“Great theatre is about challenging how we think and encouraging us to fantasize a world we aspire to”. Transitioning from underdeveloped theaters to molded theaters, the introduction of the twentieth century brought about a heightened age for Broadway. Broadway in the twentieth century has impacted the lives of Americans by instilling hope and taking part in the advancement of technology, shaping American culture, and acting as a social influence. With the birth of a century came changes and New York City became most prominently known for its development of Times Square. People were found near Times Square and the Theater District, bustling to and from theaters, restaurants, and stores. Electricity began to light up advertisement marquees …show more content…
Whether or not one is a fan of the theater it is an undeniable truth that if the show questions a topic of social or political importance than it is revered as a must-see (Doc A). Shows such as Show Boat (1927), which dealt with the topic of interracial marriage. West Side Story (1957), the story of two star crossed lovers which at the time softened the stories of juvenile gang warfare among Hispanic populations of Spanish Harlem. Cabaret (1966), which addresses the rise of Nazism and Hitler in Germany. Hair (1968), involving issues such as drugs, the Vietnam War, civil rights, and astronauts. Company (1970), in which “the upper-middle class problems that the audience came to a musical to avoid are suddenly facing them on the stage”. I'd Rather Be Right (1937), a satirical play about President Franklin Roosevelt’s administration. 42nd Street (1980), which takes place during the Great Depression and was a show personally admired by President Ronald Reagan (Doc …show more content…
More and more Broadway productions began to hold lessons and topic of further importance. So much so that theatre came to know more than one purpose. A show can also serve to educate its public, and if it were not to educate then its only purpose would be to entertain (Doc F). Broadway shows have opened the eyes of the American people and it only makes sense to continue to do so. With the production of Broadway musical and plays that focus on historical events, came the idea to use theatre as a learning tool. Whether it be a production of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” or “1776,” Shakespeare’s iambic pentameter and the history of the writing of the declaration of independence is clearly seen on the stage. For the visual learners, the adaptation of theatre as an educational tool serves greatly to their