Lifelong Learning Institute at Waubonsee Community College

What comes first? Legal change, cultural change or hum-able songs? American musicals are ripe with messages of social justice. “America” from "West Side Story, " “Ole Man River” from "Show Boat," “You’ve got to be taught,” from “South Pacific” are only a few examples. In this closer examination of Musical Theater, we will look at some of our favorite Musicals and see how they have intersected with social issues that continue today: Racial discrimination, poverty, environmental injustice, inequitable health care and education, gender inequity and discrimination. The list is exhausting. Is it a coincidence that most of the composers and lyricists of these musicals are Jewish? Once more, we are faced with more questions than answers, and once more we will have the joy of that discovery together. Karaoke will be encouraged!