The post golden age of musical theatre is often considered to have begun in the mid-1970s. This era was marked by a shift away from the traditional Broadway-style musicals of the 1950s, 60s, and early 70s, and towards a more experimental, off-Broadway style. This new style of musical theatre incorporated elements from rock music, jazz, and other genres to create a unique sound that was unlike anything heard before.
The late 1970s and early 1980s saw a proliferation of these new musicals on Broadway. Musicals such as “Dreamgirls” (1981), “A Chorus Line” (1975), and “Cats” (1982) were critical and commercial successes that helped to define the post-golden age era.
These shows featured complex characters with complex stories that resonated with audiences. They also showcased innovative choreography and staging techniques which had never been seen before on Broadway.
The influence of these shows can still be felt in modern musical theatre today. Many of the conventions established during this period have become the norm in contemporary musicals; for example, the use of rock music to drive narrative arcs or the use of ensemble casts to tell stories that transcend traditional linear plotlines. The post-golden age era was also notable for its embrace of diversity on stage; African American actors began to be cast in leading roles in musicals such as “Dreamgirls”, while LGBT characters were increasingly featured in shows such as “La Cage aux Folles” (1983).
In addition to its innovations in storytelling, this period also saw an increase in experimentation with form. Musicals such as “Sweeney Todd” (1979) used non-traditional structures for their stories, while others like “The Phantom of the Opera” (1986) pushed boundaries with their use of special effects and set design. This period saw a dramatic increase in creativity within the genre as composers and writers found new ways to tell stories through music and words.
The post-golden age era is often considered one of the most important periods in the history of American musical theatre. It ushered in an unprecedented level of innovation that is still felt today and helped shape what we think of when we hear the phrase “musical theatre”. From its experimental style to its embracing diversity on stage, this period left an indelible mark on theatrical history that continues to influence modern productions today.
Conclusion:
When Was The Post Golden Age Of Musical Theatre? The post golden age of musical theatre is considered by many to have begun around mid-1970s and ended around mid-1980s during which there was a shift away from traditional Broadway style towards experimentation with form, rock music incorporation, jazz infusion, narrative arcs driven by rock music among other changes which still remain influential today.