Laughing on the Outside: Politics and the Musical

A thought from a university essay "A musical is defined as a theatrical production in which songs and choruses, instrumental accompaniments and interludes, and often dance are integrated into a dramatic plot. Taken for its definition, you wouldn't think that musical theatre would have the ability to impact society, but it has in the past, and it still does today. Musical theatre has long been a method of expression, including political expression. But where did musicals come from, what kinds of issues do they address, and how do they actually impact society? Can they be a forum for political expression?"  They look at Les Miserables, Ragtime and Rent. Other suggestions are Caberet and  Hair, Spring awakening,That Bloody Woman. These musicals have been, and still are controversial.
Court Theatre is doing Hedwig and The Angry Inch next month. How could we use musical theatre to expose cruelty to animals and its links to cruelty to people?