Lecture: Broadway's Winners with Gil Harel

There are many metrics by which the success of a Broadway production might be measured: longevity, revenue from ticket sales, licensing, merchandise, etc, as well as critical acclaim reflected in awards and laurels. Typically, shows that do well in the latter category have profound longevity, surviving and thriving through revivals, tours, and scholarly attention. In this class, Prof. Gil Harel will discuss five shows that have won some of the most coveted prizes in the business, such as the Tony Awards for "Best Musical" and "Best Original Score"
Using a multi-disciplinary approach, he will analyze the score and libretto of five acclaimed shows each representing different composers, writers, and eras in the canon: The Sound of Music, Company, Les Misérables, Avenue Q, and Next to Normal. Together, these shows present a combination of period drama, conceptual vignettes, irreverent humor, and groundbreaking tackling of taboo subject matter. Despite their differences, they are united in attaining tremendous success, and thus cementing their place on the stage and in the repertoire.