Jewish Traditions in Musical Theater

See it if If you want to understand the connections that Jewish playwrights and composers have to musical theatre go to this salon ! Lecturer superb !

Don't see it if You have no interest in the history of American musical theatre and the huge part Jewish composers and writers have in it.

See it if Interested in theater history, like to hear insights from a smart and prepared presenter, like pertinent visuals and discussion. Worthy/fine

Don't see it if Not interested in cultural influences, don't like musicals,uncomfortable w discrimination/prejudices & successful efforts to rise above it.

Also I very much appreciate that the salons seem to have a more compelling format these days. The presenter spoke with well-paced and prepared media clips, and while acknowledging that questions might come up, respectfully made it clear that questions were best saved for the end. The post-talk salon -discussion was informed and lively, with back and forth discussions between audience members, AND we got the benefit of the presenter's point of view and prepared talk, without it being sidetracked by audience questions in the middle.

Meredith was a delightful presenter; well-schooled and enthusiastic about the topic. She engaged us from the beginning and held our attention throughout.

Side note: I know that women have traditionally not been given many opportunities for creative work in the theatre, but Meredith did miss mentioning Lynn Ahrens, a Jewish lyricist with many Broadway shows to her credit. Once on This Island, Anastasia, Ragtime and Seussical among them.

Highly recommend.... Read more Read less

See it if Excellent summary and discussion of the PBS special “Broadway Musicals: A Jewish Legacy” followed by conversation with attendees.

Don't see it if You aren’t interested in the topic. You don’t want to know about the background of Broadway lyricists and composers.

See it if you enjoy the historical beginnings of the theater and the meaning behind plays.

Don't see it if You don’t enjoy when and how things began in the theater.

See it if you'd like to see how Jewish music and experience created the American musical. Lecture is accompanied by PowerPoint slides, video clips.

Don't see it if you don't like taking classes. I love that Show Score offers these.

Also Substantive and well-paced class stuck to the topic and made a couple of key points that I still remember a week later. Other Show-Score classes have sometimes gotten railroaded by student questions, but that was not the case here. Instructor is knowledgeable, personable, and humorous. She should have used the podium so she didn't have to hold her notes in her hand the whole time. I would have liked a handout with suggestions for further reading/viewing.... Read more Read less

See it if Enjoy learning more about musical theater in general and the Jewish influences in particular.

Don't see it if Don’t care about the evolution of musical theater.