No Rose Without a Thorn: Adolescent Popularity, Loneliness, and Mental Health in Musical Theatre
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2020-07-10
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en
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Abstract
Musical theater has a long history of addressing social issues. Interestingly, a new trend emerged during the 2010s in which musicals were targeted at younger audiences. The musicals Be More Chill and Heathers are prime examples of such musicals, especially because of their significantly large fanbases. The messages of the musicals thus seem to resonate with the audiences. This thesis provides a close read of Be More Chill and Heathers and analyzes what they say about high school structures and the social issues adolescents cope with in contemporary society. By looking at themes of (gendered) popularity, loneliness, and mental health, this thesis examines what musical theater attributes to the discussion of adolescent wellbeing. It concludes that the musicals incorporate issues that specifically affect adolescents as a result of a deliberate younger target audience. Adolescent issues are the central themes of the musicals, making them the center of attention that they have not been in the past.
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