MUSC 0230 The Broadway Musical: Histories, Identities, and Performance
In this course, we will explore the vibrant history of the Broadway musical from the early 20th century to the present, emphasizing its role as a dynamic facet of a changing American culture. Through engagement with historical sources and musicological scholarship, as well as analysis of seminal works, we will examine how Broadway musicals have adapted to changing times and audiences, reflecting and shaping societal contexts, with a focus on key composers, librettists and performers. Our discussions will draw connections between the musical and other forms of staged musical performance, including opera, operetta, and cabaret. Discussions will critically explore the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality in the production and reception of musicals, as well as the influence of a changing media landscapes in their dissemination. A key source will be the book Enchanted Evenings by Geoffrey Block, with additional readings and a weekly screening of a full musical.