19th Century
In these shows, music was played on banjos and tambourines; and most performers appeared in blackface.
What are Minstrel Shows?
"Let's Do It": this fancy free composer was born in Indiana, and was famous for writing risque comedic lyrics. He fell off of a horse in 1937.
Who is Cole Porter?
Because Showboat has a strong and serious plot, it is referred to as this type of show.
What is a "situation show"?
This is the first recorded Broadway Musical from 1866. It was 5 1/2 hours long.
What is 'The Black Crook'?
Born Jacob and Israel Gershowitz, they wrote songs for Tin Pan Alley. Their first hit was "Swanee" in 1919 performed by Al Jolson in the film 'The Jazz Singer'.
Who are George and Ira Gershwin?
What is "The Charleston"?
Born to German immigrants in 1869, he would become one of the most iconic producers of the 20th century. His shows included elaborate sets and costumes, dancing girls, and comedy acts.
Who is Florenz Ziegfield?
Born in 1885 to immigrant parents, this composer wrote 16 musical scores between 1915 and 1920, eventually wrote for Ziegfeld, and had a smash hit in 1927.
Who is Jerome Kern?
This was the first musical to win a Pulitzer Prize, and it featured a political plot.
What is "Of Thee I Sing"?
This musical was a breakout hit of 1927 and it was produced by Florenz Ziegfeld; lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein and music by Jerome Kern. It featured hit songs like "Bill", "Can't Help Lovin' That Man", and "Old Man River"
What is 'Showboat'?
This composer born to immigrant parents in 1888 went on to write 'God Bless America'.
Who is Irving Berlin?
The Gershwin brothers collaborated with Dubose Heyward to write an operatic musical in 1935 entitled this:
What is "Porgy and Bess"?
This type of show contained many different acts including jugglers, musicians, comedy acts - but it had no central plot line. It died out in popularity in the 20th Century when the musical as we know it became popular.
What is 'Vaudeville'?
He worked on Showboat, but this composer wouldn't find his stride until he collaborated with Richard Rodgers.
Who is Oscar Hammerstein?
Written in 1934 by Cole Porter, this musical featured Broadway star Ethel Merman.
What is "Anything Goes"?