Broadway Nation

This essential work reframes the entire history of the American musical theater by spotlighting the immigrant, Jewish, queer, and African American creators who built Broadway from the ground up. David Armstrong presents a compelling narrative about how marginalized groups, systematically excluded from mainstream society at the turn of the 20th century, found their voice and power within the emerging world of show business. The book meticulously traces how these pioneers didn't just participate in the art form—they fundamentally defined its soul, its sound, and its enduring cultural significance.

Armstrong’s research is particularly powerful in connecting specific social histories to artistic innovations, showing how exclusion directly fueled creative revolution. Teen readers and young adults exploring theater history will find a vital, previously untold story that illuminates why Broadway sounds and feels the way it does today. This isn't just a history lesson; it's a revelation of how art is born from the struggle for identity and belonging, making it a crucial read for anyone who believes the stage should represent the full spectrum of human experience.