Dictionary of the Black Theatre

Documentation for approximately three hundred shows from A Trip to Coontown (1898) to 1981''s Dreamgirls is provided in part I. The title of each show is followed by its theatre opening date number of performances complete list of creative personnel cast credits and where appropriate a list of the show''s songs. Each entry also contains a plot summary a survey of critical comment and where significant an analysis of the show''s historical context. Part II includes biographical entries for major performers writers and directors and notes on those organizations which encouraged the growth and development of black theatre in New York City. The Dictionary concludes with a chronology of all shows included in the text a discography of black shows and a selected bibliography of studies related to black theatre history and criticism.