Children, Childhood, and Musical Theater

This academic collection brings together scholars from musicology, literature, and childhood studies to dissect the surprisingly complex world of children's musical theater. The contributors examine how productions from "The Sound of Music" to "Matilda" expertly navigate a dual audience, tapping into adult nostalgia while simultaneously appealing to the child as both viewer and consumer. The analysis spans works by major figures like Rodgers and Hammerstein to modern adaptations of Roald Dahl and P.L. Travers, revealing the genre's intricate cultural machinery.

What makes this volume particularly compelling is its interdisciplinary approach, connecting the dots between artistic creation, commercial imperatives, and evolving concepts of childhood. Theater students will appreciate the deep dives into specific productions, while cultural studies scholars will find rich material on how musicals shape and reflect societal attitudes toward youth. The book ultimately reveals that the children's musical is far more than simple entertainment—it's a powerful cultural force that constructs childhood even as it sells it.