Celebration: Broadway Jewish Composers explores the unique role of Jewish composers and lyricists in the creation of the modern American musical. This one-of-a-kind film showcases the nation’s pre-eminent creators of musical theatre, featuring performances of Broadway musicals and historical highlights and referencing the contribution of some of the greatest Jewish composers and writers. Though these remarkable songwriters were purveyors of what we think of today as ‘the Broadway sound,’ this film demonstrates how the echoes of Jewish melodies are found in many of the works. Taken in total, they comprise the vast majority of what is now commonly referred to as “The American Songbook” — the popular songs that America took to war, sang to their children at bedtime, and whistled while waiting for the bus. 

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The 2022 Miami Jewish Film Festival virtual program is made possible with the generous support of Benjamin Nahum and Tamar Roodner.