MUS211

The development of the musical theatre in the United States. Explores the American musical’s roots in minstrelsy, burlesque, and opera, as well more modern musicals by canonical composers/librettists to more experimental and contemporary shows. Studies the craftsmanship and dramaturgy of the musical. Considers the conditions in which was the musical created, its path toward production, the critical as well as audience reception, and how that reception may have changed over time. In addition, the class will be asked to examine how musicals serve to both reflect and shape the society in which they are produced: what contemporary issues does the work address? Who is represented in the work and how, and who is absent and what are the implications of this absence?