It is not just Hamilton and 1776 that use history and politics as a backdrop for a musical.  Many other musicals as far back as those created by the Gershwins also used that theme as a plot device reflecting culture clashes from new emerging communities. These two lectures, featuring clips and live song from West Side Story and Finian’s Rainbow, along with musicals with Jewish themes such as Parade and Cabaret, will show how ethnic challenges and “being on the outside” move the story line.