IST 605: Broadway Musicals

"Playgoers, I bid you welcome!" - A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the Forum

For over 100 years, the musicals that have graced the Broadway stage have inspired a legion of fans. As the lights dim and the overture starts up, the special magic of experiencing live theatre begins.

New York City between West 41st and 54th Street is considered the heart of the theatre district, also known as Broadway or "The Great White Way". This is the preeminent theatre district in the world, a place where aspiring composers, directors and performers dream to someday see their work on stage.

This guide is designed to aid those studying theatre, or fans of musical theatre who simply want to learn more about a favorite show or performer. This guide offers a foundation in navigating all the various components it takes to stage a show on Broadway, from the music and book to the director and choreographer to the performers and even the theatre itself.

While not a definitive list, it provides ample resources to help one understand not only how a show takes shape, but how Broadway musicals have influenced culture and inspired millions across the world.

This guide is divided into various categories:

HISTORY - Contains resources that cover the history of Broadway shows generally, from its origins to today.

SHOWS - Contains resources that focus on the actual musicals themselves.

PEOPLE - Contains resources that document the people involved in putting on productions, from the actors on stage to those who write the shows and work behind the scenes.

MUSIC - Contains resources that focuses on the music featured in shows.

SEARCH METHODS - Contains information on best practices for searching, as well as useful search terms.

REFERENCES - A comprehensive list of all the resources featured in this guide.