"A (New) American Musical" Subheading

[backwoodsbarbie]

Posted: 7/9/16 at 6:20pm

I have seen the use of "An American Musical" in Hamilton's advertisements. I also remember that Allegiance used "A New American Musical" in their advertisements. Is this common? Which other American shows have used this phrase? Is this simply a way to promote the American art form or do you think that these specific shows used that tagline because they explore themes of immigration and what it truly means to be an American?

[BroadwayConcierge]

Posted: 7/9/16 at 6:35pm

Very interesting question, backwoodsbarbie, and thanks for bringing it up. Really interested in what other people think about this.

[JBroadway]

Posted: 7/9/16 at 6:43pm

Branding could play a part; certainly it's accurate to describe these shows as American musicals. But on a more fundamental level, I think it's because they explore American history and the theme of what it means to be an American. In particular, the 2 shows you mentioned both also involve the theme of race, and how many people of color (in the case of Allegiance, specifically Japanese Americans) have to fight for their right be included in the notion of "the American People." Thus, titling the show "An American Musical" could be viewed as a statement, as if to say "this is a story about immigrants and people of color, and it's just as --if not more -- American at its core than stories about white people" 

Updated On: 7/9/16 at 06:43 PM

[gypsy101]

Posted: 7/9/16 at 6:48pm

"Is anyone going to Hamilton on the 9th?  Jul 9 2016, 04:15:54 PM

I wish there were a filter for people who don't want to seen Hamilton threads, just like I wish social media had a filter for political posts."

I'm confused; do you like Hamilton threads or not?

[dramamama611]

Posted: 7/9/16 at 7:00pm

What happened there, Gyosy??

[gypsy101]

Posted: 7/9/16 at 8:32pm

that was OP's comment on the thread about tonight's Hamilton performance, yet here they are...posting a thread about Hamilton. 

[GreasedLightning]

Posted: 7/9/16 at 9:10pm

You must have missed something here. 

This thread is about a subheading in a shows title. Not about Hamilton. 

[CindersGolightly]

Posted: 7/9/16 at 9:14pm

The whole marketing campaign of "Chicago" is 'The Longest Running American Musical' which is, I guess, correct? But unneeded and confusing. I believe they started using it recently, but it's definitely their main marketing ploy now.

[Wilmingtom]

Posted: 7/10/16 at 1:24am

It is correct.  Only Phantom has been running longer, but still unnecessary, I think.  

[RippedMan]

Posted: 7/10/16 at 1:30am

I think it's an idea to tied into middle-America's "Make American Great Again" type thinking. Support American made products, etc. I think it's not a bad idea. I mean, it's great to know that this it the FIRST time anyone is seeing this show, etc. 

[TheSassySam]

Posted: 7/10/16 at 4:26am

Do you think it has to do with both musicals focus on American history? 

[¿Macavity?]

Posted: 7/10/16 at 4:31am

American Psycho: A New American Musical...from the West End...