The American Musical

In my last class we were discussing Musical Theater and how it relates to American studies. The main point that was made was that musical theater often brings up important social and political points.

One of the earliest musical's to illustrate this, in my opinion, is Showboat. This musical was first produced in 1927, and made into a film in 1953 staring Ava Gardner and Howard Keel. The play illustrates the problems of miscegenation, children out of wedlock, and gambling. While these problems seem out of date for our time, these were in fact serious concerns for people during the prohibition and pre-civil rights times.

Another musical that addresses social issues is Westside Story. In this musical two gangs fight for territory on the streets of New York City. The issue at hand is one of immigration and identity. The Puerto Rican Sharks fight the American Jets, as the former tries to assimilate into a new culture and the latter attempts to drive them out and make sure they understand that they are not welcome. In the following clip the ladies of the Shark gang sing about the wonders of America while the men lament its downfalls.

Illustrating social issues in musicals continues through to musicals made today, from Rent to The Book of Mormon to Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson. All of these musicals shed a little limelight on certain contemporary social issues, from AIDS and homosexuality to mudslinging politics, musicals will continue to provide a soundtrack to politics and social issues of our time.