Thomas A Greenfield’s book, subtitled “from the American Revolution to the 21st century” takes a two-pronged approach to American Musicals.
First, it presents a collection of essays focusing on musicals based on or inspired by historical events; and second it places those events in context against the shows.
Some titles will be very familiar (Hamilton, Hair, Ragtime) while others are well in need of rediscovery (Dearest Enemy, Raisin). Major composers and librettists sit alongside those overlooked or half-forgotten.
In exploring the history of the United States through “the country’s most celebrated art form”, Greenfield considers which events have been given cultural significance, no matter how big or small.
The musicals chosen go from the days of the Great American Songbook right up to date, with Suffs (2024) being the most recent entry. Big events include American independence, the Vietnam War, and Pearl Harbor, while being equally focused on women’s suffrage, gay rights, and workers’ rights.
You can approach this book by reading about your favourite musical first or by moving chronologically through events. Facts and statistics are shared alongside changes made for dramatic effect.