Women of Broadway

A gateway resource to understanding the historical and contemporary women who have been foundational in bringing musicals and plays to life on the iconic stages of Broadway, and beyond.

When considering the birth and evolution of Broadway, we have heard of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein and of Bob Fosse and Joe Papp, but what about women such as Gail Merrifield, Julie Taymor, Lorraine Hansberry, and Zelda Fichandler? Without them, we would not have landmark classics such as The Great White Hope, The Lion King, and a Raisin in the Sun, not to mention New York’s beloved free Shakespeare in the Park from the Public Theater or even the Tony Awards. Understand the evolution of Broadway from its early days through today by getting to know the female playwrights, composers and lyricists, directors, producers, choreographers, technicians, and leading actors who have defined this iconic performance genre.

Each chapter covers the many roles that it takes to make a show unforgettable, profiling the leading women in that field, including contemporary firsts like Larissa Fasthorse (first Native American woman playwright on Broadway) and Waitress (the first Broadway musical led by an all-female creative team). Profiles of shows that feature women's stories and female leads are also covered, from My fair Lady to Wicked, from Chicago to Six. Beyond New York City's Broadway, this primer also dedicates a chapter to exploring the leading women in the world theater, including in London’s West End, India, Iran, and Israel.