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Broadway Economics

"Teaching Economics Through Musical Theatre"

Category: Trade-offs

Franklin Shepard, Inc. (Merrily We Roll Along)

Franklin Shepard, Inc. (Merrily We Roll Along)

Posted on May 4, 2025 by mattrousu

“Franklin Shepard, Inc.” illustrates the economic tension between artistic integrity and commercial success. The song highlights the opportunity cost of creative pursuits – Charley values artistic fulfillment, while Frank prioritizes…

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Almost Real (Bridges of Madison County)

Almost Real (Bridges of Madison County)

Posted on May 14, 2017January 8, 2025 by mattrousu

In “Almost Real”, Francesca is singing about how she came to America while reflecting on her life in Italy as a girl and young woman. As a young woman in…

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The World Will Know (Newsies)

The World Will Know (Newsies)

Posted on August 5, 2016January 8, 2025 by mattrousu

Outraged after publisher Joseph Pulitzer increases the cost of newspapers for the delivery boys (“newsies”) by ten cents per hundred, head newsie Jack Kelly organizes a union and ultimately a…

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Life Story (Closer Than Ever)

Life Story (Closer Than Ever)

Posted on July 23, 2015January 8, 2025 by mattrousu

The singer discusses her life story in this song, starting with her “liberated marriage”. Many economic concepts are covered here, including: * college tuition costs * the loss of human…

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Simple Joys (Pippin)

Simple Joys (Pippin)

Posted on June 12, 2015January 8, 2025 by mattrousu

The Singer is describing a couple economic issues in this song. First, despite having power and material wealth, the subject of this song isn’t happy. This song might be good…

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Gold (Once)

Gold (Once)

Posted on February 28, 2015January 8, 2025 by mattrousu

In this love song in Once, “Guy” sings to “Girl”. He wouldn’t trade her for gold. He also discusses what would happen if “your life were gold” with the question,…

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