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History of the Rock Musical from Hair to Hedwig: An Anthropological Series

Jesus Mitchell

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Published in The Theater Will Rock: A History Of The Rock Musical From Hair To Hedwig (Anthropology Series)

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The rock musical has a long and storied history, from its humble beginnings in the 1960s to its current status as a Broadway mainstay. Along the way, it has evolved to reflect the changing social and political landscape, and has given voice to some of the most important issues of our time.

In this series of articles, we will explore the history of the rock musical, from its early days to its present day incarnation. We will examine the key figures and works that have shaped the genre, and we will discuss the social and political context in which it has developed.

The Theater Will Rock: A History of the Rock Musical, from Hair to Hedwig (Anthropology series)

by Stephen Vider

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Language	:	English
File size	:	797 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	290 pages

The Early Years

The rock musical emerged in the early 1960s as a reaction to the conservative values of the time. Young people were looking for a new form of expression that would reflect their own experiences and values, and rock music provided the perfect outlet.

The first rock musical, Hair, was produced in 1967. It was a groundbreaking work that tackled such taboo topics as sex, drugs, and the Vietnam War. Hair was a huge success, and it spawned a number of imitators.

Other early rock musicals include The Who's Tommy (1969),Jesus Christ Superstar (1971),and Godspell (1971). These musicals were all critical and commercial successes, and they helped to solidify the rock musical as a legitimate genre.

The Golden Age

The 1970s and 1980s were a golden age for the rock musical. During this time, the genre produced some of its most iconic works, including Rent (1996),Avenue Q (2003),and Spring Awakening (2006).

These musicals were all groundbreaking in their own way. Rent was one of the first rock musicals to deal with the issue of AIDS, Avenue Q was a hilarious and thought-provoking satire of American society, and Spring Awakening was a powerful and moving exploration of teenage sexuality.

The rock musical has continued to evolve in recent years, and it remains one of the most popular and vibrant genres of theater. It is a genre that is constantly reinventing itself, and it is sure to continue to produce groundbreaking works for years to come.

The rock musical has a rich and diverse history, and it has played a significant role in American culture. It is a genre that has given voice to the hopes and dreams of young people, and it has challenged the status quo. The rock musical is a powerful force for change, and it will continue to be a vital part of our culture for years to come.