musical theater

In an article about musicals, a theatre usher in a red uniform does a jazz square in front dancers in muted colors during the 2022 Tony Award performance for the musical 'A Strange Loop.'

There’s a Musical for Everyone!

Elannah Swarnes Matos, University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez

While it is often characterized as too snobby and inaccessible, the diversity of the genre makes the art form impossible to dismiss.…

February 14, 2023

a portrait of the late stephen sondheim.

Sondheim May Be Gone, But His Music Lives On

Jacob Puestow, University of Wisconsin, Green Bay

The composer's legacy lives on.…

November 26, 2022

#Scamilton person and costume from the unauthorized production

What We Can All Learn From #Scamilton

Megan Miller, Arizona State University

The Door, a church in Texas, thought they got away with ripping off, well, everyone. Then, they got a response from users across the internet –– and Lin-Manuel Miranda himself.…

September 8, 2022

Japanese Takarazuka Theater Lets Its Participants Play With Gender

Peyton Conner, Indiana University

In this type of performance, women play all the roles, and refreshing performances that mix androgyny and gender expression are sure to ensue.…

January 20, 2022

Illustration of Jonathan Larson playing the piano on a stage alone under a spotlight from new Netflix film "Tick, Tick... Boom!"

‘Tick, Tick… Boom!’ Is Netflix’s Heartfelt Musical Ode to Jonathan Larson

Esha Shah, New Jersey Institute of Technology

The film adaptation of the autobiographical Broadway show is a passionate tribute to one of theater's most influential artists.…

January 4, 2022

Laura Osnes Is Not a Victim for Refusing the COVID Vaccine

Darby Williams, University of Michigan

The Broadway star has been removed from several projects after not receiving the shot, and it would seem her spotlight is fading as a result.…

September 12, 2021

‘OK Orchestra’ Is a Coming-of-Age Album for a Lost Generation

Darby Williams, University of Michigan

Indie-pop sensation AJR’s newest EP explores self-reflection and what it means to be a grown-up — whatever that means.…

July 29, 2021

How ‘Glee’ Revolutionized the Landscape of Modern Musical Theater

Zach Terrillion, Oberlin College

The beloved show helped introduce younger audiences to the magic of show tunes through storytelling and genre-blending.…

July 15, 2021

The Paradox of ‘Hamilton’ and Why the Broadway Show Aged Badly

Jael Davis, DePaul University

Not every piece of art necessarily ages well, even over a short span of time. Lin-Manuel Miranda's play is the perfect example of this.…

July 11, 2021

Image of a person on stage and a crowd watching at a theater

10 Benefits of Taking Theater as an Extracurricular

Callie Rosenzweig, University of Chicago

Some people see the performing arts as a waste of time, but participating can help students gain important life skills.…

January 25, 2021

Learn How the Kilroys Are Bringing More Diversity to Theater

Olivia Dimond, Bates College

The group is dedicated to getting the theatrical works of female, trans and nonbinary playwrights onto the Broadway stage.…

August 22, 2020

The cast of Hamilton on stage during a performance

The Pros and Cons of Being a Second Wave ‘Hamilton’ Fan

Emma Smith, Wesleyan University

Even though I became obsessed with the theatrical masterpiece four years after everyone else, there are some upsides to experiencing the musical in 2020.…

August 11, 2020

Image of Lin-Manuel Miranda and cast mates in 'Hamilton.'

Does ‘Hamilton’ Glorify the Ugly Side of American History?

Olivia Dimond, Bates College

Like any piece of historical fiction, the musical takes some artistic license, but fans are now wondering if the show has gone too far.…

July 25, 2020

Recording bootlegs of a theater production

How Will Bootlegs Affect Broadway Once Quarantine Is Over?

Olivia Dimond, Bates College

People are watching illegally recorded videos of Broadway shows now more than ever. Will this lead to larger audiences after the pandemic? Or will it lead to the demise of theater?…

June 13, 2020

7 Places To Stream Theater Performances During the Pandemic

Anna Barnard, St. Olaf College

Because of the virus, many theater companies have closed indefinitely — with these platforms, however, you won't have to miss a thing.…

June 11, 2020

‘Les Misérables’ Is Remarkably Relevant to the Protests for Racial Justice

Danielle Kuzel, Florida State University

The movie isn't just a musical. It tells a story of injustice and revolt that parallels our modern political climate.…

June 11, 2020

Virtual Tourism Can Save Your Quarantined Summer

Tamara Kamis, Cornell University

You might have been forced to cancel your vacation, but there are safe and fun alternatives that could rescue your plans.…

June 10, 2020

A scene from Spring Awakening, one of several musicals with an important message

Here Are 5 Broadway Musicals With Meaningful Messages

Lauren Buchko, Michigan State University

Musical theater isn't just catchy songs and flashy dance numbers. Many shows have poignant messages about mental health, suicide, LGBTQ+ issues and more.…

April 20, 2020

Top 10 Songs From ‘Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,’ the Mental Health Musical Comedy

Sam Shepherd, McGill University

Four seasons and over a hundred music videos in, the musical comedy has provided loads of laughs and moments of introspection.…

August 16, 2019

As ‘Kiss Me Kate’ Thrives, Cole Porter Enjoys a Resurgence

Matilda Schulman, University of California, Berkeley

The mastermind behind a number of canonical musicals has found his work resonating with a new generation.…

May 21, 2019

Why I’m Not ‘Hopelessly Devoted’ to the ‘Grease’ Prequel

Tatianna Salisbury, Northern Illinois University

All the chocolate malts, cherry cokes and clique romances in the world couldn’t sweeten this story.…

May 10, 2019

FX’s ‘Fosse/Verdon’ Revives the Lost History of Theatre’s Most Famous Couple

Matilda Schulman, University of California, Berkeley

More importantly, it reveals how Fosse’s fame wrongly overshadowed that of his creative counterpart. …

April 21, 2019

A Look at the Upcoming Shows to Hit Broadway in 2018

Sarah Hoenig, Texas A&M University

The line-up of shows this Broadway season is better than ever, for one particular reason.…

March 25, 2018

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musical theater