The Complete Guide to 1980s Broadway Musicals: A Journey Back to the Land of Showtunes and Glamour

The 1980s marked a significant era for Broadway musicals, a time when timeless classics and innovative productions captivated audiences, leaving a lasting impact on the world of theater. From iconic hits like "Cats" and "Les Misérables" to lesser-known gems, the vibrancy and diversity of the 1980s Broadway scene continue to resonate with theater enthusiasts to this day.

In this comprehensive guide, we will take you on a nostalgic journey back to the land of showtunes and glamour. We will explore the rise of the mega-musical, the breakthroughs in storytelling, and the unforgettable performances that defined the Broadway landscape during this decade. Get ready to be immersed in the magic of the 1980s Broadway experience as we delve into the complete collection of musicals that shaped an era.

Mega-Musicals: The Extravaganza that Took Broadway by Storm

The 1980s witnessed the birth of the mega-musical, a genre characterized by grandiose sets, lavish costumes, and epic storytelling. These larger-than-life productions transformed the way audiences experienced theater and brought a new level of spectacle to Broadway. Shows like Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Cats" and "The Phantom of the Opera" paved the way for this phenomenon, captivating audiences with their unforgettable music and captivating narratives.

The Complete Book of 1980s Broadway Musicals

by Dan Dietz (Kindle Edition)

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3707 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	528 pages

FREE

With their mass appeal and groundbreaking production values, mega-musicals dominated the 1980s Broadway scene, sweeping audiences off their feet. The trend continued with iconic shows like "Les Misérables" and "Miss Saigon," both created by the renowned duo Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg. These spectacular productions not only mesmerized audiences but also broke box office records, becoming cultural phenomena that still resonate today.

Diverse Storytelling and Innovative Themes

The 1980s saw Broadway embrace diversity and tackle a wide range of social issues. Musical theater became a platform for exploring themes such as AIDS ("Rent"), racial inequality ("Dreamgirls"), and LGBTQ+ rights ("La Cage aux Folles"). These groundbreaking shows challenged societal norms, fostering important conversations and pushing the boundaries of what theater could achieve.

Additionally, the decade witnessed the rise of rock-inspired musicals like "Jesus Christ Superstar" and "Hair," which incorporated edgy music and rebellious attitudes. These shows revolutionized the genre, appealing to a younger generation and introducing them to the world of Broadway.

Unforgettable Performances and Timeless Music

The 1980s Broadway musicals are known for their unforgettable performances and the timeless music that touched the hearts of audiences. From powerful ballads to energetic dance numbers, the songs from these shows have become iconic, thanks to the talented composers and lyricists who created them.

Broadway legends like Patti LuPone, Betty Buckley, and Jennifer Holliday graced the stages with their powerhouse vocals, leaving audiences in awe. The emotional performances in shows like "Evita," "Sunday in the Park with George," and "Into the Woods" became etched in the memories of theater enthusiasts, solidifying their places in the annals of Broadway history.

A Legacy that Endures

Though the shows of the 1980s have come and gone, their legacy endures. The musicals from this era continue to be revived and celebrated, reminding us of the creativity and talent that thrived during this period. Whether it's the breathtaking storytelling of "Les Misérables," the mesmerizing choreography of "A Chorus Line," or the unforgettable music of "The Phantom of the Opera," these shows have left an indelible mark on the world of theater.

As we revisit these beloved classics, we are reminded of the magic of the 1980s Broadway experience. The extraordinary performances, the captivating stories, and the triumphant music combine to create an enchanting world that transports us to a different time and place. So, sit back, relax, and let us take you on a journey down memory lane as we explore the complete collection of 1980s Broadway musicals.

The Complete Book of 1980s Broadway Musicals

by Dan Dietz (Kindle Edition)

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3707 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	528 pages

FREE

For Broadway audiences of the 1980s, the decade was perhaps most notable for the so-called “British invasion.” While concept musicals such as Nine and Stephen Sondheim's Sunday in the Park with George continued to be produced, several London hits came to New York. In addition to shows like Chess, Me and My Girl, and Les Miserables, the decade’s most successful composer Andrew Lloyd Webber was also well represented by Cats, The Phantom of the Opera, Song & Dance, and Starlight Express. There were also many revivals (such as Show Boat and Gypsy), surprise hits (The Pirates of Penzance), huge hits (42nd Street), and notorious flops (Into the Light, Carrie, and Annie 2: Miss Hannigan's Revenge).In The Complete Book of 1980s Broadway Musicals, Dan Dietz examines in detail every musical that opened on Broadway during the 1980s. In addition to including every hit and flop that debuted during the decade, this book highlights revivals and personal-appearance revues with such performers as Sid Caesar, Barry Manilow, Jackie Mason, and Shirley MacLaine.Each entry includes the following information Opening and closing datesPlot summariesCast membersNumber of performancesNames of all important personnel including writers, composers, directors, choreographers, producers, and musical directorsMusical numbers and the names of performers who introduced the songsProduction data, including information about tryoutsSource materialCritical commentary Tony awards and nominations Details about London and other foreign productionsBesides separate entries for each production, the book offers numerous appendixes, including a discography, filmography, and published scripts, as well as lists of Gilbert and Sullivan operettas, black-themed shows, and Jewish-themed productions. A treasure trove of information, The Complete Book of 1980s Broadway Musicals provides readers with a comprehensive view of each show. This significant resource will be of use to scholars, historians, and casual fans of one of the greatest decades in musical theatre history.