American Musical Theatre

Catalog description

This course explores the evolution of musical theatre, identifying the social changes that caused the art form to evolve and grow. From the earliest musicals of the 1900's to Broadway's newest sensation today, the American musical reflects a changing society, both in the diversity of the stories it tells, and in the innovation of its storytelling. In addition to reading and lecture, emphasis will be placed on viewing archival video to track the significant creative and technological advances of the American musical. Topics include racial, gender, sexual, and cultural influences; popular music and rock and roll; and the business of Broadway.