How It Glittered: Interpreting Broadway's Golden Age
Video lecture on five features that made the era's shows gleam
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Shalom, Broadway lovers!
In today’s issue of MARQUEE: The Broadway Maven’s Weekly Blast: A) a video lecture about what made the Golden Age of Broadway so distinctive; B) a Broadway Blast about Guys and Dolls; C) a quiz about Broadway villains; and D) a Last Blast about Into the Woods.
VIDEO INTRODUCTION: What exactly makes Broadway’s Golden Age “golden”? In this recording of the first session of The Broadway Institute’s eight-part series, I unpack the storytelling techniques, musical innovations, and cultural impact that defined Broadway musicals from the 1940s to the early 1960s. The presentation explores essential elements of the era—including integrated storytelling, romantic centrality, moral clarity, and memorable melodies—and also considers what the term “Golden Age” conceals: whose stories it favored, who it left out, and which of its values still resonate today. Featuring analysis and clips from classic shows like Oklahoma!, West Side Story, South Pacific, Gypsy, Carousel, The Music Man, and more, this video gives viewers a deeper understanding of Broadway’s most celebrated era.
BROADWAY BLAST: Why is one leading lady in Guys and Dolls called Miss Adelaide, while the other is just Sarah Brown? The difference reflects their views on marriage. Adelaide’s title keeps her in a perpetual state of singlehood, emphasizing her longing for a ring she can never quite get. Meanwhile, Sarah’s name—formal, professional, and at times even martial (as in "Sergeant Sarah Brown")—signals that she sees herself as a soldier for morality first, resisting romance until Sky shakes up her world. Their names don’t just identify them; they reveal how they see themselves.
QUIZ: Name the Broadway show with each of these villains. Answers at the end of the issue (below the Last Blast).
Bill Sikes
Judge Turpin
Jud Fry
Lord Farquaad
Miss Hannigan
Miss Trunchbull
Orin Scrivello
Scar
Ursula
Velma Von Tussle
PITCH DAY: Later this year, The Broadway Maven will be hosting a “pitch day” where MARQUEE subscribers will be able to present their show ideas to a panel of experts for feedback. I’m planning to have at least one Tony winner on the panel. Presentations could be anything between a rough idea for a show to a completed plot with a prepared song. If you are interested in presenting at the pitch day (which is not yet scheduled) please contact David at DavidBenkof@gmail.com.
Note: A full calendar of upcoming classes is always available at TheBroadwayMaven.com.
• Monday, May 12 Noon and 7 pm ET The Broadway Institute (1960s and 1970s) (Members only)
• Tuesday, May 13 Noon ET Sondheim Academy: Merrily We Roll Along (Members only)
• Monday, May 19 Noon and 7 pm ET The Broadway Institute (1980s and 1990s) (Members only)
• Tuesday, May 20 Noon ET Sondheim Academy: Sunday in the Park with George (Members only)
• Monday, May 26 Noon and 7 pm ET The Broadway Institute (21st century) (Members only)
• Tuesday, May 27 Noon ET Sondheim Academy: Pastiche in Sondheim (Members only)
• Monday, June 2 - Tuesday June 3 NO CLASS — SHAVUOT
• Sunday, June 8 Tonys Watch Party (Members only)
LAST BLAST: Jack begins Into the Woods so naïve he doesn’t even realize his cow is female—but when Milky White has finally been fed the third magical object, he says, “She’ll only milk for me.” It’s a small moment, but a telling one: the boy who once saw the world in fuzzy fairy-tale logic is now speaking with clarity and care. He knows, well, her pronouns. He’s paying attention. And even before he loses his mother and is forced to grow up entirely, this line shows that his maturation has already begun. His journey into the woods has already begun—and it starts with seeing someone else clearly.
ANSWERS TO QUIZ: 1. Oliver! 2. Sweeney Todd 3. Oklahoma! 4. Shrek: The Musical 5. Annie 6. Matilda 7. Little Shop of Horrors 8. The Lion King 9. The Little Mermaid 10. Hairspray
The Broadway Maven is a vibrant educational community that helps its members think more deeply about musical theater. Every month, members may attend 5-15 expert-led classes and innovative Broadway experiences, all for just $18. We also foster enthusiasm for Broadway through the FREE weekly Substack newsletter MARQUEE and host an expansive YouTube channel. It's your home for Broadway appreciation. Contact The Broadway Maven at DavidBenkof@gmail.com.