Brent Lang Executive Editor Musical theater artist and historian Ben West is writing a new book, “The American Musical: Evolution of an Art Form.” The book will be released by Routledge, an imprint of the Taylor & Francis Group, on April 1, 2024. This comprehensive history of an American theatrical tradition offers a detailed and definitive portrait of the musical’s artistic evolution over the course of seven distinct eras. The company says it offers a unique perspective gleaned from research at more than 20 different archives across the United States.