The Cambridge History of American Theatre 3 Volume Paperback Set

A unique three-volume history covering all aspects of American theatre.

Don B. Wilmeth (Edited by), Christopher Bigsby (Edited by)

9780521679862, Cambridge University Press

, published 2 February 2006

1575 pages, 95 b/w illus.
23.5 x 15.6 x 10.5 cm, 2.909 kg

'The breadth of this work, along with the quality and diversity of its writing and research, make it not only a useful theatre history resource, but also a model of excellence in theatre historiography and scholarly editing. It is gratifying that the paperback reissue of these volumes will increase its accessibility and influence.' Theatre Research International

This unique three-volume history covers all aspects of American theatre from plays and playwrights, through actors and acting, to theatre groups and directors. Each volume includes an extensive overview and timeline followed by chapters on specific aspects of American theatre including vaudeville and popular entertainment, European influences, theatre in and beyond New York, the rise of the Little Theatre movement, reception, modernism, scenography, stagecraft, and architecture. Volume I covers American theatre from its beginnings to the Civil War; Volume II covers the post-Civil War period to 1945; Volume III covers the period post-World War II to the 1990s.

Volume 1: Introduction Christopher Bigsby and Don B. Wilmeth
Timeline: beginnings to 1870: compiled by Don B. Wilmeth and Jonathan Curley
1. American theatre in context from the beginnings to 1870 Bruce McConachie
2. Structure and management in the American theatre from the beginning to 1870 Douglas McDermott
3. The plays and playwrights: plays and playwrights to 1800 Peter A. Davis
Plays and playwrights: 1800–1865 Gary A. Richardson
4. The actors: European actors and the star system in the American theatre 1752–1870 Simon Williams
5. The emergence of the American actor Joseph Roach
6. Scenography, stagecraft and architecture in the American theatre, beginnings to 1870 Mary C. Henderson
7. Paratheatricals and popular stage entertainment Peter G. Buckley. Volume 2: Introduction Christopher Bigsby and Don B. Wilmeth
Timeline: 1870–1945: compiled by Don B. Wilmeth and Jonathan Curley
1.The hieroglyphic state: American theatre and society, post Civil War to 1945 Thomas Postlewait
2. A changing theatre: New York and beyond John Frick
3. The plays and playwrights: Civil War to 1896 Tice L. Miller
Plays and playwrights: 1896–1915 Ronald Wainscott
Plays and playwrights: 1915–1945 Brenda Murphy
4. Theatre groups and their playwrights Mark Fearnow
5. Popular entertainment Brooks McNamara
6. Musical theatre Thomas Riis
7. Actors and acting Daniel J. Watermeier
8. Scenography, stagecraft, and architecture Mary C. Henderson
9. Directors and direction Warren Kliewer. Volume 3: List of illustrations
List of contributors
Preface
Ackowledgements
Introduction Christopher Bigsby
Timeline: Post-World War II to 1998 compiled by Don B. Wilmeth and Jonathan Curley
1. American theatre in context: 1945–present Arnold Aronson
2. A changing theatre: Broadway to the regions: Broadway Laurence Maslon
Off and Off-Off Broadway Mel Gussow
Regional/Resident theatre Martha LoMonaco
Alternative theatre Marvin Carlson
3. The plays and playwrights: Plays and playwrights: 1945–1970 June Schlueter
American drama since 1970 Matthew Roudane
4. Musical theatre since World War II John Degen
5. Directors and directions Samuel L. Leiter
6. Actors and acting Foster Hirsch
7. American theatre design since 1945 Ronn Smith
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: History of the Americas [HBJK], Reference works [GBC], Theatre studies [AN]