Race in American Musical Theater

Description

While most discussions of race in American theater emphasize the representation of race mainly in terms of character, plot, and action, Race in American Musical Theater highlights elements of theatrical production and reception that are particular to musical theater. Examining how race functions through the recurrence of particular racial stereotypes and storylines, this introductory volume also looks at casting practices, the history of the chorus line, and the popularity ofrecent shows such as Hamilton. Moving from key examples such as Show Boat! and South Pacific through to all-Black musicals such as Dreamgirls, Bring in 'Da Noise, Bring in 'Da Funk and Jelly's Last Jam, this concise study serves as a critical survey how race is presented in the American musical theater canon. Providing readers with historical background, a range of case studies and models of critical analysis, this foundational book prompts questions from how stereotypes persist to "who tells your story?"

Josephine Lee is Professor of English and Asian American Studies at the University of Minnesota, USA, and the editor in chief of the Oxford Encyclopedia of Asian American Literature and Culture. Her other books include The Japan of Pure Invention: Gilbert and Sullivan's The Mikado and Performing Asian America: Race and Ethnicity on the Contemporary Stage.