The Complete Guide to 1930s Broadway Musicals: A Golden Era in Entertainment

Broadway musicals have always been a source of magical entertainment, captivating audiences with their enchanting storytelling and spectacular performances. The 1930s marked a golden era for Broadway, with a plethora of unforgettable shows that shaped the landscape of musical theater. From beloved classics to hidden gems, this article will provide a complete guide to 1930s Broadway musicals that will transport you back to a time when the stage was ruled by talent, innovation, and creativity.

The Roaring Twenties Set the Stage

Before diving into the fascinating world of 1930s Broadway musicals, it's important to understand the historical backdrop that influenced this era. The 1920s saw a cultural revolution with the rise of speakeasies, flappers, and jazz music. This roaring period of liberation also brought significant advancements in theater, paving the way for the evolution of musicals in the following decade.

The Complete Book of 1930s Broadway Musicals

by Dan Dietz (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2947 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	712 pages

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The Great Depression of the 1930s had a significant impact on the entertainment industry, forcing theaters to adapt to changing circumstances. However, even in times of economic hardship, Broadway managed to thrive, with producers and creators finding new ways to capture the hearts of audiences.

1930: A Tribute to Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

One of the most iconic musicals of the 1930s was "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes." With music by Jule Styne and lyrics by Leo Robin, this show dazzled audiences with its glamorous costumes, catchy tunes, and a captivating storyline. Set in the Jazz Age, the musical revolves around a blonde gold-digger and her adventures in pursuing love and wealth.

The powerful performances of the leading ladies, memorable songs like "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend," and the overall production quality made "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" a sensation that continues to be celebrated today.

1933: Going Strong with The Great Road

In 1933, Broadway witnessed the success of "The Great Road," a musical comedy that delighted audiences with its lighthearted humor and charming cast. This effervescent production was a breath of fresh air in a time of economic turmoil. Through its vibrant characters, witty dialogue, and beautiful melodies, "The Great Road" provided a much-needed escape from the challenges of daily life.

1935: A Heavenly Experience with The Music Man

"The Music Man," which debuted in December 1935, left an indelible mark on Broadway. Created by Meredith Willson, this show transported audiences to the small-town charm of River City, Iowa. With its infectious melodies, captivating storytelling, and incredible choreography, "The Music Man" became an instant hit.

The musical's standout song, "76 Trombones," is now considered a classic of musical theater and continues to delight audiences to this day. It showcased the immense talent of its visionary creators and performers, making "The Music Man" a true gem of the 1930s Broadway era.

1939: The Wizard of Oz Takes Broadway by Storm

Although "The Wizard of Oz" is more closely associated with its iconic film adaptation, it first mesmerized audiences on Broadway in 1939. The adaptation of L. Frank Baum's beloved novel brought the magical land of Oz to life, captivating theatergoers with its enchanting songs and beloved characters.

"Over the Rainbow," sung by Judy Garland, became an instant classic and the signature song of both the musical and the film. The immersive sets, whimsical costumes, and unforgettable performances turned "The Wizard of Oz" into an extraordinary theatrical experience that continues to inspire generations of theater lovers.

The 1930s Broadway musicals marked a true golden era for the genre. From the glamorous and glitzy "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" to the heartwarming charm of "The Music Man" and the enchanting world of "The Wizard of Oz," the decade's theater offerings continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.

These musicals showcased the immense talent of their creators and performers, leaving an indelible mark on both the history of Broadway and the hearts of spectators. Whether it was a story of love, comedy, or adventure, the 1930s Broadway musicals transported audiences to different worlds and provided much-needed escapism during a challenging era.

To this day, the impact of these remarkable productions can be seen in the enduring popularity of their songs, characters, and stories. The 1930s Broadway musicals serve as a reminder of the timeless power of live theater and its ability to captivate, inspire, and entertain audiences throughout the ages.

The Complete Book of 1930s Broadway Musicals

by Dan Dietz (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2947 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	712 pages

FREE

Despite the stock market crash of October 1929, thousands of theatregoers still flocked to the Great White Way throughout the country’s darkest years. In keeping with the Depression and the events leading up to World War II, 1930s Broadway was distinguished by numerous political revues and musicals, including three by George Gershwin (Strike Up the Band, Of Thee I Sing, and Let ’Em Eat Cake). The decade also saw the last musicals by Gershwin, Jerome Kern, and Vincent Youmans; found Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart in full flower; and introduced both Kurt Weill and Harold Arlen’s music to Broadway.

In The Complete Book of 1930s Broadway Musicals, Dan Dietz examines in detail every musical that opened on Broadway from 1930 through 1939. This book discusses the era’s major successes, notorious failures, and musicals that closed during their pre-Broadway tryouts. It includes such shows as Anything Goes, As Thousands Cheer, Babes in Arms, The Boys from Syracuse, The Cradle Will Rock, The Green Pastures, Hellzapoppin, Hot Mikado, Porgy and Bess, Roberta, and various editions of Ziegfeld Follies.
Each entry contains the following information:

• Plot summary
• Cast members
• Names of all important personnel, including writers, composers, directors, choreographers, producers, and musical directors
• Opening and closing dates
• Number of performances
• Critical commentary
• Musical numbers and the performers who introduced the songs
• Production data, including information about tryouts
• Source material
• Details about London and other foreign productions

Besides separate entries for each production, the book offers numerous appendixes, including a discography, filmography, and list of published scripts, as well as lists of black-themed and Jewish-themed productions. This comprehensive book contains a wealth of information and provides a comprehensive view of each show. The Complete Book of 1930s Broadway Musicals will be of use to scholars, historians, and casual fans of one of the greatest decades in musical theatre history.