Deck 14: The American Musical

Question 1

Musical theatre is a reflection of the social milieu that produces it. What issues of social importance have been explored by the musical theatre in the past 75 years? What current issues would be most appropriate for exploration in the musical theatre genre?

Answer 1

Musical theatre has indeed been a reflection of the social milieu that produces it, and over the past 75 years, it has explored a wide range of social issues. Some of the issues of social importance that have been explored in musical theatre include civil rights and racial equality (such as in "West Side Story" and "Hairspray"), LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance (such as in "Rent" and "Fun Home"), mental health and stigmatization (such as in "Next to Normal" and "Dear Evan Hansen"), and gender equality and women's rights (such as in "9 to 5" and "Waitress").

In terms of current issues that would be most appropriate for exploration in the musical theatre genre, there are several that come to mind. One such issue is climate change and environmental sustainability, as the urgency of this issue continues to grow and impact communities around the world. Another current issue is immigration and refugee rights, as the global refugee crisis and immigration policies continue to be hotly debated topics. Additionally, mental health and the societal stigmatization of it remain relevant, as do issues of representation and diversity in the entertainment industry. These are just a few examples of the many current issues that could be effectively explored through the powerful storytelling and emotional impact of musical theatre.

Question 2

Discuss the various musical idioms (jazz, ragtime, vaudeville, so forth) that fed into the growth of the American musical theatre. What current musical styles and idioms will have an impact on future musical theatre productions?

Answer 2

The growth of American musical theatre was heavily influenced by a variety of musical idioms, including jazz, ragtime, and vaudeville. Each of these styles brought their own unique elements to the development of the genre, helping to shape the sound and structure of American musical theatre.

Jazz, with its syncopated rhythms and improvisational nature, brought a sense of energy and spontaneity to the music of the American musical. Ragtime, with its lively and syncopated melodies, added a sense of excitement and fun to the genre. Vaudeville brought elements of comedy and variety entertainment, influencing the structure and presentation of musical numbers on stage.

Moving forward, it is likely that a variety of current musical styles and idioms will have an impact on future musical theatre productions. For example, hip-hop and rap have already made their way into the musical theatre world, with shows like "Hamilton" and "In the Heights" incorporating these styles into their music and storytelling. As these genres continue to evolve and gain popularity, it is likely that they will continue to influence the sound and structure of musical theatre.

Additionally, with the rise of electronic music and new technologies, we may see more experimentation with sound and production in future musical theatre productions. This could include the use of electronic instruments, digital sound effects, and immersive audio experiences to create unique and dynamic musical theatre experiences.

Overall, the future of musical theatre is likely to be shaped by a wide range of musical styles and idioms, as the genre continues to evolve and adapt to the changing cultural and musical landscape.

Question 3

For the last twenty-five years, the "concept musical" has been a Broadway staple. Choose a recent film and discuss how it might be turned into a "concept musical." Feel free to use any musical style, past or present, that fits the material you have selected.

Answer 3

One recent film that could be turned into a "concept musical" is "La La Land." The film already incorporates elements of musical theater with its song and dance numbers, making it a prime candidate for a stage adaptation.

The concept musical adaptation of "La La Land" could draw inspiration from classic Hollywood musicals, incorporating a mix of jazz, swing, and big band music to capture the film's nostalgic and romantic tone. The musical could also use modern pop and contemporary musical theater styles to appeal to a wider audience.

The stage adaptation could focus on the themes of pursuing dreams, the struggle for success, and the bittersweet nature of love and relationships. The set design could use projections and visual effects to recreate the iconic Los Angeles locations from the film, while the choreography could blend classic Hollywood dance styles with modern movement.

Overall, "La La Land" has the potential to become a successful "concept musical" that pays homage to the golden age of Hollywood while also appealing to contemporary audiences.

Question 4

The American musical theatre dates back to

A) The Industrial Revolution
B) The Victorian era
C) The Colonial period
D) The Depression

Question 5

The book of a musical is called

A) The scenes
B) The libretto
C) The synopsis
D) The score

Question 6

__________ was best known for a series of annual reviews that featured scantily clad chorus girls.

A) W. S. Gilbert
B) George M. Cohan
C) Arthur Sullivan
D) Florenz Ziegfeld

Question 7

Jerome Kern pioneered a new type of musical theatre with

A) Showboat
B) Shuffle Along
C) Very Good, Eddie!
D) Oklahoma!

Question 8

Among the firsts associated with Oklahoma! were

A) Absence of an opening chorus number
B) First murder onstage in a musical
C) First "dream ballet"
D) All of these

Question 9

Carousel, The King and I and South Pacific are examples of the successful collaboration of

A) Rodgers and Hart
B) Bernstein and Sondheim
C) Rodgers and Laurents
D) Rodgers and Hammerstein

Question 10

The influence of the pop rock musical Hair can be seen in

A) Annie Get Your Gun
B) Rent
C) Dames at Sea
D) All of these

Question 11

A Chorus Line, which chronicles the audition of 17 dancers is the work of

A) James Kirkwood
B) Marvin Hamlisch
C) Michael Bennett
D) All of these

Question 12

The tradition of importing American musicals to Great Britain was broken with the production of

A) Kiss Me, Kate
B) Guys and Dolls
C) The Boyfriend
D) Pal Joey

Question 13

The longest running musical in both New York and London is

A) Jesus Christ, Superstar
B) Cats
C) Phantom of the Opera
D) Whistle Down The Wind

Question 14

The production of Po-ca-hon-tas was the most influential event in the development of the American musical theatre.

Question 15

Porgy and Bess was based on an Edna Ferber novel.

Question 16

Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart broke new ground with Oklahoma!

Question 17

In place of the Capulets and Montagues, West Side Story has Crips and Bloods.

Question 18

Jonathan Larson, the creator of Rent, died soon after the show opened off-Broadway.

Question 19

Both Cameron Mackintosh and Andrew Lloyd Webber have been honored by the Queen of England for their contributions to the musical theatre.

Question 20

The TKTS Booth is operated by LORT (League of Resident Theatres).