American history and its figures have proven ample inspiration for theatre artists over the years. Whether its the founding fathers in Hamilton and 1776, real-life lawbreakers such as Bonnie & Clyde and Dead Outlaw, iconic musicians such as Michael Jackson or Tina Turner, or large historical events such as World War II (Allegiance) or the creation of a state (Oklahoma!)—there's no more fun place for a history lesson than in the theatre.
In honor of July 4th, below are 50 shows that prominently feature an American historical event or person.
1776
A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical
A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical
Ain't Too Proud—The Life and Times of the Temptations
Allegiance
Annie Get Your Gun
Assassins
Barnum
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson
Bonnie & Clyde
Catch Me If You Can
Chaplin
Civil War
Come From Away
Dead Outlaw
Fiorello!
Frost/Nixon
Funny Girl
George M!
Good Night, and Good Luck
Grey Gardens
Gypsy
Hamilton
Hillary and Clinton
Jersey Boys
Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill
Mack & Mabel
Million Dollar Quartet
MJ Playbill - Opening Night
"Oh, Mary!"
Oklahoma!
Parade
Prince of Broadway
Shenandoah
Suffs
Teddy & Alice
The Cher Show
The Crucible
The Great Society
The Lehman Trilogy
The Scottsboro Boys
Tina: The Tina Turner Musical
War Paint
Will Rogers Follies
Yellow Face
