Blue-Collar Broadway

The Craft and Industry of American Theater

By: Timothy R. White

Narrated by: Doug McDonald

Behind the scenes of New York City's Great White Way, virtuosos of stagecraft have built the scenery, costumes, lights, and other components of theatrical productions for more than a hundred years.

Timothy R. White begins his history of the theater industry with the dispersed pre-Broadway era, when components such as costumes, lights, and scenery were built and stored nationwide. Subsequently, the majority of backstage operations and storage were consolidated in New York City during what is now known as the golden age of musical theater. Toward the latter half of the 20th century, decentralization and deindustrialization brought the emergence of nationally distributed regional theaters and performing arts centers.

Featuring case studies of iconic productions such as Oklahoma! (1943) and Evita (1979), and an exploration of the craftwork of radio, television, and film production around Times Square, Blue-Collar Broadway tells a rich story of the history of craft and industry in American theater nationwide.

The book is published by University of Pennsylvania Press. The audiobook is published by University Press Audiobooks.

"The fascinating backstage story of the history and evolution of theater craft…" (Kenneth T. Jackson, editor of The Encyclopedia of New York City)

"This is a remarkable achievement." (Marlis Schweitzer, York University)

"Highly recommended." (Choice)

©2015 University of Pennsylvania Press (P)2021 Redwood Audiobooks