WOMEN WRITING MUSICALS The Legacy That the History Books Left Out

Jenn Lee does a serviceable narration of this treasure-trove of stories featuring women who created musicals on and off Broadway. Many women were helped by the men in their families--Mary Rodgers, daughter of composer Richard Rodgers, for example--while others were prominent figures of their time, such as Dorothy Parker, who was known for her biting wit. Lee's precise delivery complements Tepper's comprehensive research. Her energy and excitement are contagious as she describes Ann Julia Hatton, the first woman to write a libretto; playwright/director Vinnette Carroll, the first Black director of a Broadway production; and Dorothy Fields, who gave Broadway 50 years of books and lyrics. This audiobook is a treat for theater historians, students of women's issues, actors, and ordinary people who love musicals. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2024]