The Forgotten Legends of the 1970s
As I sit down to pen this article, I can’t help but feel a tinge of excitement and a twinge of frustration. You see, I’ve been given the opportunity to shine a light on a pivotal, yet often overlooked, era in the history of musical theater – the 1970s.
It’s a decade that saw the emergence of groundbreaking, boundary-pushing productions that challenged the status quo and amplified the voices of marginalized communities. Yet, when we leaf through the history books, these trailblazing shows and their creators are often relegated to a mere footnote, if they’re mentioned at all. Well, my friends, the time has come to rectify that grave injustice.
Let’s dive into the rich, vibrant world of 1970s musical theater, a time when Broadway was teeming with new stories, new faces, and a newfound sense of inclusivity. We’ll uncover the hidden gems that deserve to be celebrated, the unsung heroes who paved the way for today’s diverse voices, and the power of storytelling to bring about social change.
Challenging the Whitewashed Narrative
As I delve into the research, one glaring fact becomes abundantly clear: the history of musical theater has long been dominated by a whitewashed narrative. The “Golden Age” of Broadway, often lauded as the pinnacle of the art form, was a period where the voices of people of color, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals were systematically marginalized and silenced.
As one scholar observed, the history books have largely neglected the remarkable achievements of Black artists and creators during this era. From the Tony Award-winning musicals like “The Wiz” and “Raisin” to the all-Black revivals of classics like “Hello, Dolly!” and “Guys and Dolls,” the 1970s witnessed a veritable renaissance of Black excellence on Broadway.
Yet, these groundbreaking productions and the trailblazing individuals behind them have been relegated to the shadows, overshadowed by the perceived “Golden Age” that came before. As the scholar lamented, even in a 506-page book celebrating the history of Broadway, there is only a solitary page dedicated to the Black musicals of the 1970s. A single page to encapsulate an entire decade of transformative, community-driven theater.
This whitewashing of history, I believe, is a symptom of the deeply rooted racism that has long permeated the theater industry. It’s a systemic bias that has not only erased the achievements of marginalized communities but has also perpetuated the myth of a “Golden Age” that was, in reality, anything but golden for those who didn’t fit the mold of the white, cis-gendered, heteronormative ideal.
Uncovering the Hidden Gems
But as I delve deeper into the research, I find myself unearthing a treasure trove of forgotten gems, stories that deserve to be brought back into the spotlight. Take, for instance, the resounding success of “The Wiz,” a reimagining of “The Wizard of Oz” with an all-Black cast. Despite facing initial indifference from the largely white critical community, this production went on to captivate audiences, running for an astonishing 1,672 performances and cementing its place as one of the longest-running musicals of all time.
As the scholar notes, “The Wiz” was one of the first Broadway shows to utilize television commercials in its marketing, a tactic that ultimately helped it reach and connect with a wider, more diverse audience. This innovative approach was a testament to the show’s commitment to inclusivity, a trait that was also reflected in its casting and creative team.
But “The Wiz” was far from an isolated incident. The 1970s also saw the rise of other groundbreaking Black-led musicals, such as “Purlie” and “Raisin,” both of which won the coveted Tony Award for Best Musical. These productions not only entertained audiences but also tackled pressing social issues, using the power of storytelling to shed light on the experiences of marginalized communities.
As the scholar laments, these shows and their creators have been systematically erased from the narrative, their triumphs reduced to mere footnotes in the annals of Broadway history. It’s a travesty that we must work to correct, for in doing so, we not only honor the legacy of these trailblazers but also pave the way for a more inclusive and representative future of musical theater.
Embracing the Power of Diversity
As I reflect on the stories of these forgotten pioneers, I can’t help but feel a renewed sense of purpose and determination. The 1970s may have been a tumultuous time for Broadway, with the once-glamorous theaters of Times Square descending into a “seedy urban war zone,” as one historian described it. But in the midst of that chaos, a new generation of artists and storytellers were rising, determined to use the power of the stage to challenge the status quo and amplify the voices of the marginalized.
As the current Provost of Western Michigan University, a role that makes me the first underrepresented minority to hold this position, I understand the profound significance of diverse representation in leadership. It’s a symbol of progress, a testament to the hard-fought battles of those who came before us, and a promise of a more inclusive future.
But representation is just the first step. True change, the kind that can transform an entire industry, requires a deep, unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. It’s about ensuring that the stories we tell on stage reflect the rich tapestry of our society, that the creative teams behind these productions are as diverse as the audiences they aim to serve, and that the institutions that shape the future of musical theater are actively working to dismantle the systemic biases that have long held sway.
As I’ve learned through my work in community-based accountability and community-engaged leadership, it’s not enough to simply reflect the diversity of our communities within our institutions. We must also actively engage with these communities, listen to their needs and aspirations, and work in partnership to create a future that is truly inclusive and representative.
A Call to Action
And so, as we stand here today, amidst the ongoing challenges and uncertainties of our time, I believe it is our collective responsibility to embrace the lessons of the 1970s, to celebrate the trailblazers whose stories have been unjustly erased, and to forge a new path forward for the musical theater community.
It’s time to shatter the whitewashed narrative, to uplift the diverse voices that have long been silenced, and to create a space where all people, regardless of their race, gender, or sexual orientation, can see themselves reflected on the stage and feel welcomed in the audience. Let us be the champions of change, the torchbearers who carry the legacy of those who dared to dream and fought to make their visions a reality.
Together, let us build a future where the halls of our musical theater education and performance center echo with the sounds of diverse stories, where the stage is a platform for marginalized communities to showcase their talent and share their unique perspectives. Let us nurture the next generation of artists, writers, and visionaries, empowering them to continue the fight for inclusivity and representation.
The path ahead may not be an easy one, but I am confident that by standing united, by embracing our collective courage and bravery, we can create a new golden age for musical theater – one that celebrates the richness and diversity of our world, and inspires generations to come. So, let us begin this journey, together, and write the next chapter in the story of musical theater’s transformation.
