Paul Laird

Paul Laird, professor of musicology in the School of Music, has taught at the University of Kansas since 1994. He has published widely on the topic of American musical theater, both in general terms and specifically on the works of Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Schwartz. Along with William A. Everett, Laird co-edited three editions of The Cambridge Companion to the Musical (Cambridge University Press) and co-wrote two editions of The Historical Dictionary of the Broadway Musical (Rowman & Littlefield). Laird is also the author of a biography of Leonard Bernstein in the Critical Lives series (Reaktion Books) and with Hsun Lin co-wrote the second edition of Leonard Bernstein: A Research and Information Guide (Routledge) and The Historical Dictionary of Leonard Bernstein (Rowman & Littlefield). Laird has also published Wicked: A Musical Biography and The Musical Theater of Stephen Schwartz (both Rowman & Littlefield), in addition to numerous articles and book chapters. Laird has presented lectures on musical theater at many conferences and other venues and teaches undergraduate and graduate courses on the Broadway musical in the School of Music. He is honored to be granted a courtesy appointment in the KU Department of Theatre and Dance.