Event—Adult Education

Reinventing Musical Theater From Hair to Hamilton

The sound and attitude of rock, pop, and hip-hop have helped reinvent and reinvigorate the American musical theater. This seminar will focus on eight shows that shook up the world of Broadway and brought in new audiences...

Cost and Registration Information

Early Registration Price (by May 19): $240
Regular Price (after May 19): $264

Register Here

Seminar Description

The sound and attitude of rock, pop, and hip-hop have helped reinvent and reinvigorate the American musical theater. This seminar will focus on eight shows that shook up the world of Broadway and brought in new audiences, starting with the brash and raucous songs of Hair and finishing with the bold, rich, and rap-infused score of Hamilton. Other seminal works we will examine include Jesus Christ Superstar, Pippin, Tommy, Rent, Spring Awakening, and American Idiot. Eight sessions.

Douglas Post is an award-winning playwright, composer and lyricist whose works have been produced around the world. He has taught at Northwestern University, DePaul University and Victory Gardens Theater. He currently teaches playwriting at Chicago Dramatists and serves on the Council for the Dramatists Guild of America.

Materials List

Required:

  • None

First Readings:

  • You do not need to prepare anything for the first class session.

This class is part of the Newberry’s Adult Education Seminars Program. Learn more about our registration procedures.