Broadway Nation

About this book

A groundbreaking exploration that reveals the powerful impact of marginalized groups on the evolution of the Broadway musical. At the turn of the 20th century, immigrants, Jews, queers, and African Americans faced exclusion from mainstream American society, with limited employment opportunities. They found their calling in the emerging field of show business, particularly the burgeoning Broadway musical. Their pioneering spirit not only seized this opportunity but also continued to shape and dominate the Broadway musical for over a century, creating an art form that has deeply influenced American culture. Throughout its history, the Broadway musical has subtly and at times boldly championed human rights and liberal values, reflecting its creators' and performers' diverse backgrounds. Unlike previous works on musical theatre history, this book weaves these diverse threads into a comprehensive narrative, repositioning Black, queer, and women artists at the heart of the story, acknowledging their long-standing contributions often overlooked.