Word Crazy: Broadway Lyricists from Cohan to Sondheim

Hischak, associate professor of theater history and criticism at the State University of New York, presents a lively and insightful analysis of the careers and major works of Broadway's most notable lyricists--Cohan, Berlin, Gershwin, Lerner, Harnick and others. Tracing the development of lyrics in American musical theater to the present day, he examines how each lyricist's innovations fit into the whole picture and argues persuasively that lyric writing has evolved into a serious art form. Though copyright restrictions prohibit him from extensively quoting lyrics, Hischak is able, nevertheless, to analyze numerous examples, to capture the spirit of the works he discusses and illuminate the story of this heretofore little-appreciated aspect of musical theater. (Apr.)