Music in Musical Theatre and Film

Music in Musical Theatre and Film: Musical Theatre Drama and music have existed as independent expressions of art for thousands of years. It was not until the seventeenth century that the two art forms blended to create a new art form, opera. Opera continued to evolve over the next three centuries, resulting in another new art form: musical theatre. From its American roots, musical theatre has gained popularity around the world. Its unique and accessible blend of drama and music continue to attract new fans today. Drama and music have existed as independent expressions of art for thousands of years. It was not until the seventeenth century that the two art forms blended to create a new art form, opera. Opera continued to evolve over the next three centuries, resulting in another new art form: musical theatre. From its American roots, musical theatre has gained popularity around the world. Its unique and accessible blend of drama and music continue to attract new fans today.

Music in Musical Theatre and Film: An Introduction to Musical Theatre During the 1800s, opera as an art form continued to evolve, but in two entirely opposite directions. In Germany, composers like Richard Wagner wrote lengthy “heroic” operas that took as many as six hours to perform. Meanwhile, in Paris and Vienna, a lighter, more sentimental form of comic opera was finding favor with opera-goers. These “light operas,” or operettas, were actually stage plays with songs and dance interspersed with spoken lines. During the 1800s, opera as an art form continued to evolve, but in two entirely opposite directions. In Germany, composers like Richard Wagner wrote lengthy “heroic” operas that took as many as six hours to perform. Meanwhile, in Paris and Vienna, a lighter, more sentimental form of comic opera was finding favor with opera-goers. These “light operas,” or operettas, were actually stage plays with songs and dance interspersed with spoken lines.

Music in Musical Theatre and Film: The Birth of the Broadway Musical Toward the end of the century, the operetta crossed the Atlantic, where it underwent a transformation. Ultimately it evolved into a dramatic stage form that combines the art of acting and singing. The Broadway musical had been born. Toward the end of the century, the operetta crossed the Atlantic, where it underwent a transformation. Ultimately it evolved into a dramatic stage form that combines the art of acting and singing. The Broadway musical had been born. Like jazz, the Broadway musical – or simply “musical” – is a uniquely American invention. Its forerunners included not only operettas but minstrel shows and vaudeville. Vaudeville was an early staged variety show that included songs, dances and comedy skits. Like jazz, the Broadway musical – or simply “musical” – is a uniquely American invention. Its forerunners included not only operettas but minstrel shows and vaudeville. Vaudeville was an early staged variety show that included songs, dances and comedy skits. One of the first composers of Broadway musicals was George M. Cohan. His first show was Little Johnny Jones (1904). “Give My Regards to Broadway,” a song Cohan wrote for the show, became a classic in its own right. More importantly, the song contained the first-ever reference to Broadway as a synonym for “musical theatre.” One of the first composers of Broadway musicals was George M. Cohan. His first show was Little Johnny Jones (1904). “Give My Regards to Broadway,” a song Cohan wrote for the show, became a classic in its own right. More importantly, the song contained the first-ever reference to Broadway as a synonym for “musical theatre.”

Music in Musical Theatre and Film: The Classic Broadway Musical In the 1920s, the Broadway musical underwent some refinements. Although the emphasis was still on music, the stories began to assume more of the characteristics of actual drama. These included richer plotlines and carefully scripted dialogue, the spoken lines of a play or musical show. During this era, composers such as George Gershwin, Jerome Kern, and Cole Porter emerged on the scene. Among their legendary contributions to musical theatre were Lady Be Good, Show Boat, and Anything Goes. In the 1920s, the Broadway musical underwent some refinements. Although the emphasis was still on music, the stories began to assume more of the characteristics of actual drama. These included richer plotlines and carefully scripted dialogue, the spoken lines of a play or musical show. During this era, composers such as George Gershwin, Jerome Kern, and Cole Porter emerged on the scene. Among their legendary contributions to musical theatre were Lady Be Good, Show Boat, and Anything Goes. After World War II, composers and lyricists further developed the musical. The period saw the creation of beloved musicals including My Fair Lady (Frederick Loewe and Alan Jay Lerner), The Sound of Music (Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II), and West Side Story (Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim). Such musicals added many unforgettable show tunes such as “Maria,” “Edelweiss,” and “Somewhere” to pop singers’ repertoires. A repertoire is an inventory of compositions mastered and performed by a musician. After World War II, composers and lyricists further developed the musical. The period saw the creation of beloved musicals including My Fair Lady (Frederick Loewe and Alan Jay Lerner), The Sound of Music (Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II), and West Side Story (Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim). Such musicals added many unforgettable show tunes such as “Maria,” “Edelweiss,” and “Somewhere” to pop singers’ repertoires. A repertoire is an inventory of compositions mastered and performed by a musician. Prior to World War II, musicals by and large reflected optimism – the belief that goodness will triumph over evil. During the latter part of the twentieth century, however, writers of musicals began addressing darker, more serious themes in their musicals. Examples of this trend include John Kander and Fred Ebb’s dark comedies Chicago and Cabaret. Prior to World War II, musicals by and large reflected optimism – the belief that goodness will triumph over evil. During the latter part of the twentieth century, however, writers of musicals began addressing darker, more serious themes in their musicals. Examples of this trend include John Kander and Fred Ebb’s dark comedies Chicago and Cabaret.

Music in Musical Theatre and Film: From Broadway to Hollywood The fact that classic musicals continue to be revived on Broadway today attests to the popularity of this art form. In addition, many Broadway musicals have been adapted into successful films. Several of these became Hollywood hits that earned numerous Academy Awards. These include The fact that classic musicals continue to be revived on Broadway today attests to the popularity of this art form. In addition, many Broadway musicals have been adapted into successful films. Several of these became Hollywood hits that earned numerous Academy Awards. These include West Side Story (1961) – ten Oscars, including Best Picture West Side Story (1961) – ten Oscars, including Best Picture My Fair Lady (1964) – eight Oscars, including Best Picture My Fair Lady (1964) – eight Oscars, including Best Picture The Sound of Music (1965) – five Oscars, including Best Picture The Sound of Music (1965) – five Oscars, including Best Picture Cabaret (1972) – eight Oscars Cabaret (1972) – eight Oscars Chicago (2002) – six Oscars, including Best Picture Chicago (2002) – six Oscars, including Best Picture

Music in Musical Theatre and Film: An International Trend By the early 1970s, British and French creative teams were making important contributions of musical theatre. In the decades following, they have become a dominant force in this art form. London native Andrew Lloyd Webber’s creations include Cats, Evita, and The Phantom of the Opera. Elton John, also of Great Britain, collaborated with Tim Rice to create shows such as The Lion King and Aida. French composers Claude-Michel Schonberg and Alain Boublil created such blockbuster hits as Les Miserables and Miss Saigon. By the early 1970s, British and French creative teams were making important contributions of musical theatre. In the decades following, they have become a dominant force in this art form. London native Andrew Lloyd Webber’s creations include Cats, Evita, and The Phantom of the Opera. Elton John, also of Great Britain, collaborated with Tim Rice to create shows such as The Lion King and Aida. French composers Claude-Michel Schonberg and Alain Boublil created such blockbuster hits as Les Miserables and Miss Saigon.

Music in Musical Theatre and Film: Musical Theatre Today After a century’s history, Broadway musicals still flourish today. Classics are revived in innovative ways even as composers and lyricists push the envelope of this art form. On Broadway, it is common to see traditional productions playing side by side with contemporary rock musicals. After a century’s history, Broadway musicals still flourish today. Classics are revived in innovative ways even as composers and lyricists push the envelope of this art form. On Broadway, it is common to see traditional productions playing side by side with contemporary rock musicals. New stars continue to rise on the Broadway stage. As in the past, the allure of the Broadway stage will continue to attract and produce great singing and acting talents. New stars continue to rise on the Broadway stage. As in the past, the allure of the Broadway stage will continue to attract and produce great singing and acting talents.

Music in Musical Theatre and Film: Musical Theatre Terms Operettas – stage plays with songs and dance interspersed with spoken lines Operettas – stage plays with songs and dance interspersed with spoken lines Broadway musical – a dramatic stage form that combines the arts of acting and singing Broadway musical – a dramatic stage form that combines the arts of acting and singing Vaudeville – an early staged variety show that included songs, dances, and comedy skits Vaudeville – an early staged variety show that included songs, dances, and comedy skits Dialogue – the spoken lines of a play or musical show Dialogue – the spoken lines of a play or musical show Repertoire – an inventory of compositions mastered and performed by a musician Repertoire – an inventory of compositions mastered and performed by a musician Monologue – a dramatic speech or song delivered by one character in a play Monologue – a dramatic speech or song delivered by one character in a play

Music in Musical Theatre and Film: Composers – Stephen Sondheim Stephen Sondheim (b. 1930) is an American stage musical and film composer and lyricist, one of the few people to win an Academy Award, multiple Tony Awards (seven, more than any other composer), multiple Grammy Awards, and a Pultizer Prize. His most famous scores include (as composer/lyricist) Company, A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd, and Into the Woods as well as the lyrics for West Side Story and Gypsy. Stephen Sondheim (b. 1930) is an American stage musical and film composer and lyricist, one of the few people to win an Academy Award, multiple Tony Awards (seven, more than any other composer), multiple Grammy Awards, and a Pultizer Prize. His most famous scores include (as composer/lyricist) Company, A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd, and Into the Woods as well as the lyrics for West Side Story and Gypsy.

Music in Musical Theatre and Film: Musicals – Into the Woods Into the Woods Into the Woods Music:Stephen Sondheim Music:Stephen Sondheim Lyrics:Stephen Sondheim Lyrics:Stephen Sondheim Book:James Lapine Book:James Lapine Plot:Into the Woods intertwines the plots of several Brothers Grimm fairy tales and follows them further to explore the consequences of the characters’ wishes and quests. The main characters are taken from the stories of Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, Rapunzel, and Cinderella, tied together by an original story involving a Baker and his wife and their quest to begin a family, and including references to several other well-known tales. Plot:Into the Woods intertwines the plots of several Brothers Grimm fairy tales and follows them further to explore the consequences of the characters’ wishes and quests. The main characters are taken from the stories of Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, Rapunzel, and Cinderella, tied together by an original story involving a Baker and his wife and their quest to begin a family, and including references to several other well-known tales.

Questions Other than musicals or Broadway tunes, what other genre could the music of Into the Woods be included in? Give specific examples throughout the musical to support your answer Vocally, which character exhibited the greatest range and level difficulty? Describe the difference of vocal timbre in the Witch and Cinderella What male character could be considered a tenor? Explain your decision What would you say was the “defining moment” of the entire musical, the peak? Why?

Music in Musical Theatre and Film: Musicals – West Side Story Do you know anything about Shakespeare’s play “Romeo and Juliet”? Can you quote some lines from the play? When was “Romeo and Juliet” written? Shakespeare wrote the play over 400 years ago. Why do you think a play written over 400 years ago is still popular and well known today?

Music in Musical Theatre and Film: Musicals – West Side Story Brainstorm a list of words, terms, names, and ideas associated with “Romeo and Juliet.” Has “Romeo and Juliet” ever been adapted into other forms of art or performance? Yes! It has been adapted into other art forms many, many, many times, including opera, ballet, and more than 40 movies. In the mid-20 th century, a team of theater professionals in New York City decided to adapt “Romeo and Juliet” into a musical. Do you know what that musical is?

Music in Musical Theatre and Film: Musicals – West Side Story While you watch, identify what choreographer Jerome Robbins thought would make the “Romeo and Juliet” story come alive for him. Setting the story in the present day is one reason. More specifically, the creators of “West Side Story” decided to set it amid the warring gangs of New York City. “West Side Story” has not only become a legendary musical, it has also influenced popular culture. Listen and determine what director Julie Taymore sees “West Side Story” as a forerunner of. Taymore saw “West Side Story” as a forerunner for all of MTV and music videos.

Music in Musical Theatre and Film: Musicals – West Side Story “West Side Story” was an important milestone in theater history, and led the way for many musicals that followed. Listen again and determine why “West Side Story” was such an important milestone in the history of musical theater. Because it introduced serious, contemporary subject matter into musicals, including murder and rape; it established the primacy of the director/choreographer; and it ushered in the ear of “triple threat” performers, who could sing, dance, and act.

Music in Musical Theatre and Film: Musicals – West Side Story Did the footage you saw of “West Side Story” look or sound like a Shakespearean play written over 400 years ago? Why not? Did you recognize any images in the footage and photographs of “West Side Story” that were similar to “Romeo and Juliet”? Are you aware of any other musicals that have been based on preexisting works of literature? The creators of musicals based on preexisting literature must accomplish a variety of tasks, including: streamlining the plot and characters into a manageable length for the stage; creating music and lyrics that match the tone and feel of the original work; addressing technical demands that may not be possible on stage, etc.

Music in Musical Theatre and Film: Musicals – West Side Story West Side Story West Side Story Music:Leonard Bernstein Music:Leonard Bernstein Lyrics:Stephen Sondheim Lyrics:Stephen Sondheim Book:Arthur Laurents Book:Arthur Laurents Plot:In 1949, Jerome Robbins called Leonard Bernstein about a new idea he had for a musical: a modern update of “Romeo and Juliet,” only the star-crossed lovers would be Catholic and Jewish, and it would take place on the Lower East Side. During this time, the papers were filled with stories of juvenile gang warfare among the growing Hispanic populations of Los Angeles and Spanish Harlem. Now, the idea finally seemed vibrant and timely. Following Shakespeare’s model, the team constructed a story of star-crossed lovers caught between rival gangs – this time Puerto Ricans (Sharks) and white ethnics (Jets) on New York City’s Upper West Side. Tony (former leader of the Jets) falls in love with Maria (sister of the leader of the Sharks) at a high school dance, despite the tragic impossibility of their situation. Plot:In 1949, Jerome Robbins called Leonard Bernstein about a new idea he had for a musical: a modern update of “Romeo and Juliet,” only the star-crossed lovers would be Catholic and Jewish, and it would take place on the Lower East Side. During this time, the papers were filled with stories of juvenile gang warfare among the growing Hispanic populations of Los Angeles and Spanish Harlem. Now, the idea finally seemed vibrant and timely. Following Shakespeare’s model, the team constructed a story of star-crossed lovers caught between rival gangs – this time Puerto Ricans (Sharks) and white ethnics (Jets) on New York City’s Upper West Side. Tony (former leader of the Jets) falls in love with Maria (sister of the leader of the Sharks) at a high school dance, despite the tragic impossibility of their situation.

Music in Musical Theatre and Film: Composers – Leonard Bernstein Leonard Bernstein ( ) was a Jewish American conductor, composer, author, music lecturer and pianist. He wrote three symphonies, two operas, five musicals, and numerous other pieces. He is best known for writing the music for West Side Story. Bernstein was the first classical music conductor to make numerous television appearances, all between 1954 and He was “one of the most prodigally talented and successful musicians in American history.” Leonard Bernstein ( ) was a Jewish American conductor, composer, author, music lecturer and pianist. He wrote three symphonies, two operas, five musicals, and numerous other pieces. He is best known for writing the music for West Side Story. Bernstein was the first classical music conductor to make numerous television appearances, all between 1954 and He was “one of the most prodigally talented and successful musicians in American history.”

Music in Musical Theatre and Film: Lyricist – Stephen Sondheim Stephen Sondheim (b. 1930) is an American stage musical and film composer and lyricist, one of the few people to win an Academy Award, multiple Tony Awards (seven, more than any other composer), multiple Grammy Awards, and a Pultizer Prize. His most famous scores include (as composer/lyricist) Company, A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd, and Into the Woods as well as the lyrics for West Side Story and Gypsy. Stephen Sondheim (b. 1930) is an American stage musical and film composer and lyricist, one of the few people to win an Academy Award, multiple Tony Awards (seven, more than any other composer), multiple Grammy Awards, and a Pultizer Prize. His most famous scores include (as composer/lyricist) Company, A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd, and Into the Woods as well as the lyrics for West Side Story and Gypsy.

Perceptive Listening Number your paper 1-9. Listen to each excerpt. Write the name of the song that is playing next to the correct number. A Boy Like That I Feel Pretty Maria Cool Tonight America Mambo Somewhere One Hand, One Heart ANSWERS: 1.I Feel Pretty 2.Mambo 3.Maria 4.Tonight 5.America 6.Cool 7.A Boy Like That 8.One Hand, One Heart 9.Somewhere