This PBS special could have been great. It examines the impact people of Jewish heritage have had on the world of Broadway musicals from the early 1900's until the 1960's. The excerpts from the musicals are wonderful for anyone who is now, or was at one time touched by the music and stories of that era.
(Unfortunately, this piece was part of a promotion for local PBS stations and was continually interrupted by commercials).
For 50 years, the piece contends, that almost all the Broadway memorable musicals were written and/or produced by the Jews (or their families) that came to the United States during the turn of the century. I believe the story is true . . . but the piece gives no insight into the reasons it occurred. Hasn't any scholar looked into this phenomenon? I feel there is a much bigger cultural story behind the music and dance that has yet to be told.
For anyone interested in this subject, it is discussed obtusely in:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secular_Jewish_music
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