THTR 362 American Musical Theatre History
The American Musical as a popular artform is a living, breathing form of theatre that is a reflection of its time and is constantly reinventing itself based on innovative concepts of the artists of the period. In this Musical Theatre history course, students will investigate the history of the musical, analyze specific works that helped shape the genre, and examine works beyond the canon, focusing on the historical and cultural contexts that helped facilitate the creation of each work and their reception. Students will explore the early origins of the musical to the birth of the modern musical (the integrated “book” musical), through the creation of concept musicals, megamusicals, and more contemporary forms. Students will attend theatre performances in NYC, and a ticket fee will be posted in the course bulletin. Through historical research, analysis of musical texts (both libretto and score), archival work, and collaborative projects students will engage with Musical Theatre in a variety of ways. Not open to students who have completed THTR 274 A-B.