Sing for Your Supper: The Broadway Musical in the 1930s

“[Mordden] excels at delineating the contrasting styles and personalities [of] Broadway’s busiest—and in showbiz terms, best—songsmiths of the 1930s.” ―Richmond Times-Dispatch

In the 1930s, Broadway's lights still burned brightly. Ethan Mordden completes his history of the Broadway musical by taking a look at this forgotten era. Shows like Anything Goes brought the glitter of Cole Porter and Merman's brass to the public. Innovations in dance were pioneered by Balanchine and others. Scenic advancements made Astaire's The Band Wagon move across the stage in novel ways. Gershwin's revolutionary Porgy and Bess entered the canon of American Classics. And The Cradle Will Rock and Johnny Johnson took the American political temperature. With his trademark wit and style, Ethan Mordden shines the spotlight on Broadway's forgotten decade.

“Mordden is an encyclopedia of knowledge about the Broadway musical. Fortunately, his information is so well organized and his conversational writing style so smooth that this tome never feels like a mere onslaught of facts. Those who are devoted to musical theater will love this comprehensive historical look.” —Publishers Weekly

“Ever the enthusiastic aficionado, Mordden ferrets out the fascinating moments and important details of this period . . . invaluable.” ―Booklist

© 2025 St. Martin's Press (Ebook): 9781466893474

Release date

Ebook: April 16, 2025