How Musical Theatre Captures the Heart and Soul of Our Times with Josh Kreitzman

Art and Self with Cindy Ingram

Though music has been a part of theatrical arts since ancient times, modern Western musical theatre was born in America. Josh Kreitzman, my guest today, argues that musicals are the best art form, and I'm inclined to agree with him. How often do you get to witness art as it is happening and be a part of its creation with a room of people?

Musicals are fully body sensory experience and the stories they tell have always been a reflection of the triumphs and heartbreaks of life. Music is a language beyond borders—how better to capture the heart and soul of our times?

In this episode, we discuss Prayer from Come From Away by Irene Sankoff and David Hein. The musical tells the real life story of the Newfoundland town of Gander during the week following the September 11th attacks when 7,000 passengers were ordered to land unexpectedly at Gander International Airport.

We discuss the power of musicals, the lasting effects of grief and trauma (even when we get up to go to work the next morning), the difference between being in an audience and being a viewer, and how tragedy can bring good.

See the links to the videos of the songs we discuss at the shownotes.