Musical Theatre & Tap

By Vaidehi Vasava
  • 2000 BCE

    Early 20th Century: Musical Theatre

    1927: "Show Boat" by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II revolutionizes musical theatre by integrating the story and music more seamlessly.
  • 1990 BCE

    1990s-Present: Musical Theatre

    Musicals become more diverse with "Rent," "The Lion King," and "Hamilton" pushing boundaries.
    The rise of Jukebox Musicals featuring popular music.
    Increased experimentation with styles and themes.
  • 1970 BCE

    1970s-1980s: Musical Theatre

    Concept musicals like "Company" and "A Chorus Line" emerge.
    The genre becomes more experimental with shows like "Jesus Christ Superstar" and "Cats."
  • 1940 BCE

    Golden Age of Musicals (1940s-1960s): Musical Theatre

    Musicals like "Oklahoma!," "Carousel," "My Fair Lady," and "West Side Story" define this era.
    The work of composers and lyricists like Rodgers and Hammerstein, Lerner and Loewe, and Stephen Sondheim becomes iconic.
  • 1900 BCE

    Musical Theatre

    Late 19th Century:
    1879: "The Black Crook" is considered the first musical in the modern sense, combining a dramatic story with music and dance.

  • Tap Dance: Late 19th Century

    African and Irish dance traditions blend in the United States, laying the foundation for tap.

  • Golden Age of Tap (1930s-1940s)

    Tap reaches its peak with performers like the Nicholas Brothers and Fred Astaire.
    Hollywood musicals feature elaborate tap sequences.

  • Decline in Popularity (1950s-1960s): Tap

    Changing entertainment trends lead to a decline in tap's popularity.

  • Tap Resurgence (1970s-Present):

    Broadway shows like "42nd Street" and "A Chorus Line" revive interest in tap.
    Tap experiences a resurgence in the 1980s and 1990s with the rise of tap festivals and new generations of dancers.

  • Early 20th Century: Tap

    Early 20th Century:
    Tap evolves in vaudeville and minstrel shows, becoming a popular form of entertainment.
    Bill "Bojangles" Robinson and John Bubbles gain recognition.

  • Contemporary Tap (2000s-Present): Tap

    Tap continues to evolve with influences from other dance styles.
    Tap festivals, competitions, and educational programs contribute to the preservation and innovation of tap dance.