This lesson will examine the development of American musical theater, highlighting the involvement of Jews at each stage of production. We will focus particularly on Jewish songwriters and their work on Broadway.

Through this lesson, learners will understand that:

• The American musical, as we think of it today, is the result of the evolution and amalgamation of several different types of performing arts.
• At the same time, the American musical is a startling creative development and achievement.
• Jews have been central figures at every stage of the development of the American musical form.
• Jews have contributed to all levels of Broadway productions throughout history (i.e.composers, writers, choreographers, etc.).

Learners will listen to excerpts of music from Yiddish theater and various Broadway shows including Watch Your Step, Show Boat, Der Rebetsn’s Tokhter (The Rabbi’s Wife’s Daughter), and more.

Learners will also be asked to consider these questions and more:

• How did the American musical first emerge?
• What kinds of musical works did theatergoers experience before the American musical?
• What was the Jewish involvement in those musical forms?

This Stories of Music lesson is made possible in part thanks to the generous support of the Azrieli Foundation.