1. Antecedents of the Musical
The roots of the modern day musical may be traced back to early forms of entertainment such as ballad operas, burlesque, minstrel shows, music hall, operettas, vaudeville and variety shows.2. Musicals from the 1860s to the 1920s
The Black Crook by playwright Charles M. Barras, is a musical comedy that opened on September 12, 1866 at Niblo's Garden in New York City. It was produced by William Wheatley, with music by George Bickwell and choreography by David Costa. It ran a total of 475 performances before closing on January 4, 1868.
3. Musicals from the 1930s to the 1950s
George Gershwin was one of the prominent composers and songwriters of the 20th century. He composed scores for Broadway musicals and wrote some of the most memorable songs of our time. Most of the lyrics of Gershwins' songs were written by his older brother Ira Gershwin. Their musicals in the 1930s include Strike Up the Band featuring the song "I've Got a Crush on You," and Of Thee I Sing, which was the first musical to receive a Pulitzer Prize for drama.
4. Musicals from the 1960s to the 1990s
Amidst the changing musical climate of the 60s and 70s, several notable musicals managed to gain acclaim from critics and theater goers alike. In 1976, Charles Strouse worked alongside lyricist Martin Charnin and librettist Thomas Meehan on the hit Broadway musical Annie, starring then 12 year old Andrea McArdie. Bob Merrill collaborated with composer Jule Styne in Funny Girl starring then newcomer Barbra Streisand.