These essays examine the history of women in musical theatre, providing biographical descriptions; interpretations of their productions; and several accounts of

Throughout the twentieth century women have made significant contributions to the creation of American musical theatre. Directing, choreographing, writing, arra

The Broadway tomboys, rebel nuns, and funny girls, who upset the 1950s gender norms: Mary Martin, Ethel Merman, Julie Andrews, and Barbra Streisand

Audiences for musical theater are predominantly women, yet shows are frequently created and produced by men. Onstage, female characters are depicted as victims

From Maria in "West Side Story" to Tracy Turnblatt in "Hairspray" and Elphaba in "Wicked," female characters in Broadway musicals have belted and crooned their