Razzle Dazzle: The Battle for Broadway

By Ken Mandelbaum

Razzle Dazzle: The Battle for Broadway

by Michael Riedel

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	34033 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	465 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

Broadway is a magical place, a place where dreams come true and stars are born. But behind the glitz and glamour, there's a fierce battle going on for survival. In Razzle Dazzle: The Battle for Broadway, Ken Mandelbaum takes us behind the scenes of this iconic theater district, revealing the stories of the people who have fought to keep it alive.

Mandelbaum, a renowned theater historian, has spent decades covering Broadway for The New York Times and other publications. In Razzle Dazzle, he draws on his vast knowledge and experience to tell the story of Broadway's struggles and triumphs, from the early days of vaudeville to the present day.

Razzle Dazzle is a must-read for anyone who loves Broadway. It's a fascinating look at the history of this iconic theater district, and it's a reminder of the importance of art and culture in our lives.

The Early Days of Broadway

Broadway's roots can be traced back to the early 19th century, when it was a dirt road lined with farms and taverns. In the 1830s, the first theaters began to open along Broadway, and by the 1850s, it had become a major center for entertainment.

The early days of Broadway were a time of great innovation. New forms of entertainment, such as vaudeville and burlesque, were developed, and new stars were born. But Broadway was also a place of great competition, and many theaters struggled to survive.

The Golden Age of Broadway

The early 20th century was a golden age for Broadway. The theater district expanded, and new theaters were built to accommodate the growing demand for entertainment. Some of the most famous musicals and plays of all time were produced during this era, including Oklahoma!, South Pacific, and The Sound of Music.

The Golden Age of Broadway was also a time of great change. The rise of movies and television threatened to overshadow Broadway, and the theater district faced new challenges. But Broadway managed to survive, and it continued to produce some of the most popular and critically acclaimed shows of all time.

The Modern Era of Broadway

The modern era of Broadway began in the 1960s, with the rise of rock musicals and concept musicals. These new shows were more experimental and challenging than the traditional Broadway fare, and they attracted a new generation of theatergoers.

The modern era of Broadway has also been a time of great change. The theater district has expanded again, and new theaters have been built to accommodate the growing demand for entertainment. Broadway shows are now more expensive to produce than ever before, and the competition for audiences is fierce.

The Future of Broadway

The future of Broadway is uncertain. The theater district faces new challenges, such as the rising cost of production and the competition from other forms of entertainment. But Broadway has always managed to survive, and it's likely that it will continue to do so.

Broadway is a unique and special place. It's a place where dreams come true and stars are born. It's a place where we can escape from our everyday lives and be transported to a world of imagination and wonder.

Razzle Dazzle: The Battle for Broadway is a fascinating look at the history of this iconic theater district. It's a must-read for anyone who loves Broadway, and it's a reminder of the importance of art and culture in our lives.

Razzle Dazzle: The Battle for Broadway

by Michael Riedel

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	34033 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	465 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE