Love Is Love Is Love: Broadway Musicals and LGBTQ Politics, 2010-2020

A new and fresh approach to analyzing Broadway's sexual politics in the modern era is provided in this book, with a focus on shows such as Promises, Promises, Newsies, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, The Color Purple, and Frozen. It is written in a way that is accessible to students and scholars from all levels, and it offers valuable insights into the complex ways in which gender, sexuality, and culture are portrayed on the stage.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 184 pages
Publication date: 24 March 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book offers a fresh and contemporary take on the ways in which contemporary US sexual politics plays out on its biggest stage, with analyses of Promises, Promises, Newsies, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, The Color Purple, and Frozen. Written accessibly and clearly for all levels of student and scholar in musical theatre as well as interdisciplinary areas of queer, gender, and cultural studies, this is the most up-to-date study available of Broadway's cultural politics.

Introduction:
Broadway, the iconic stage of American musical theatre, has long been a platform for exploring and challenging societal norms and values. In recent years, the theatre has become increasingly relevant in discussing contemporary US sexual politics, reflecting the changing attitudes and experiences of the American public. This book aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the ways in which Broadway musicals have addressed sexual politics, both explicitly and implicitly, over the past several decades.

Chapter 1:
Promises, Promises:
Promises, Promises, a musical set in the 1920s, explores the sexual dynamics between two young women, Sally and Jerry. The play delves into themes of desire, consent, and the boundaries of relationships, particularly in the context of a time when homosexuality was still considered a crime. Through its characters and musical numbers, Promises, Promises challenges traditional gender roles and stereotypes and promotes a more inclusive and accepting view of sexuality.

Chapter 2:
Newsies:
Newsies, a musical set in the 1910s during the New York City newsboy strike, focuses on the experiences of a group of young men who are fighting for their rights and dignity. The play explores themes of labor exploitation, gender inequality, and the struggle for social justice. Newsies also addresses the issue of sexual orientation and gender identity, with one of the characters, Jack, being openly gay and facing discrimination and violence.

Chapter 3:
Hedwig and the Angry Inch:
Hedwig and the Angry Inch is a rock musical that tells the story of a transgender woman, Hedwig, who travels across the United States in search of love and acceptance. The play explores themes of identity, gender, and sexuality, and challenges traditional notions of what it means to be a man or a woman. Hedwig and the Angry Inch is known for its bold and innovative musical style, as well as its powerful and emotional performances.

Chapter 4:
The Color Purple:
The Color Purple is a play that explores the experiences of African American women in the mid-20th century. The play addresses themes of gender, race, and sexuality, and challenges the dominant narrative of African American history. The Color Purple also explores the complexities of female sexuality and the power of women to assert their own identities and desires.

Chapter 5:
Frozen:
Frozen, a Disney animated musical, tells the story of a princess who must save her kingdom from an evil snow queen. The play explores themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery, and also addresses the issue of gender roles and stereotypes. Frozen challenges traditional notions of femininity and masculinity and promotes a more inclusive and diverse view of gender.

Conclusion:
Broadway musicals have played a significant role in shaping the cultural dialogue surrounding sexual politics in the United States. Through their characters, storylines, and musical styles, these shows have challenged traditional notions of gender, sexuality, and identity and promoted a more inclusive and diverse view of society. As the theatre continues to evolve and adapt to changing societal norms, it will be interesting to see how it continues to address these important issues in the future.

Weight: 312g
Dimension: 233 x 156 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032329475