The Musical is Born

1. Gilbert and Sullivan

2. Victor Herbert

An American Composer of Operettas (or Lite Opera)

3. Minstral shows

Content warning:  this topic can be upsetting, the images are disturbing and the themes often supported those who supported slavery.  The United States' Minstrel Show reinforced ugly stereo types even as it made some African American performers stars.

Blackface: A cultural history of a racist art form

Brief History of the Minstrel Show

Commentary by Spike Lee on his film Bamboozled

Spike Lee Interview

History and how few know in 2019 it's roots

4. Vaudeville