While Broadway and New York City are synonymous with musical theatre, theatre historian Stacy Wolf reminds us that the "lifeblood of the musical is local." This course examines musical theatre in communities beyond not just Broadway, but the United States as well. By examining various markets across the globe, we will work to destabilize narratives that position the United States as a dominant producer of musical theatre. Our case studies will survey dramaturgies of original musical theatre works of recent and distant pasts that have emerged “beyond Broadway” in markets including, but not limited to, Germany, Canada, South Korea, Spain, Brazil, South Africa, and China.
As we investigate original works in their respective markets, we will also consider the transnational nature of American musicals across these same geographies. In doing so, we will interrogate reasons for the apparent dominance of Broadway in musical theatre historiography. Over the course of the semester, students will study various works across time and space, culminating in an archival construction of a localized musical production, detailing its dramaturgy, production history, and critical reception.
Spring 2025 (2254)
THEA 0825-29255
Number of Credits
3