Daily News Lesson

SHOW ALL

July 6, 2022, 3:44 p.m.

Deaf cast challenges musical theater norms in production of 'The Music Man'

Summary

The classic American musical "The Music Man” has been a big hit this year with its revival on Broadway and on many regional and local stages across the country. John Yang went to the Olney Theatre Center in Maryland to see a novel take on the standard, and how art can be a model for a more inclusive society, where deaf and hearing communities live side by side. For a transcript, click here .

Five Facts

  • Where is this version of the “Music Man” being performed?
  • What modifications have been made to the stage for deaf people?
  • Why do some actors wear see-through masks?
  • Who is James Caverly? What is his background?
  • How is this performance different from previous plays that included deaf actors?

Focus Questions

The directors talk about how the play could be a model for the way that deaf and hearing people interact, more generally. What elements from the play could you see being incorporated into everyday life to make deaf and hard of hearing people more equal members of society? Media Literacy : Having learned about this deaf-inclusive play, how could the news media and broadcast journalism be made more inclusive for the hard of hearing?

For More

For more, check out the article below by clicking on the image.

Leo Kamin a student at Amherst College, wrote today’s Daily News Lesson with editing by Luke Gerwe.

Fill out this form to share your thoughts on Classroom’s resources. Sign up for NewsHour Classroom’s ready-to-go Daily News Lessons delivered to your inbox each morning.

Recent Daily News Lessons

meltingglaciers

Daily News Lesson

The scientist and his family tracking melting glaciers for nearly half a century

As concern grows for glaciers worldwide, one man and his family have spent decades monitoring their decline

springsteeen-1024x576

Daily News Lesson

Bruce Springsteen on 'critical patriotism' and the power of protest music

Learn more about "the Boss's" efforts to simultaneously express his devotion to the United States and hold its leaders accountable

Illustration shows Claude app icon

Daily News Lesson

Anthropic disables new AI model after White House security directive

Learn about the current challenges facing the U.S. government’s broad use of powerful yet largely unregulated AI models

Image 6-23-26 at 2.42 PM

Daily News Lesson

Plagued by algae and peeling paint, reflecting pool set to undergo more repairs

Learn about the controversy surrounding repairs to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool ahead of America's 250th anniversary

SUPPORTED BY VIEWERS LIKE YOU. ADDITIONAL SUPPORT PROVIDED BY:

PBS News Hour Classroom

Copyright © 2025 News Hour Production LLC. All Rights Reserved

Illustrations by Annamaria Ward