ONLINE: Technically, “off-Broadway” refers to a theater in New York City seating between 100 and 499 people, so an off-Broadway musical is one that plays in such a venue. Aesthetically, such musicals have often been more intimate, experimental or financially risky than the more commercial Broadway shows. Of course, many wildly successful musicals — such as "A Chorus Line," "Rent" and "Hamilton" — started off-Broadway and then moved to Broadway. However, in this course, we’ll explore some of those that didn’t move, and retained their essential off-Broadway character. We will begin with the 1954 revival of "The Threepenny Opera" and continue with "The Fantasticks," "Godspell," "Little Shop of Horrors" and "Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in Paris." Students will learn about the books and scores of these shows and how they expanded the form of American musical theater. The course is primarily lecture with video and audio clips; students will be able to ask questions and make comments. | Lecture + Q&A.
Max enrollment: 200.
Class sessions are recorded.
