Though music has been a part of theatrical arts since ancient times, modern Western musical theatre was born in America. Josh Kreitzman, my guest today, argues that musicals are the best art form, and I’m inclined to agree with him. How often do you get to witness art as it is happening and be a part of its creation with a room of people?

Musicals are fully body sensory experience and the stories they tell have always been a reflection of the triumphs and heartbreaks of life. Music is a language beyond borders—how better to capture the heart and soul of our times?

In this episode, we discuss Prayer from Come From Away by Irene Sankoff and David Hein. The musical tells the real life story of the Newfoundland town of Gander during the week following the September 11th attacks when 7,000 passengers were ordered to land unexpectedly at Gander International Airport.

We discuss the power of musicals, the lasting effects of grief and trauma (even when we get up to go to work the next morning), the difference between being in an audience and being a viewer, and how tragedy can bring good.

Artwork Choices

Links Mentioned

• Prayer from Come From Away by Irene Sankoff and David Hein
• One Song Glory from Rent by Adam Pascal
• So Big / So Small from Dear Evan Hansen by Rachel Bay Jones
• Wait for It from Hamilton by Leslie Odom Jr. and Original Broadway Cast of Hamilton
• 30/90 from Tick Tick Boom by Amy Spanger, Jerry Dixon, and Raúl Esparza
• Josh Kreitzman on TikTok and Instagram
• Art and Self on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube