Musical theater artist and historian Ben West will officially add "author" to his list of modifiers with the upcoming release of his new book The American Musical: Evolution of an Art Form. The book will be released April 1 via Routledge, an imprint of the Taylor & Francis Group.
The book traces the musical's creative journey from its 19th-century beginnings to its 21st-century present, shedding new light on a myriad of authors, directors, and craftspeople who worked to create the art form. West also actively addresses the form鈥檚 often overlooked female and African-American artists, providing an in-depth accounting of such outside influences as minstrelsy, vaudeville, nightclubs, and burlesque.
West has worked in various capacities on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and regionally, and created and directed Unsung Carolyn Leigh for Lincoln Center鈥檚 American Songbook series. He also created 20 鈥淭imeline Wall鈥� exhibits that can be seen at the Museum of Broadway.
The American Musical is available for pre-order in paperback and eBook wherever books are sold. Hardback copies are available for pre-order for libraries and institutions.
