The American musical theatre song encyclopedia

the long version

"The musical theatre song is conceived, written, and produced as part of a whole. While it may eventually stand on its own and join the ranks of popular hits, its immediate purpose is clear: it must 'work' in the show ... 'The American Musical Theatre Song Encyclopedia' is about how hundreds of famous and not-so-famous songs have functioned in the American musical. In addition to identifying the authors and the source of the song, this reference provides full detail about the song ... It is a book about songs as little pieces of playwriting for the musical theatre ..."