Rutgers University Press The Great White Way: Race and the Broadway Musical - 2nd Ed

Broadway musicals are a staple of American culture, attracting millions of viewers every year. While many view these productions as lighthearted entertainment, they often carry deeper meanings about the nation's identity. The Great White Way: Race and the Broadway Musical explores these hidden layers, examining the racial politics and subtexts that have shaped the musical theater landscape for nearly a century. This updated second edition provides a comprehensive look at the evolution of the genre. It traces the history of racial themes in musical theater from the era of Show Boat (1927) all the way to the modern impact of Hamilton (2015). This book is an essential resource for anyone interested in how performing arts reflect the social and political realities of America. Whether you are a student of theater history or a casual fan of Broadway, this text offers a new way to understand the shows you love.