“When collaborating on a new Broadway musical, or on the revival of an old classic, it is mandatory to know these shows, as they are built into the “shorthand language” of the musical theater. In all work discussions on musicals, the past is the present as well. One doesn’t approach “Chicago” without knowing about “Pal Joey”, “Cabaret", or even its contemporary, “A Chorus Line.” These you need to know just to get started. Musical Theater is ever changing, but still is always built on these remarkable foundations. This is necessary knowledge—and this book is a perfect place to start……”

“Every author, composer, actor, director designer and producer of any age who want to work in musical theatre should read this book. Robert W. Schneider helps you to understand where the musical came from, which will give you the insight to break the rules and take it to the next level.”

“This is a wonderfully informative, detailed, and entertaining book. Many musical theatre experts have contributed to it. The book is a must for all students of musical theatre. There are treasures to be found in the stories of these fifty musicals and you will find them here!”

“This book is an invaluable resource for students of musical theater. It is organized in a unique way, to explore both the history of the art form, and the ways in which that art form has reflected, contrasted and illuminated history itself. Beautifully researched, detailed and suited to its purpose.”

“As a lifelong musical theater geek - I found this book delightfully thorough and exhaustively researched - 50 Key Musicals is a must-have for any fan or student of musical theater. This is a unique resource that includes an eclectic collection of writers and an unpredictable list of musicals!”

“We are in an interesting era when the study of musical theater is a legitimate area of scholarly examination. This book chooses 50 musicals that its editor feels are important to the genre - and you’ll be as surprised by the shows as you will be the reason they are included. Will you agree with the choices? Not all. Will you agree with the analysis of each one? Maybe. Will each and every chapter make you think just a little more about why you feel the way you feel about certain shows? Yes, indeed. And, of course, if you are a newcomer to the field, this book is a good primer to an ever-increasingly important genre of theater.”

“This informative new book is destined to become a classic for all lovers of musical theater history. 50 shows have been carefully selected for analysis by some of the top musical theater historians of our time. Expertly compiled and edited by noted Broadway podcaster, educator, and director, Robert Schneider (who also provides several of the essays), and director and writer Shannon Agnew, this book is a must-have for all lovers of musical theater. So much valuable material has been compiled in one incredibly accessible volume! Highly recommended.”

“Lovers of Musical Theatre get ready! FIFTY KEY STAGE MUSICALS is the new #1 resource for the historical impact these great works have had on our culture. With insightful essays by theatre scholars, theatre historians, and theatre makers (Rupert Holmes & Bill Russell!), this book of essays is an illuminating and exhilarating way to examine the development of the musical theatre genre. A must on every college, university and drama school's reading list.”

“This book is an absolutely wonderful resource for all students of musical theatre and also for all devoted theatergoers. Well researched thoughtfully compiled it is a great addition to the study of this form that we all love.”

“This collection of essays about landmark productions of the American musical theatre will be an invaluable resource to students, performers, and all who care about the genre. It gives valuable context to shows of both the past and the present.”ion goes here

“Fifty Key Musicals is a must read for anyone who is interested in how the musical theatre has changed and grown over the years. Each example given is interesting and informative on its impact and influence on musicals to come. I for one, could not put it down.”

“Showboat, West Side Story , The Wiz, A Chorus Line , Dreamgirls and so many other musicals in this book inspired me to get up and dance. Musicals must entertain, but they can also lead , teach and open minds. This book shares the story of Theater makers and how they contributed to building and growing the glorious world of Musical Theater. If like me you want to be a part of The Musicals of Broadway this book is an invaluable.”

“Rob Schneider and his esteemed crew of writers have given us the best road map to the American musical theater ever! Even the most ardent fan will find detailed and revelatory assessments of their favorite shows, and for the novice or student, it’s an extraordinary and invaluable resource to the rich history and development of the form. Bravo, Rob and all, here’s to the next 50!”

“Any book that gives the MUSICAL THEATRE lover a chance to be educated and examine the history of the art form in it's rightful context, is a must have. I'm so happy to see diversity in the coverage here. I've long wanted the productions that have included people of color to be part of the conversation at large. Musical Theatre, like Jazz, is an American contribution to the world and persons of color have played a major role in both evolutions. Read this book, hold it dear and make sure you tell every teacher, student, and devotee about it. It will be high on my shelf for sure.”

“Rob Schneider, a gifted director, actor, producer has now gifted us with this wonderfully researched book. This should be required reading, especially for the student who wants to know how we got to where we are in this ever changing and evolving art form. Fascinating to see how each generation inspired the next which leads young artists to understand why they were drawn to and are now a part of this wonderful world of Musical Theater. I wish I had this highly entertaining resource when I was starting out.”

"An extraordinary resource for students of musical theatre or for any theatre-lover, Schneider’s book is a celebration of the art form and the key moments that shaped it. He wisely knows the best way to ensure its future is by understanding its past.”

“In Fifty Key Stage Musicals, Robert W. Schneider has created an essential tome for all musical theatre enthusiasts and students. He has thoughtfully curated a terrific collection of pieces on shows that have changed the art form. The book is thoroughly entertaining, educational, and inspiring.”

“If you consider yourself a lover of musicals, you must read Fifty Key Musicals.”

“What a terrific introduction to musical theatre that should excite and inspire students to look even more deeply into the canon.”

“An excellent resource for students and teachers refreshingly written through a contemporary lens. Each writer shares the important facts of these influential musicals while also diving into the backstage drama of how each one made it to Broadway. Engaging AND educational.”

“Fifty Key Musicals is a valuable selection of defining moments in the development of the musical stage from The Black Crook to Dear Evan Hansen. Well researched and engagingly written by a cornucopia of Musical Theatre’s strongest advocates, the collection is an excellent resource for young performers exploring the roots of their chosen field and a delightful trip down memory lane for the more seasoned reader.”

“Fifty Key Musicals does a remarkable job of deconstructing what you think you know about the evolution of the modern musical. Written in an accessible and clear manner, this book allows the reader to view this magnificent art form through the lens of historical context by connecting “dots” and exploring how true change is affected by innovative theatre artists. If you’re looking for a new way to explore the how and why of musical theatre and Broadway, this book is for you!”

“A must read for any aspiring Musical Theater student. This book provides real in-depth analysis of some of the greatest works in the Musical Theater canon. Wonderful examination and exploration by the authors of this truly American art form! Entertaining and informative!”

“FIFTY KEY MUSICALS is destined to become a necessary companion for those who love and love to study the Musical Theatre. With a cornucopia of diverse and highly informed voices, this collection of easily digestible essays shed light on how these landmark musicals advanced the form, and why we still care about them. From Broadway writers, Rupert Holmes and Bill Russell, to the award-winning scholars, Laurence Maslon and Thomas Hischak, and well beyond, these writers offer both a historical context and a contemporary frame to understand the sometimes complex relationship we have with these enormously popular works. Thanks to Rob Schneider’s FIFTY KEY MUSICALS, I will happily sit with a stack of at least fifty albums to revisit some much loved and newly appreciated works of Musical Theatre.”

“FIFTY KEY MUSICALS offers commentary on a selection of influential Broadway musicals spanning 1866-2016. The book is a useful resource for students interested in the history of musical theatre.”

“What a tremendous resource! It’s a must-read for any student of Musical Theatre.”

“Fifty Key Stage Musicals” offers a fresh approach and is a terrific resource for new students of musical theatre to be introduced to some of the great works from the canon. Each chapter written by a different author offers a unique perspective on understanding 50 key musicals that had an impact on the landscape and advancement of the musical theatre artform. This book takes us on a journey of exploring 50 shows that contributed to the development of the genre. Additionally, it brilliantly ties in other shows that directly benefited from those keyshows’ existence, giving the reader a comprehensive understanding of the progression of musical theatre. I can’t wait to use it in my classroom!”

“This is the kind of companion book that is perfect for a musical theatre history classes - it allows teachers to cover multiple musicals in one class period without getting bogged down by the sheer amount of musical theatre literature. Each chapter briefly describes one musical's importance, innovations, and legacy in accessible language.”