• Required reading assignments use the page numbers from the hardcover edition of my textbook.
• In case you do not have access to the textbook, use the links to related pages on Musicals101.com -- but you should eventually read the assigned text as well.
• If you have any questions regarding these assignments, please contact John Kenrick at bwayman08@yahoo.com.
• Optional items are exactly that, not required, but material that can enrich your learning experience..
• For More suggests worthwhile reading for anyone interested in doing further research. These are not required materials -- just listed in case a particular subject grabs you..
• Exam dates are noted in red.
• All take home exams MUST be submitted personally IN CLASS. Email submissions will not be accepted.

Week 1 (1/19)
1930s-40s: Something is Stirring

• Required: Kenrick: pp. 207-237
• Optional: Musicals101 - 1930s Part 1, 1930s Part 2, 1930s Part 3, 1930s Part 4
• For More: Jablonski, Edward. Gershwin: A Biography. New York: Doubleday, 1987. There are many books on George Gershwin, but this is the best to date. Comprehensive, intelligent, and frank.
• For More: Rosenberg, Deena. Fascinating Rhythm: The Collaboration of George and Ira Gershwin. London: Lime Tree, 1991. One of the few books to examine the collaboration between lyricist and composer. Based on extensive interviews with Ira, it includes a remarkable selection of photos.

Week 2 (1/26)
Rodgers & Hammerstein: Oklahoma & Beyond

• Required: Kenrick: pp. 238-251
• Optional: Musicals101 - 1940s Part 1, 1940s Part 2, 1940s Part 3, 1940s Part 4
• For More: Wilk, Max. OK! The Story of Oklahoma! New York: Grove Press, 1993. A detailed and fascinating look back at the gestation of Rodgers and Hammerstein's landmark hit. Packed with anecdotes and photos.
• For More: Mordden, Ethan. Beautiful Morning: The Broadway Musical in the 1940s. New York: Oxford University Press, 1999.

Week 3 (2/2)
After R&H: Broadway's Golden Age

• Required: Kenrick: pp. 251-264
• Optional: Musicals101 - 1950s Part 1, 1950s Part 2
• For More: Mordden, Ethan. Coming Up Roses: The Broadway Musical in the 1950s. New York: Oxford University Press, 1998.

Week 4 (2/9)
Anatomy of a Hit: My Fair Lady

• Required: Kenrick: pp. 294-297
• Optional: Musicals101 - 1950s Part 2 (cont'd), 1950s Part 4

Week 5 (2/16)
Career in Profile: Ethel Merman

• Required: Musicals101 - Ethel Merman bio 1, bio 2, bio 3
• For More: See the Musicals 101 Merman bibliography.

Week 6 (2/23)
Directors: Abbott, Robbins, Fosse
Your Take Home Mid-Term will either be distributed via email or in this class

• Required: Kenrick: pp. 265-292
• Optional: Musicals101 - 1950s Part 3

Week 7 (3/1)
More Golden Age Musicals
(Mid-Term Exam Due)

• No reading assignment for this week

SPRING BREAK 3/8

Week 8 (3/15)
1960s: The Parade Passes By 

• Required: Kenrick: pp. 298-317
• Optional: Musicals101 - 1960s Part 1, 1960s Part 2, 1960s Part 3
• For More: Mordden, Ethan. Open a New Window: The Broadway Musical in the 1960s. New York: Palgrave/St. Martin's Press, 2001.

Week 9 (3/22)
Sondheim & Prince: Worlds to Change

• Required: Kenrick: pp. 325-329

• Optional: Musicals101 - 1970s Part 1, 1970s Part 2, 1970s Part 3, 1970s Part 4

• For More: Hirsch, Foster. Harold Prince and the American Musical Theater. New York: Oxford University Press, 1989. A detailed look at Prince's directorial work up to Phantom of the Opera. Hirsch makes some ill-advised points, but there are plenty of useful facts and observations along the way for serious students of these works.

• For More: Zadan, Craig. Sondheim & Co. New York: Harper & Row, 1974 (Second updated edition, 1986). A fascinating behind the scenes look at how Sondheim's shows were created, with great photos and some reflective insights from Mr. Sondheim.

Week 10 (3/29)
1970s: The Main Stem Becomes a Side Street

• Required: Kenrick: pp. 318-325, 330-341

• Optional: Musicals101 - 1970s Part 5, 1980s Part 1

• For More: See the Musicals101 A Chorus Line bibliography.

• For More: Mordden, Ethan. One More Kiss: The Broadway Musical in the 1970s. New York: Palgrave for St. Martin's Press, 2003.

Week 11 (4/5 - Yes, we have class on Holy Thursday)
1980s: Mega-musicals

• Required: Kenrick: pp. 342-358

• Optional: Musicals101 - 1980s Part 2,1980s Part 3

Week 12 (4/12)
1990s: Who's the Leader of the Club?

• Required: Kenrick: 358-369

• Optional: Musicals101 - 1990s Part 1, 1990s Part 2

• For More: Mordden, Ethan. The Happiest Corpse I've Ever Seen: The Last 25 Years of the Broadway Musical. New York: Palgrave for St. Martin's Press, 2004. I strongly disagree with many of the opinions expressed in this book, but Mordden's wit and passion make for absorbing reading. 

Week 13 (4/19)
Nowadays: Jukebox Jive, Cartoon Candy

• Required: Kenrick: pp. 370-382

• Optional: Musicals101 - 2000s

Week 14 (4/26)
The Future?
Your Final will be discussed during this class -- it is NOT a take home exam.

• No required readings

Week 15 (5/3)

• FINAL EXAM - In Class