a widowed matchmaker who is trying to find a new husband. The show features a score by Jerry Herman and lyrics by Michael Stewart.

The 1960s was a decade of great change and innovation in Broadway musicals. New genres emerged, such as rock musicals and concept musicals, and classic shows like "West Side Story" and "The Sound of Music" were born. The musicals of this decade continue to be performed and enjoyed by audiences around the world.

The Complete Book of 1960s Broadway Musicals

by Dan Dietz

4 out of 5