Latinidad in Musical Theatre

Short introductory books on significant theories, concepts, forms, and elements of musical theatre.

Latinidad in Musical Theatre offers an accessible exploration of the substantial contribution of Latinx culture, specifically via music, dance, and choreography to the last century of the American Musical from Carmen Miranda to Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Latinx artists, music and dance have been influencing musical theatre since the early 1900s, but it’s only in the last 50 years or so that Latinx artists have been able to fully contribute to the art form, not just via appropriation or stereotype, but by owning their own narrative, creatively and intellectually. This volume takes a survey approach that builds on case studies ranging from classic musicals The Pajama Game,West Side Story and Bye, Bye, Birdie through to the contemporary musicals In The Heights and Hamilton. As well as considering the shows themselves it also unpacks the careers and contributions of Latinx artists such as Chita Rivera and Graciela Daniele.

Published in Methuen Drama's Topics in Musical Theatre series, this volume is perfect for students of musical theatre and those wishing to deepen their appreciation of the artform.