A groundbreaking exploration that reveals the powerful impact of marginalized groups on the evolution of the Broadway Musical.At the turn of the 20th century, immigrants, Jews, Queers, and African Americans faced exclusion from mainstream American society, with limited employment opportunities. They found their calling in the emerging field of "Show Business," particularly the burgeoning Broadway Musical. Their pioneering spirit not only seized this opportunity but also continued to shape and dominate the Broadway Musical for over a century, creating an art form that has deeply influenced American culture.Throughout its history, the Broadway Musical has subtly and at times boldly championed human rights and liberal values, reflecting its creators' and performers' diverse backgrounds. Unlike previous works on musical theatre history, this book weaves these diverse threads into a comprehensive narrative, repositioning Black, Queer, and Women artists at the heart of the story, acknowledging their long-standing contributions often overlooked.Broadway Nation is a valuable resource for both students and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of this beloved American art form. Readers will gain profound insights into the history and transformation of the Broadway Musical over a span of more than a century. Additionally, the book celebrates the remarkable artistry and craftsmanship of key figures, from George M. Cohan to Lin Manuel-Miranda, who have left an indelible mark on this extraordinary cultural phenomenon.

i. Forwardii. Introduction1. What Is A Musical?I. The Genesis Era2. Precursors of the Broadway Musical3. The Immigrants Who Invented Broadway4. The African Americans Who Invented Broadway5. The Queers Who Invented Broadway6. The Women Who Invented BroadwayII. The Silver Age of the Broadway Musical7. Jews & Blues: Origins Of The Broadway Showtune8. The Silver Age, part 1: The 1920s9. The Silver Age part 2: The 1930s10. The Hammerstein Revolution: "The Musical Play"III. The Golden Age of the Broadway Musical11. The Golden Age, part 1: The 1940s12. The Golden Age, part 2: The 1950s13. The Golden Age, part 3: The 1960sIV. The Modern Era of the Broadway Musical14. The Modern Era, part 1: "Multiple Rebellions"15. The Modern Era, part 2: "The British Invasion"16. Broadway In the 21st Century: "You Can't Stop The Beat"V. The Principal Themes of The Broadway Musical17. Equity, Social Justice & Inclusion18. Transgressive Women19. Community20. Why Musicals MatterNotesBibliographyIndexAbout The Author