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With musicals like LOVING REPEATING, FREEDOM TRAIN, & THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN and television's SMASH iconic women from American History (Gertrude Stein, Harriet Tubman, Molly Brown, and Marilyn Monroe respectively) are forever remembered. Whose life do you think is long overdue for a musical interpretation?

Sakajawea - first, because it's just fun to say Sakajawea. And, mostly because she changed history, peacefully, with a baby strapped to her back. The last song in the first act is a "fire-side story song" with a "stomp" section.

Rosa Parks.  The wheels on the bus go round and round and no white man could keep her down. (or take her seat).  What gave her strength in those moments leading up to the historical moment? What happened after that?

Shirley Temple Black - a musical within the making of musicals.  Not unlike SMASH.  Not quite as sexy - with much more tap dancing.  How was it on the inside of showbiz way back before child labor laws?

Read the Marquee article for Women's History Month that started the discussion:

http://mtiblog.mtishows.com/3-historical-women-immortalized-by-musical-theatre

I love the Shirley Temple Black idea.

My votes would also go to Mary Shelley -- think of the poetry/lyrics with Percy and the Frankenstein psychology and imagery -- and the magnificent Lucille Ball.

I think a show based around Lucille Ball would actually work really well.

Here are my thoughts:

Margaret Thatcher. Granted, her story might be suited better for a straight play, rather than a musical, but I feel like it would make for a fascinating piece.

In that same vein, Cleopatra would be a very theatrical figure to explore as well.

And, even though it's not necessarily one single iconic woman, I think a show based around the Kennedy women would be intriguing. The tragedy surrounding that family would make for some interesting subject matter.

Joan of Arc, Helena Rubistein, Simone de Beauvoir. I also love the idea of a show about Sakajawea

An interesting subject might be Lizzie Borden.  It could be done several ways and leave the audience to decide her guilt or innocence.  If you like dark shows this could certainly be dark.