The world of British musical theatre stands in relation to, yet distinct from, American musical theatre. Through unique conventions and themes that articulate class consciousness, gender constructs, social values, and approaches to wit, comedy, and camp, British musicals offer compelling windows into ever-evolving culture and entertainment aesthetics.

In this seminar course, we will explore the genres, themes, and structures of musicals including: Tommy, The Rocky Horror Show, Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera, Matilda, Billy Elliot, Six, Everybody's Talking about Jamie, & Juliet. Throughout, we will read, watch, listen, and discuss as we explore how spectacle, outcast and underdog narratives, and revised/retold histories and myths shape storytelling strategies and audience experience. What uplifted voices do we detect as we encounter touchstones from the past 50 years of British theatre history? What songs are those voices freed to sing?

Professor: Rachel Anderson Rabern, Professor of Theatre, Colby College, ME raanders@colby.edu