A companion to the six-part PBS documentary series, "Broadway: The American Musical" is the first comprehensive history of the musical, from its roots at the turn of the 20th century through the smashing successes of the new millennium. The in-depth text is lavishly illustrated with a treasure trove of photographs, sheet-music covers, posters, scenic renderings, production stills, rehearsal shots, and caricatures, many previously unpublished. Complementing the narrative are sidebars that highlight the stars, the shows, and the songs - the key ingredients that make the musical great. Each chapter also includes essays written by some of Broadway's most fascinating luminaries, past and present.