Early Development
The American Musical combines storytelling with what 3 elements?
- Dialogue
- Dance
- Music
What did early musicals focus on MORE than just the story?
Spectacle
What years did the Golden Age take place in?
1940s-1960s
In the late 20th century, what two styles of shows challenged traditional storytelling?
- Concept musicals
- Rock-influenced shows
Due to the American musical, what is something that shows like Hamilton started doing?
Adding hip hop and traditional theatre music.
Casting more people of color.
The American Musical had early roots in what?
European traditions
What show is considered the "first modern musical"?
Show Boat
Name one of the three composers that helped change the art form.
- Stephen Sondehim
- Rodgers & Hammerstein
- Leonard Bernstein
What did shows like Hair bring to the stage?
- Contemporary music
- Countercultural themes
Name one of the 5 key elements in American musicals
- Music
- Lyrics
- Dialogue
- Dance/movement
- Design elements
What centuries can The American musical be traced back to?
18th and 19th.
What is an example of a more serious theme that shows like Show Boat addressed?
Inequality
Name one of the three musicals that used music/dance to deepen the storytelling.
- Oklahoma!
- West Side Story
- The Sound of Music
Name one of the mega-musical examples.
- Les Mis
- The Phantom of the Opera
How does Broadway generate so much money?
Ticket sales, tourism and related industries.
What examples of European traditions featured The American Musical?
- Operettas
- Music Hall performances
- Comic opera
Instead of songs interrupting the plot just because, what did music become a tool for?
Character development and emotional expression.
Why did choreography become important in the Golden Age?
Choreo helps convey relationships and conflict through movement.
What show was the first to use rock music as its primary style?
Hair
Who do musicals make jobs for?
- Performers
- Musicians
- Designers
- Technicians
- Educators
- Directors
How does adding music change the tone or feeling in the show?
Multiple responses.
In what century did the approach for American Musicals change drastically?
20th century
During the Golden Age, what did American musicals reflect on?
American values and concerns.
Name one of the three elements that mega-musicals brought to the stage.
- Large-scale spectacle
- Elaborate sets
- Powerful scores
Why does Musical theatre remain powerful today?
Combines storytelling with music in a way that speaks directly to emotion.