Musical Theatre History

The Black Crook was a melodrama with music that opened in New York City in 1866. It is often credited with being the first musical theatre production because it combined elements of opera, ballet, and popular entertainment.

George M. Cohan was a vaudeville performer, playwright, composer, and lyricist who is credited with creating the American musical theatre genre. His most famous works include "Yankee Doodle Dandy" and "Over There".

Jerome Kern was a musical theatre composer known for his lush, romantic melodies. His most famous works include "Show Boat" and "Roberta".

Cole Porter was a musical theatre lyricist known for his witty, sophisticated lyrics. His most famous works include "Anything Goes" and "Kiss Me, Kate".

Stephen Sondheim is a musical theatre composer known for his complex, challenging scores. His most famous works include "Sweeney Todd" and "Into the Woods".

Florenz Ziegfeld was a musical theatre producer known for his lavish, spectacular productions. His most famous works include the "Ziegfeld Follies" and "Show Boat".

Harold Prince is a musical theatre director known for his innovative, groundbreaking work. His most famous works include "Cabaret" and "Sweeney Todd".

Ethel Merman was a musical theatre performer known for her powerful, emotional performances. Her most famous works include "Annie Get Your Gun" and "Gypsy".

Gene Kelly was a musical theatre performer known for his charismatic, energetic performances. His most famous works include "Singin' in the Rain" and "An American in Paris".

Julie Andrews is a musical theatre performer known for her versatility and range. Her most famous works include "My Fair Lady" and "The Sound of Music".

The Phantom of the Opera is a musical theatre known for its long-running productions. It has been running on Broadway since 1988 and in London since 1986.

Hamilton is a musical theatre known for its groundbreaking use of technology. It uses a mix of hip-hop, R&B, and traditional Broadway music to tell the story of Alexander Hamilton.

Rent is a musical theatre known for its social and political commentary. It tells the story of a group of young artists struggling to survive in New York City during the AIDS crisis.

Sweeney Todd is a musical theatre known for its dark, twisted humor. It tells the story of a barber who murders his customers and bakes them into pies.

The Sound of Music is a musical theatre known for its heartwarming, feel-good story. It tells the story of a young woman who becomes a governess to a family of seven children in Austria.