Musical Theatre in America: A Cultural History (MUSO 103)

When the lights on Broadway flash, the crowds stream into the darkened theatre, and the curtain parts--then, the magic begins. The Broadway musical theatre is a unique art form and represents America's contribution to the world of operatic theatre. This course studies the history of American musical theatre and its cultural context from the 18th century melodramas, when audiences roared for "Yankee Doodle" or tossed apples from the balconies if they became bored, down to the "golden age of book musicals" during the 1940s, when patriotic audiences celebrated sailors "On the Town" in wartime New York City. Today's musicals reflect contemporary social concerns, and audiences must grapple with the distress of the Vietnam legacy even as they gasp to see a live helicopter land on stage. Students in MUSO 103 watch films, listen to recordings and guest lecturers, study the scripts, and attend a live production of a musical.

Credit?
Arts and Science--professional
Engineering--elective
Peabody--humanities for most majors

Return to Music to Go or go to Opera.