Books in the Forgotten Stars of the Musical Theatre series

This volume in the new Forgotten Stars of the Musical Theatre series sets Lydia Thompson, queen of burlesque, under the spotlight with outlandish tales of her burlesque company, romance with a Grand Duke and her electrifying talent.

The story of Alice May, a touring prima donna in the 19th century who travelled from England to Australia, New Zealand, India and the US, taking part in pioneering performances of the popular light operas of the day, including the first production of Gilbert and Sullivan's "The Sorcerer" and the first authorized American production of "The Mikado".

A colourful biography of William B. Gill, a famous musical-comedy playwright and comedy performer of the late 19th century who is now mostly forgotten, but who changed the course of American musical theatre.

Harry B. Smith was the most prolific writer of librettos for the American musical theatre in history, with nearly half of his 300 works actually opening in New York City. He was instrumental in adapting and popularizing foreign musicals in America. This examination of his work and process is instructive of the history of the American musical.

Tells the fascinating story of the rise and fall from fame of Leslie Stuart, whose success with the musical Floradora in the 1900s led to extravagant spending on gambling, drinking and entertaining and left him bankrupt.

David Braham (1838-1905) was the musical director for the famous vaudeville team of Harrigan and Hart. His long career in New York helped establish a new style of Broadway musical.