[This book is] a comprehensive illustrated history of the U.S. musical from its colonial origins to the present, tracing the connections and influences of the minstrel show, operetta, burlesque, melodrama, revues, circus, dance, musical comedy, the Broadway opera, the book musical and other forms. . . . Further, Mates introduces readers to inside stuff--the various types of musical performers. Variety

American musical theatre has developed as an idigenous art form, with a long history, amazing vitality, and a variety of expression. Julian Mates is the first to show the musical stage in all its guises--from burlesque to musical comedy to grand opera--from its beginning in pre-Revolutionary America to the present day. In addition, this book is the first to explore the relationships between the various forms of musical theatre.