The musical theater is an uniquely American cultural form, evolving, much as America did, from a synthesis of foreign roots. These include African-American music, such as stride and rag-time, minstrel shows, jazz, opera, operetta, the English musical hall and revues. The unifying factor was the demand for commercial entertainment that developed in the 19th century. Now "Broadway" is synonymous with a style and quality of entertainment that is a magnet for theater lovers. The musical theater was never pure art nor pure commerce, but something in between. Just as the Broadway theater had evolved into a sophisticated cultural form, by the mid 1960’s, television had also evolved, and without question, Ed Sullivan, the one-time sportswriter, had become the iconic Sunday night variety host. Sullivan booked the best talent from Broadway to appear on his program, performing their most popular songs. These actors were also at the pinnacle of their careers. Some had started in show business in the days of the Ziegfeld follies. Others worked with Jerome Kern and other equally notable composers and librettists such as Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein II. The video also features brief interviews with these theater luminaries, in addition to the performances. It as a most valuable resource for serious research into cultural and social history...and just plain fun and entertainment.Read full review
Wonderful performances
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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