Many consider "The Black Crook" to be the first what?

What do you get if you combine a hackneyed melodrama with a French ballet troupe? Possibly the first American musical, from back in 1866.

This work first appeared in New York City to great acclaim. And yes, it's all about the definition of just what constitutes a musical. Apparently this is the first piece that ticks the boxes for the first musical.

The book was by Charles M. Barras, with the music by Thomas Baker. This Faustian melodramatic romantic comedy became known for its special effects and skimpy costumes.

https://tdm.fas.harvard.edu/event/reviving-and-reimagining-black-crook-joshua-william-gelb

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Black_Crook