How Broadway Musicals Are Made
by John Kenrick
(Copyright 2000, Revised 2020)
Ruby Keeler & Warner Baxter in
42nd Street. Click on this photo to see a full size image.
Musicals are not just written by one or two people – they are collaborative creations that must be put together by an extensive creative team. How does a stage musical go from first inspiration to opening night? And who does what to get it there?
These essays examine the birth process of a Broadway musical – as it happened in the past and as it happens today.
Elements of a Musical:
The Production Process:
There are several books that provide detailed looks at how great Broadway musicals develop:
Altman, Richard and Mervyn Kaufman. The Making of a Musical: Fiddler on the Roof. New York: Crown Publishers, 1971. A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the major stage and screen incarnations of a beloved classic.
Chapin, Ted. Everything Was Possible: The Birth of the Musical Follies. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2003. An absorbing behind the scenes look at the development of a controversial masterwork. Beautifully written, frank but never mean spirited, this is an instant classic in the field of musical theatre history.
De Giere, Carol. Defying Gravity: The Creative Career of Stephen Schwartz from Godspell to Wicked. New York: Applause, 2018. This delightful book literally follows each of this brilliant songwriter’s musicals from the page to the stage. Highly recommended!
Dunn, Don. The Making of No, No, Nanette. Secaucus, New Jersey: Citadel Press, 1972. Although hard to find, this is the dishiest book ever on the madness involved in putting a Broadway musical together.
Solomon, Alisa. Wonder of Wonders: A Cultural History of Fiddler on the Roof. New York, Metropolitan Press, 2013. A thorough and fascinating history of how this beloved musical made its long way to Broadway, and how it has since survived on screen and in revivals.
Wilk, Max. OK! The Story of Oklahoma! New York: Grove Press, 1993. A meticulously researched look back at the gestation of Rodgers and Hammerstein's landmark hit. Packed with anecdotes and great photos!