The Periodic Table of Broadway Musicals: An Illustrated Guide to 118 Essential Shows

This innovative reference guide from musical director Gerle (Music Essentials for Singers and Actors) and composer Zellnik (The Sound of Murder) surveys 118 productions that have shaped musical theater. Using the periodic table as an organizational tool, the authors categorize shows in groups parallel to chemical families, highlighting big-picture trends and themes. They start with “the classics,” which make up the “building blocks” of theater; hydrogen’s place is taken by 1927’s Show Boat, which used its songs to drive the plot and develop the characters (rather than simply to entertain), followed by 1943’s Oklahoma! and 1996’s Rent. In place of the radioactive elements, “The Leading Ladies” includes musicals led by charismatic, powerhouse women, like Gypsy, while “The Canon” includes popular productions like Carousel and Oliver!, whose three-dimensional characters and “vivid worlds” have made them part of popular culture. Entries succinctly distill each show’s significance and take note of awards, movie adaptations, and revivals. While the links between the periodic table and theater history are sometimes clunky, the authors’ enthusiasm is infectious and their knowledge of theater history impresses. Broadway lovers will get a lot out of this. (Oct.)