You may have known that Shakespeare’s plays have inspired many classical Musical Theater pieces like Boys from Syracuse, Kiss Me Kate and West Side Story to name a few. His plays have also inspired more contemporary musicals that incorporate fresh perspectives on his characters, plot lines, and sometimes even Shakespeare himself.  Shows like The Lion King, All Shook Up, and Something Rotten take an even more modern-day perspective of Shakespeare’s plays and his time. In this class we’ll explore some of the extraordinary musical moments that have come out of several of these musicals – old and new –and relate them back to the original works of the playwright.  We may even try our hand at some of Shakespeare’s language while we’re at it.  This class will culminate in a performative look at some of these musicals, but this is also a class that will look to inspire students to the language, history and exceptional contribution from The Bard!