Adam writes a regular Substack column.
COUNTERPOINT is a newsletter about musical theatre, formal disruption and creative technology.
It is a space between twitter threads and a book to discuss issues with more nuance.
Adam’s book on musical theatre was published in 2021
'This book is a fascinating cri de coeur and made me question everything I think about musicals.' Alan Cumming
‘A passionate and cogently argued call to arms and a very enjoyable read’ Lyn Gardner
People rarely say they hate books, or television, or films. But they often say they hate musicals. Moreover everyone seems to have a fixed idea of exactly what a musical is; what it sounds like, looks like, or is about.
Why is the collision and integration of music, song and storytelling so polarising and why have we allowed a form so full of possibility to become so repetitive and restrictive?
Through a series of essays 'Breaking Into Song' asks what audiences can do to stay open minded and what creatives can do to make new musicals better. Examining both sides of the divide, Adam Lenson asks how those who both love and hate musicals can further expand the possibilities of this widely misunderstood medium.