Broadway Nation
How Immigrant, Jewish, Queer, and Black Artists invented the Broadway Musical
by David Armstrong (Author)
Methuen Drama
ISBN 9781350428317
$34.95

Today’s second entry in The 2025 PopCult Gift Guide is an in-depth book that reveals the powerful impact of marginalized groups on the evolution of the Broadway Musical.

This is an enlightening book for fans of musical theatre, as well as for people interested in LGBTQ history, the immigrant experience and early Show Business.

Let’s go to the publisher’s blurb…

At the turn of the 20th century, immigrants, Jews, Queers, and African Americans faced exclusion from mainstream American society, with limited employment opportunities. They found their calling in the emerging field of “Show Business”, particularly the burgeoning Broadway Musical. Their pioneering spirit not only seized this opportunity but also continued to shape and dominate the Broadway Musical for over a century, creating an art form that has deeply influenced American culture.

Throughout its history, the Broadway Musical has subtly and at times boldly championed human rights and liberal values, reflecting its creators’ and performers’ diverse backgrounds. Unlike previous works on musical theatre history, this book weaves these diverse threads into a comprehensive narrative, repositioning Black, Queer, and Women artists at the heart of the story, acknowledging their long-standing contributions often overlooked.

Broadway Nation is a valuable resource for both students and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of this beloved American art form. Readers will gain profound insights into the history and transformation of the Broadway Musical over a span of more than a century. Additionally, the book celebrates the remarkable artistry and craftsmanship of key figures, from George M. Cohan to Lin Manuel-Miranda, who have left an indelible mark on this extraordinary cultural phenomenon.

This book works both as an entertaining and informative exploration of the history of musical theatre, and also as a textbook-level overview of how marginalized entertainers helped drag mainstream audiences into a place where they couldn’t help but become more accepting. I’m hoping to provide a more in-depth review in the new year.

You should be able to order Broadway Nation from any bookseller by using the ISBN code, or you can purchase it directly from the publisher.