Dentist (Little Shop of Horrors)
Dentist (Little Shop of Horrors) Many people would find being a dentist an undesirable job. That’s part of why it pays well. For people to work an undesirable job, they…
Read MoreCategory: Microeconomics
Someone in the Crowd (La La Land)
In La La Land, “Someone in the Crowd” is more than a fun musical number—it’s a lesson in economics. As four aspiring actresses head to a party, the song captures…
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Something from Nothin (DEAD OUTLAW)
Something from Nothin (DEAD OUTLAW) Some of the most successful entrepreneurs create new markets where one did not exist before. In Something from Nothin, we hear about this in a…
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Franklin Shepard, Inc. (Merrily We Roll Along)
“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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My Personal Property (Sweet Charity)
Charity is singing about how New York City is like her own personal property. We use this to explore the benefits of property rights and the tragedy of the commons.
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Hey Big Spender (Sweet Charity)
The dancers try to entice the “big spender”. This song is a good introduction to a lesson on rent seeking. The “big spender” could provide a big payoff – and…
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It Sucks to Be Me (Avenue Q)
The humans and monsters who live on Avenue Q sing about their lives, and in it there are a lessons on unemployment, the economics of beauty, immigration, and more!
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No Friends (Almost Famous the Musical)
William is being paid to follow the band Stillwater on tour. He thinks they are great, but he is cautioned by Rolling Stone not to make friends with the band….
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Fabulous (High School Musical 2)
Sharpay Evans and her entourage sing of their luxurious lives as summer approaches. Though their lives are ‘fabulous,’ how did they become rich and what can countries do to own…
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I Want the Good Times Back (The Little Mermaid)
Ursella is trying to decide how she is to reclaim ownership of the sea from her brother. In order to develop a plan, she thinks like an economist, using backward…
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