INTRODUCTION 17

revived in 1974. Far more common are the old hits that are revived
to shrugging ovations, making critics with short memories question
how these shows ever impressed anyone in the first place.
Rich in stories of great shows and the people who made them hap-
pen, Musical Theatre: A History is a celebration of musical theatre,
designed to delight new fans and veteran aficionados alike, a joyous
book about a joyous form of entertainment. So curtain up and light
the lights. We’ll begin our story in an era when stage musicals were
done without curtains or lights.