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The American Musical and the Performance of Personal Identity: A Long and Winding Road

Ricky Bell

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The American musical has a long and storied history, and has played a major role in shaping the way we think about ourselves and our place in the world. From its early days as a form of popular entertainment, the musical has evolved into a complex and sophisticated art form that explores some of the most fundamental questions of human existence. In this essay, we will explore the ways in which the American musical has contributed to our understanding of personal identity, and how it has helped us to come to terms with the challenges of living in a complex and ever-changing world.

The American Musical and the Performance of Personal Identity

by Raymond Knapp

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5922 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	480 pages

One of the most important ways in which the musical has influenced our understanding of personal identity is through its exploration of the self-discovery process. From the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical Oklahoma! to the more recent Hamilton by Lin-Manuel Miranda, musicals have consistently told stories about characters who are struggling to find their place in the world. These characters often come from different backgrounds, have different beliefs, and have different aspirations, but they are all united by a common goal: to find out who they are and what they want out of life.

Musicals allow us to see the self-discovery process in a way that is both entertaining and insightful. We can watch as characters struggle with their own identities, and we can learn from their mistakes and their triumphs. This can help us to better understand our own journeys, and to come to terms with the challenges that we face along the way.

Another way in which the musical has contributed to our understanding of personal identity is through its exploration of the challenges of living in a complex and ever-changing world. From the early days of the 20th century, when musicals were used to explore the social and economic changes that were taking place in America, to the present day, when musicals tackle issues such as race, gender, and sexuality, musicals have consistently held a mirror up to society and forced us to confront the challenges that we face.

Musicals can help us to understand the experiences of others, and to see the world from different perspectives. This can help us to break down stereotypes and to develop a more compassionate and understanding view of the world. It can also help us to see our own challenges in a new light, and to find the strength to overcome them.

The American musical is a powerful and important art form that has played a major role in shaping the way we think about ourselves and our place in the world. It has helped us to understand the challenges of finding our own identities, and has given us the tools to overcome those challenges. It has also helped us to understand the challenges of living in a complex and ever-changing world, and has given us the strength to face those challenges head-on.

The American musical is a gift to the world, and it is a treasure that we should all cherish.

The American Musical and the Performance of Personal Identity

by Raymond Knapp

4.6 out of 5