A Historical Perspective on the Progression of Racial Issues in Musical TheaterIn this essay, I will discuss racial issues in musical theater, particularly the division between blacks and whites. I chose this topic because I find it interesting how racism was once so accepted in society, and even though its presence is diminishing, it still remains a problem today. I will be looking at two similar but contrasting musicals written in different eras. Both of these musicals have racial issues throughout their storylines. I will examine the similarities and differences between these two musicals and how racial issues are expressed. Additionally, I will consider when the shows were written; what impact these musicals had on society and vice versa. The shows studied are Show Boat and Hairspray. I chose these shows because of their similar issues. In my opinion, Show Boat was one of the greatest influences on musical theater and Hairspray made the greatest statement related to racism, in modern times. An original advertisement in 1927. Show Boat was presented by Florenz Ziegfeld (1867-1932) in 1927. Ziegfeld was an American Broadway impresario. Show Boat was unlike anything he had ever produced before. Jerome Kern (1885-1945), one of the most important American composers of the 20th century, had the idea of ​​adapting Edna Ferber's novel "Show Boat" into a musical with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein (1895-1960). When he contacted Ziegfeld about producing Show Boat, Ziegfeld agreed to work on the series. This was unexpected because it had nothing to do with his legendary Folies, which were vaudeville shows. In the first part of the 20th century, musical theater consisted of vaudeville and minstrel shows....... middle of paper ...... an act of injustice whereas in Hairspray they make it a statement . This was due to the different times in which they were written. Furthermore, it can be concluded that the company largely influenced these two shows. Both are reflections of society. Show Boat influenced society by being the first show about racial issues that shocked audiences and gave the entertainment industry an opportunity to make shows about it. Hairspray did not influence society as much because it was no longer as shocking to the public. Racism was already known as a social problem. However, racism will always be an issue in our society and I think it will always be important to address this issue in the entertainment industry to raise awareness. Despite the different ways racism is practiced today, I hope we never stop striving towards a more integrated society..