Mel Brooks 101 | FREE online class

Mel Brooks 101 – Musical Comedy Songs in Stage & Film

Love to laugh? Love musicals? Then join us for Mel Brooks 101: Musical Comedy Songs, a FREE deep dive into the genius of one of comedy’s greatest minds!

From The Producers to Young Frankenstein, Mel Brooks has redefined musical comedy with his signature blend of satire, slapstick, and unforgettable show tunes. This class will explore the most iconic musical numbers from Brooks’s films and stage adaptations, revealing how his songs balance humor, parody, and Broadway brilliance.

What You’ll Learn:

• The history and evolution of Mel Brooks’s musical style
• Behind-the-scenes stories from The Producers, Young Frankenstein, Robin Hood: Men in Tights, and more
• How Brooks uses music and lyrics for comedic timing, character development, and social satire
• Lyric analysis of standout songs like “Springtime for Hitler,” “Roll In the Hay” and “Keep It Gay”
• Why Mel Brooks’s work still influences musical theater and film comedy today

Who Should Attend?

• Comedy lovers & Broadway fans
• Film buffs & musical theater students
• Songwriters, lyricists, and aspiring performers
• Anyone who wants to laugh AND learn!

No prior experience necessary — just bring your love of laughter and a curiosity for comedy history.

Details:

• Date: Monday, November 3
• Time: Noon and 7 pm ET
• Location: Online (link provided upon registration)
• Cost: Totally FREE

Why Take This Free Course?

Whether you're a long-time fan of Mel Brooks or new to his world, this free class will give you a greater appreciation for his comedic songwriting genius. With memorable melodies, clever lyrics, and bold parodies, Brooks turned musical comedy into an art form — and we’re here to celebrate every note.

Reserve Your Spot Now!
Join us and rediscover why Mel Brooks is still the king of musical comedy.

Every person who signs up for this class will receive a FREE subscription to MARQUEE: The Broadway Maven's Weekly Blast and New Members to The Broadway Maven can receive a month's worth of classes for FREE as well.

The Broadway Maven is a vibrant educational community that helps its members think more deeply about musical theater. Every month, Members may attend 5-15 expert-led classes and innovative Broadway experiences, all for just $18. We also foster enthusiasm for Broadway through the FREE weekly substack newsletter MARQUEE and host an expansive YouTube channel. It's your home for Broadway appreciation. New Members of The Broadway Maven get one month FREE: https://thebroadwaymaven.substack.com/2025

David Benkof, the Broadway Maven, has been teaching Broadway and American Jewish Culture online for nearly six years. He aims to help students see the third time things they did not notice the first. His love for Broadway is triply expressed: his classes; his Youtube Channel; and MARQUEE: The Broadway Maven's Weekly Blast Substack newsletter. For more information, visit TheBroadwayMaven.com