Shakespeare and the American Popular Stage

An account of popular Shakespeare performances in America, and of musicals based on Shakespeare's plays.

Frances Teague (Author)

9780521861878, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 19 October 2006

232 pages, 18 b/w illus. 1 table
23.5 x 15.7 x 1.9 cm, 0.489 kg

'… Shakespeare and the American Popular Stage is industriously researched and frequently illuminating: a useful contribution to American studies, and to the study of Shakespeare in performance.' The Times Literary Supplement

Shakespeare's effect on America's intellectual and artistic life has been much discussed, but what role does he play on the American popular stage? This study changes our understanding of Shakespeare's presence in American life. The book looks at how Shakespeare came to America just before the Revolutionary War. As Americans broke with Britain, they embraced Britain's playwright. Teague re-examines P. T. Barnum's attempt to buy Shakespeare's Birthplace, the Astor Place Riot when twenty-three people died, and the way both Abraham Lincoln and John Wilkes Booth regarded Shakespeare. In the history of Broadway, more musicals have drawn on Shakespeare than any other author. Shakespeare musicals like Kiss Me, Kate and West Side Story can tell us much about America's culture, but sometimes failed musicals such as Swingin' the Dream can tell us more. With discussion of over twenty Shakespeare musicals, this study demonstrates that Shakespeare has always been present in popular shows.

Introduction
Part I. Pilgrims, Pioneers, and Parlors: 1. Shakespeare and the spirit of '76
2. In the pioneer's hut
3. Shakespeare makes scoundrels
4. Treason, stratagems, and spoils
5. How many ages hence...
Part II. The Shakespeare Broadway Musical: 6. Blackface, blue shows, and beards
7. Mr Hamlet of Broadway
8. A hit and a flop
9. Brush up your Shakespeare
10. Swingin' out of the twentieth century
Conclusion
Appendix One: Production information
Bibliography.

Subject Areas: Regional studies [GTB], Shakespeare plays [DDS], Theatre studies [AN]