Reframing the Musical - by Sarah Whitfield (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

This critical and inclusive edited collection offers an overview of the musical in relation to issues of race, culture and identity. Bringing together contributions from cultural, American and theatre studies for the first time, the chapters offer fresh perspectives on musical theatre history, calling for a radical and inclusive new approach. By questioning ideas about what the musical is about and who it for, this groundbreaking book retells the story of the musical, prioritising previously neglected voices to reshape our understanding of the form.

Timely and engaging, this is required reading for undergraduate and postgraduate students of musical theatre. It offers an intersectional approach which will also be invaluable for theatre practitioners.

Review Quotes

"Multiple authors come from diverse backgrounds and bring fresh perspectives on popular musicals as well as shows which had limited runs ... testifies to the centrality of this form of popular theatre in America, while raising important questions for scholars, for artists and for audiences." - Journal of American Drama and Theatre

"An exquisite anthology which covers musical theatre from South Pacific to Hamilton and Fun Home, featuring thought-provoking contributions from new, passionate and politically active musical theatre academics." --George Rodosthenous, University of Leeds, UK

"A pathbreaking volume, as compelling as it is captivating. This volume gathers emerging and established voices in the interdisciplinary field of musical theatre studies to activate new routes of critical conversation and inquiry. Accessible to both the academic specialist and the interested enthusiast, this volume promises to be a relevant resource for teachers, scholars, students and fans of musical theatre for years to come." --Brian E. Herrera, Princeton University, USA

About the Author

Sarah Whitfield is a Senior Lecturer in Musical Theatre and course leader for the MA in Musical Theatre at the University of Wolverhampton, UK.
Sarah Whitfield is a Senior Lecturer in Musical Theatre and course leader for the MA in Musical Theatre at the University of Wolverhampton, UK.