Course Description

Instructor:  Emanuel Abramovits

130 years of history, from Vaudeville and Yiddish Theater to Concept Musicals, Book Musicals, modern productions, composers, performers, producers, and choreographers.

Musicals have been a major part of American theater for many years, and nowhere have they been more loved and celebrated than Broadway, the theater capital of the world. From vaudeville and Yiddish theater to present day productions, don’t miss the anecdotes and tales about the composers, actors, directors and choreographers that created an insatiable love affair with the American musical.

A survey of Broadway musicals all through the 20th century, from the Tin Pan Alley-driven comedy works of the early 20th century, to the integrated book musical plays that flourished in the heyday years of midcentury to the rock era concept musicals, the arrival of British mega-productions late in the century and today's panorama. With anecdotes and audiovisuals, we'll profile some of the theater world's leading composers, writers, directors, performers, and choreographers.