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American History through Broadway Musicals on Zoom

In his recent book, “Carefully Taught: American History Through Broadway Musicals,” Cary Ginell profiles many American musicals that were inspired by actual historical events.

The theatrical productions discussed address historical events from the Civil War and Vietnam to smaller but no less dramatic stories ranging from studies of American racism like "The Scottsboro Boys” and “Parade,” to whimsical satires like “Bye, Bye Birdie” and “Finian’s Rainbow.” In this lecture, Cary will discuss and show elements of many of these musicals with video, and how real stories are often more dramatic than ones that are dreamed up by playwrights. 

This program is a partnership with Joshua Hyde Library.

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