Tony Awards

Never Underestimate the Influence of Teaching with Videos

February 23, 2022 By dhcbaldwin 2 Comments

Never Underestimate the Influence of Teaching with Videos

When I began teaching, we didn’t have videos to show students anything pertaining to theater. Friends, never underestimate the never underestimate the influence of teaching with videos!

That was 1980 and the closest thing we had was an old projector which showed black and white films. Yuck. Part of the reason this was uninspiring to students is as we know, theater is a visual art. Plus, it gives students a concrete example of the quality of work professionals turn out. Consequently, not many students enrolled in drama classes.

I was looking around for more reasons why teaching with video works. I ran on to www.nextthoughtsstudios.com I found this quote helpful: “Studies have shown that the use of short video clips allows for more efficient processing and memory recall. The visual and auditory nature of videos appeals to a wide audience and allows each user to process information in a way that’s natural to them. In a nutshell, videos are good teachers.”

Things are different now, huh?

Practically with the snap of a finger, a teacher can search for what she wants and show it in her classroom within a few minutes.

Never Underestimate the Influence of Teaching with Videos

Creating products gives me oppportunities to see many videos worth viewing in the theater classroom. I thought they might be of benefit to you, too!

Primarily, these videos are located on youtube.com. If your school allows you to use Youtube. com, you will be good to go. I’ve also mentioned several videos that you could rent or purchase for your classroom.

Never Underestimate the Influence of Teaching with Videos

Hamilton!

Let’s Look at Hamilton, first!

There are many videos of Hamilton. However one that I especially like is: Adam Savage Examines the Props of Hamilton.

Let’s begin with set design. Set Design for Hamilton is terrific. It’s only 3 minutes in length. Fascinating stuff here.

The lighting design for Hamilton is awesome! Behind the Scenes with a Hamilton Stagehand Who Told Stories with LightsThis one shows what its like for a stagehand. So interesting. (5:58 mins.)

The costume design for Hamilton is a Hamilton Designers Explain How Costumes are Made I think you’ll learn something new here. (29:42 mins.)

Hamilton is available on line through DisneyPlus only. Honestly, I’d sign up for DisneyPlus just to have the opportunity to show it to my students.

If you’d like more information about Hamilton, check out: Hamilton the Musical: A Drama Lesson with a Unique Perspective

Wicked!

Behind the Emerald Curtain is a series of videos which were created for the express purpose of education.

Wicked Behind the Emerald Curtain is a fascinating interview with the costume designer, Susan Hilferty. There is more information here than just costume design, so take a look at this! (5:35 mins.)

In this video, the choreographer for Wicked explains the difference between choreography and staging a musical. See how the entire world of Wicked the musical was choreographed. (4:47 mins.)

Who is an expert in stage smoke, fog and torches? This man is. You’ll want to check out the special effects of Wicked for certain. Wicked: Special Effects (3:37 mins.)

Good news! A movie version of Wicked is slated to begin productions in the summer of 2022. Cynthia Erivo will pay Elfaba and Arianna Grande will be Glenda. How wonderful will that be?

Considering teaching a whole unit on Wicked? Check out my post: Will Wicked The Musical Ever Rule the World?

Dear Evan Hansen

Now that the Dear Evan Hansen movie has been released, this would be a fantastic time to study the musical.

David Korins, Set Design of Dear Evan Hansen shares an incredible story about his creative process. (3:43 mins.)

Here is a short piece on the Genius Design of Lighting of Dear Evan Hansen you simply must show your students! In this video clip, the announcer explains the complexity and number of light cues used in one part of a song. Amazing. (3:13 mins.)

Maybe you need something physical for your students to do? You could use this as a warm-up of even lesson for the day. Check out Dear Evan Hansen Dance Combo (27:01 mins.)

You can rent Dear Evan Hansen through a variety of ways–Apple TV and Prime are two.

Here’s a blog post concerning Dear Evan Hansen which you may find useful and interesting. Like “Dear Evan Hansen”? Then You’ll Love This News

Never Underestimate the Influence of Teaching with Videos

Spongebob Squarepants

Oh my gosh, friends. Spongebob Squarepants is such fun and your younger students will really enjoy learning about it.

You’ll want to look at the interview of a set designer. Set Designer David Zinn ( 7:00 mins.) I enjoy how he explains his concept of the musical, but also explains how color, the use of unusual objects and looking at the story as a child would.

Davis Zinn is exceptionally talented! He designed the costumes for the production as well. Explore the Costumes of Spongebob Squarepants. (2:56 mins.) Your students will love what he uses for each costumes and the detail is immense.

Switching gears here. I think showing a rehearsal of a production. It’s very important for our students. It demonstrates that rehearsals should be done with high energy, full commitment and dedication. Get a Sneak Peak at New Broadway Musical Spongebob Squarepants (2:25 mins.)

Need a scope and sequence for your middle school theater class? I can help here: Drama Units Scope and Sequence

Hadestown

Take a Tour Downtown of Hadestown with Rachel Hauk, set design and Rachel Chavkin, director. (4:09 mins.) For your students who can’t get enough of the creative process of designing a production, you’ll want to show this one.

Making the Music Anais Mitchell (3:50 mins.) talks about composing the music for Hadestown. In particular, she talks about the song, “Why Do We Build a Wall.: The lyrics to this song are not a political statement, but when Hadestown opened our former president was busy trying to keep immigrants out of the country. Talk about life imitating art and vice versa.

Broadway’s Hadestown is a Google Talk (55:31 mins.) which older students would appreciate. I think I would use it for a discussion and pick out certain parts which I wanted to point out–blocking, staging, etc. Members of the cast have an opportunity to share about the production. I especially appreciate Andre Shields’ interview. Although long, it’s worth the time.

You can find bootleg copies of Hadestown. That means someone recorded it illegally. I don’t recommend using these because it just perpetuates the idea that this activity is acceptable.

Here’s a blog post of mine about Hadestown and all its wonderfulness. What Can We Learn from Greek Mythology?

Never Underestimate the Influence of Teaching with Videos

Beetlejuice

Heres a fun one to study: Beetlejuice! The Cast of Beetlejuice Performed at medley at the Tony Awards. (3:48 mins.) Something interesting about this musical is that it was nominated for many Tony awards and didn’t win one. Strange, huh?

The set design is so imaginative–I’d show this for your gifted students. They’ll get a kick out of it! David Korns strikes again as the designer of the Beetlejuice set. It might be interesting to show the three video clips of his work and see if there are any similarities. That’s what I would do. Set Tour with Designer David Korin/ Beetlejuice the Musical. (7:22 mins.)

In How William Ivey Long Created the Beetlejuice and Tootsie Costumes (9:35 mins.) Long speaks about his process for the musical. Talk about talented! You’ll see that he spent over two years designing Beetlejuice. Amazing.

We can’t leave out plays. They are fabulous to teach with too

Teach with Plays

We can’t leave out plays. They are fabulous to teach with too.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Oh yes! To study a little bit of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child play would be fabulous for middle grade students.

If your students are unfamiliar with the play, show them this montage first: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Exclusive Montage. (4:43 mins.)

This clip shares many things–the director, special effects, blocking, staging, lighting design, costume design–you name it. Behind the Scenes of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (2:49 mins.) is a definite show on my list!

I think students will find this video Magic to Do: Harry Potter with James Snyder (9:51 mins.) demonstrates that actors are pretty much like the rest of us. Pretty goofy.

To Kill a Mockingbird

Let’s say you want to read a play in your high school theater class? I’d suggest To Kill a Mockingbird. I’d include these video clips while we read it. Maybe as a warm-up.

I’d begin with this video clip. It concerns how the play was reworked by the director, Aaron Sorkin. How Aaron Sorkin Reworked To Kill a Mockingbird for Broadway (7:19 mins.) It’s fascinating.

To Kill a Mockingbird Lessons for Today focuses on (7:10 mins.) the show’s star Jeff Daniels and playwright Aaron Sorkin about translating Lee’s characters to the stage, and with students who talk about “Mockingbird”‘s relevance to today’s audience.

Lastly, this video clip discusses the characters of the play. Citizens of To Kill a Mockingbird LaTanya Richards Jackson as Calpurnia (2:40 mins.)

Never Underestimate the Influence of Teaching With Videos

I hope these video links give you a lot of choice and ideas for your classroom use. If I were you, I’d teach a different musical or play each day–that’s 8 days or more of lessons for you. And….a substitute could use these as well.

Have you used video clips in your classroom? I’d love to hear about it. Contact me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com or DeborahBaldwin.net

Want some help with your directing? Pick up my FREE checklists at: Director’s Helper Checklists

Doing Broadway Musicals the Right Way

September 29, 2021 By dhcbaldwin Leave a Comment

Doing Musicals the Right Way

Doing Broadway Musicals the Right Way — The musical Hamilton

Let’s talk about doing musicals the right way. I watched the Tony awards last night. Although it was shortened version on CBS, it was a lovely tribute to Broadway and theater. So exciting to know Broadway is back in business again.

But I have to say…as always they did musicals the right way.

What do I mean by that remark? Often, I’ve thought about what makes a musical a classic. Who makes the decisions whether a theatrical piece is or is not a classic?

According to one website, any musical written between 1920 and 1959 is considered a classic. When I think about classic musicals, certain ones come to mind–South Pacific, Sound of Music, Oliver!, Peter Pan, The Music Man, Hello Dolly! My Fair Lady and Oklahoma! to name a few.

However, there are recent musicals which should be added to this category of Tony award winners.

I believe they become classics when they are endowed with strong plots, well defined characters, spectacle, universal themes and tremendous scores. Consequently, one could argue that most musicals which make it to Broadway should become classics, right? Maybe and maybe not.

However to me, the brilliance of the musical transcends all other productions and that is what sets is apart from others.

Doing Musicals the Right Way: The Phantom of the Opera

Let’s consider The Phantom of the Opera for example.

Phantom of the Opera

First, the plot: Based on the 1910 horror novel by Gaston Leroux, The Phantom of the Opera is a thrilling and romantic account of the legendary Phantom, a musical genius who dwells deep beneath a majestic opera house in Paris.

Shunned by society for his horrible facial deformity, he takes a promising young soprano, Christine, under his wing and grooms her for operatic fame, all the while falling deeply in love with her.

As Christine grows ever more successful, and a handsome young man from her past begins to successfully court her, the Phantom descends into a jealous rage and terrorizes the opera company with increasingly dangerous threats.

The plot takes twists and turns. That’s a clear cut identifier of a classic.

Secondly, let’s consider the spectacle of the production. A person could watch this one scene from Phantom of the Opera (in photo above) and have a good idea of the plot. Have you wondered about how to direct a musical? Check out: So You Are Directing a Musical…Now What?

In addition, the characters are well rounded with moments of which we can relate. Another quality of a good musical. One moment we hate the Phantom and another we pity him. That tug at our heart strings makes him all the more compelling. Although Phantom of the Opera has less dialogue that most musicals, what dialogue it does have is well crafted.

The mere fact that Phantom of the Opera recently closed after a run of 35 years should tell us something, yes? Staying power.

Doing Broadway Musicals the Right Way

Andrew Lloyd Weber’s music score is magnificent. Perusing the internet researching this blog topic, I ran on to The Guardian’s review of Phantom of the Opera:

“Andrew Lloyd Webber has a true pop sensibility, ladling on the hooks. There are reprises and motifs everywhere, and even similar melodies in two of the big songs. Essentially, never take the unexpected route when the note you want to hear is right there.

That famous descending organ riff and its synth-rock bass may scream 1980s camp, but this is a show committed to bombast, the grisly gothic tale of the murderous phantom menacing a 19th-century Paris theatre unashamedly embraces high drama, backed by a wall of sound when Lloyd Webber’s more dense writing contrasts with the hit melodies.”

Doing Musical the Right Way: Les Miserables

Les Miserables should be included the list of modern classic musicals.

First, let’s talk about the plot: After 19 years as a prisoner, Jean Valjean is freed by Javert, the officer in charge of the prison workforce. Valjean promptly breaks parole but later uses money from stolen silver to reinvent himself as a mayor and factory owner. Javert vows to bring Valjean back to prison. Eight years later, Valjean becomes the guardian of a child named Cosette after her mother’s death, but Javert’s relentless pursuit means that peace will be a long time coming.

Staging of Les Miserables

Secondly, the staging is magnificent! When I taught students about set design, I described the spectacle of the production. The revolving stage, the use of lighting and simple set pieces gives the production a feeling of fluidity and pace. In particular, the scene when when Javert ends his life is powerful and raw.

Additionally, the use of fog and a simple bridge hoisted right at the moment Javert jumps to his death is breath taking. This moment of spectacle is tremendously engaging. Consequently, we are transported to the moment of impact as if we were jumping with him. The revolving stage turns as Javert sinks to the floor of the river, rolls in the current and slowly dies as the stage stops its revolve. That’s powerful theater!

Like Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables has a long life on Broadway and London where it originated. Forty-two countries have enjoyed the touring company shows. If that isn’t enough, it has been translated into 21 languages: English, Japanese, Hebrew, Hungarian, Icelandic, Norwegian, German, Polish, Swedish, Dutch, Danish, French, Czech, Castillian, Mauritian Creole, Flemish, Finnish, Argentinian, Portuguese, Estonian and Mexican Spanish. Pick up a copy of my Broadway musical unit of Les Miserables here.

What’s a Sung Thru Opera?

Les Miserables is considered a “sung-thru” opera. Because particular moments are sung rather than spoken and vice versa it demands our attention at all times. I can’t say that about every production.

The Music Man

A third “should-be” classic, is The Music Man.

Again, let’s look at the plot: The Music Man is concerns con man Harold Hill, who poses as a boys’ band organizer and leader and sells band instruments and uniforms to naïve Iowa townsfolk, promising to train the members of the new band. Harold is no musician, however, and plans to skip town without giving any music lessons. Prim librarian and piano teacher Marian sees through him, but when Harold helps her younger brother overcome his lisp and social awkwardness, Marian begins to fall in love. Harold risks being caught to win her.

Every classic musical contains universal themes. In this case, The Music Man demonstrates that music heals, redemption, risk romance and authenticity.

A Crowd Pleaser

When teachers ask for my recommendation of a crowd pleaser musical which has opportunities for a large cast, first on my list is The Music Man. The characters are charming, fun to portray and there’s room for many ages and grade levels. The dialogue is humorous when it needs to be and poignant in other moments. My favorite line is, “He’s been the raspberry seed in my wisdom tooth long enough.”

With a blend of music indicative of the setting of the story, many of a plot takes twists and turns which is an identifier of a classic, too. For instance, The Music Man has such captivating music it’s used in other genres such as by marching bands (Seventy-six Trombones) and barbershop quartets (Lida Rose.)

Having directed it four times, I can say without a doubt it is one I can depend upon to be successful every time I direct it. Want some advice about directing? Check out: So You Are Directing a Musical…Now What?

Broadway Musical Units

As you may be aware, I create drama education resources for teachers through my store, DramaMommaSpeaks also on MadebyTeachers and my personal store on Payhip.

I have a new bundle of “Classic Musicals”.

It includes: Les Miserable, The Music Man, Peter Pan, Phantom of the Opera and West Side Story, South Pacific (new)

Each musical can be purchased separately, but if you buy them in a bundle you save up to 20%. And guess what? This is a growing bundle so as I create more Classic Musicals I’ll include include more productions. (Get it at the beginning of the growing bundle and you get all of the rest of the musicals for FREE)

These products include:

Letter to Teacher
Two Warm Ups–My Own Version of this Popular Exercise–
Teacher’s Script–What I Say and How I Say it!
Photos of the production
Synopsis of the Musical
Plot of the Musical–comprehensive and detailed
Short Biography about the creative team–composer, lyricist, playwright, producer or director
Biography focused on the author of the novel if it inspired the production
Why is this musical considered an opera and not a musical?
Separate File of Photos for Teacher’s Use in Lecture
History about the Origination of the Production
AND a Mini-Lesson on What are the Tony Awards?
List of Tony Awards
New York City Map with Competing Theaters Labeled
Student Note Page
Teacher Note Page Key
Fascinating Trivia about Broadway
Equally fascinating trivia about the particular musical
Songs List
Extension Activities–Ten Terrific Assignment Suggestions to Secure the Learning and Enrich the Experience either Individual or Group
Sources & Links to Film Clips from the Show
And More!

There are many musicals, too numerous to mention, which your students will appreciate exploring. Have you considered Come From Away? Still so timely. It’s an excellent production!

Here’s another Broadway musical, West Side Story

Today, I added Oklahoma!

And Here’s South Pacific

And now The Sound of Music

What other musicals do you think should be labeled as classics? I’d love to know. Contact me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com or DeborahBaldwin.net

How to Be the Cool Theater Teacher When Broadway Re-opens

August 18, 2021 By dhcbaldwin Leave a Comment

How to Be the Cool Theater Teacher When Broadway Re-opens

Every teacher wants to be popular. Personally, I think it’s an unfulfilled desire from our high school days when maybe we weren’t the coolest and our pick of friends, though loyal, wasn’t exactly a large number.

Today, I’m going to talk about how to be the cool teacher….at least for a day or two.

People ask what is my favorite musical. This is a difficult question to answer, because I love many.

If I have to pick one for today, I’ll say Hadestown. (Tomorrow it will probably be something else.)

This is a glorious show filled with everything which makes a great one– memorable music, tremendous lyrics, terrific plot and unique message.

All About Hadestown

If you don’t know much about Hadestown, here is a quick synopsis from Broadway.com:

Hadestown intertwines two mythic tales—that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of King Hades and his wife Persephone—as it invites you on a hell-raising journey to the underworld and back. Mitchell’s beguiling melodies and Chavkin’s poetic imagination pit industry against nature, doubt against faith, and fear against love. Performed by a vibrant ensemble of actors, dancers and singers, Hadestown is a haunting and hopeful theatrical experience that grabs you and never lets go.

Hadestown is a 2016 stage musical adaptation of the 2010 folk opera concept album by Anais Mitchell. As in the 2010 album, Hadestown adapts the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice to a Great Depression-era inspired post-apocalyptic setting.

One of the production’s messages defends beauty and the importance of music and love to the soul, even in an increasingly commercialized world.

I can’t count how many times someone has suggested a song which makes them feel better (especially in light of the pandemic.) Music speaks to people. I don’t know about you, but I couldn’t live without music in my life. See what I mean in my post, How Enriched is Life Without Music?

How to Be the Cool Theater Teacher When Broadway Re-opens

What is the origin of Hadestown?

Scrolling around the internet, I found this post from Vulture, “To use the appropriate organic metaphors, Hadestown started as a seed with a community-theater project that Mitchell, a songwriter, first performed in Vermont in 2006. That grew into a concept album in 2010, which she recorded along with folk musicians like Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon. By 2013, Mitchell started working with Chavkin — who had been directing The Great Comet Off Broadway — to plant Hadestown back onstage.

They took it to New York Theatre Workshop in 2016 and then to Edmonton’s Citadel Theatre and London’s National Theatre before returning to Broadway, where the show began performances on March 22. Along the way they experimented with everything from the set design, to the size of the cast, to their way of thinking about the main characters’ roles in the story.”

How to Be the Cool Theater Teacher When Broadway Re-opens

Hades and Persephone

Two mythological tales were combined to create the plot of Hadestown. It’s important to understand the two myths separately in order to appreciate them being woven together for this musical.

Hades is the Ancient Greek god of the Underworld, the place where human souls go after death. In time, his name became synonymous with his realm. It has to be said unsurprisingly – since he barely left it. Appropriately, the most significant myth related to Hades concerns one of the very few times he did – to abduct Demeter’s daughter, Persephone.

As the ruler of the dead, Hades was a grim and ghastly figure, inspiring awe and terror in everybody. Consequently, he was rarely depicted in art. When he was, he was most commonly portrayed with a beard, and a solemn, mournful look. He frequently wears a helmet, named the Helm of Darkness or the Cap of Invisibility. Cerberus, the three-headed dog which guarded the entrance to the Underworld, is usually beside him. Every so often he carries a scepter or holds the key to his kingdom. At a later stage, he became associated with his weapon of choice, the bident, a two-pronged fork modeled after Poseidon’s trident.

How to Be the Cool Theater Teacher When Broadway Re-opens

Persephone, the daughter of Demeter and Zeus, became the wife of Hades and the Queen of the Underworld. She was a dual deity, since, in addition to presiding over the dead with intriguing autonomy, as the daughter of Demeter, she was also a goddess of fertility. The myth of her abduction by Hades was frequently used to explain the cycle of the seasons.

Who Wrote Hadestown?

Anaïs Mitchell is an American singer-songwriter, musician, and playwright. Mitchell has released seven albums, including Hadestown (2010), Young Man in America (2012), and Child Ballads (2013). She developed Hadestown (together with director Rachel Chavkin) into a stage show which received its US debut at New York Theatre Workshop in summer 2016, and its Canadian debut at the Citadel Theatre, Edmonton the following year. In 2018 it was announced that the show would open at London’s National Theatre later in the year before transferring to Broadway.

Hadestown began as a DIY community theater project in Vermont in 2006. In 2013 Anais began the process of expanding and adapting the work into a full-length professional theatrical production. She worked closely with director Rachel Chavkin.

Who directed Hadestown?

Director Rachel Chavkin (has a BFA from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts and an MFA from Columbia University School of the Arts (2008). Chavkin directed Dave Malloy’s Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, which ran Off-Broadway in 2013-2014. Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 received the 2013 Obie Award, Special Citation. Under her direction, the musical opened on Broadway at the Imperial Theatre on November 14, 2016.

At the 71st Tony Awards, the musical received twelve nominations, the highest number for the 2016-17 season, including a nomination for Chavkin for Best Director of a Musical.

How to Be the Cool Theater Teacher When Broadway Re-opens

In an article in American Theatre, it was noted that she has a “diverse slate of work” united with “a distinctively multisensory sensibility…. When she staged Meg Miroshnik’s The Fairytale Lives of Russian Girls at Yale Repertory Theatre, she included a live female punk band; her work with the TEAM routinely blends text, video, and pervasive sound design. ‘She can squeeze a lot into a small space, and yet it feels epic and sprawling,’ said Ars Nova artistic director Jason Eagan.

I’m Here to Help You!

In case you aren’t aware, I create drama education and resources. I have a unit for Hadestown which you might appreciate.

This Product includes:

Letter to Teacher
Warm Up–MY Version of a Popular Physical Warm Up
Teacher’s Script–What I Say and How I Say it! (No need to worry about what to say)
Photos of the Statues of Greek Gods or Persephone & Hades
Paintings of the Statues of Greek Gods of Eurydice & Orpheus
Plot of the Musical
Synopsis of the Musical
A Brief Description of the Four Mythological Characters to Help Your Students Understand the Musical More Fully
Separate File of Photos for Teacher’s Use in Lecture
History about the Origination of the Production
Information on the Director, Rachel Chavkin
Information on the composer, Anais Mitchell
Information about the music arranger and orchestrator, Michael Chorney
A Shortened Lesson on: What are the Tony Awards?
List of Tony Awards
New York City Map Link with Competing Theaters Labeled
Student Note Page
Teacher Note Page Key
Trivia about Broadway Musicals with Some Surprising Facts!
Partial lyrics from “Why We Build a Wall”–Good for Class Discussions or as a Jumping Off Point
Extension Activities–Terrific Suggestions of Ways to Secure the Learning and Enrich the Experience, Individual and Group
Sources & Hot Links to Video Clips from the Show!

Hadestown Preview

If this sounds interesting to you, check out my store at Dramamommaspeaks to learn more about the unit.

How to Be the Cool Theater Teacher When Broadway Re-opens

I’ve found most students are familiar with the music from a musical and the plot. However they never have an opportunity to learn about its origin, trivia and creative team. I create units the way I would use them.

Want to impress your students? Hadestown reopens on Broadway on September 2. Your students will be impressed that you keep up with the hubbub of Broadway by teaching Hadestown.

When Broadway reopens its doors, there is going to be so much excitement we will hear the cheers in every theater classroom in the country, much less the world. What a fabulous image and sound that will be!

What musical is your favorite (at least today)? I’d love to hear about it. Contact me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com or DeborahBaldwin.net.

Want some free lessons? Check out: Free Stuff! (Check this often because I add lessons as I have time to do so.)

Will Wicked The Musical Ever Rule the World?

April 14, 2021 By dhcbaldwin 3 Comments

Will Wicked The Musical Ever Rule the World?

I have a confession to make. I’ve wondered, will Wicked the Musical ever rule the world? Maybe so.

The first time I saw the musical Wicked, I didn’t care for it too much.

Can you believe it?

Let me explain. Wicked opened in October of 2003. The first time I learned of it was while watching the Macy Thanksgiving Day parade. They presented a preview of it. All I noticed were the costumes and hats.

It just looked weird, like it was trying too hard. A musical about the backstory about Glenda and Elphaba? In opinion (and aren’t we glad I was wrong) there wasn’t much way this musical would be popular and stick around for a long time.

“Times Square Fisheye” by Randy Le’Moine Photography

The next year, we took a school group on spring break to see the production. I really enjoyed it.

Our youngest daughter, age 15 returned home from the trip starstruck. She wore out the CD as she listened and sang to it for probably a year.

A year went by and the show, became very popular and well, the rest is history!

What makes Wicked so popular?

Where do I begin to answer this question.

I create drama education lessons and Wicked was one of the first Broadway musicals which I examined. Although I greatly enjoyed the musical, I never thought about the elements which would be terrific to teach in the classroom. Oh. my. gosh

Four Reasons for Wicked the Broadway Musical’s Excellence

1.Costumes--First, the show won a Tony award for Best Costume Design and it is easy to see why. Here’s a quote from the designer, Susan Hilferty concerning her concept: “The whole idea of the clothes of the citizens of Oz—I imagined that in 1911, basically when the book was written, as if a chunk of earth had been lifted off and sent out into the universe.The whole idea of the clothes of the citizens of Oz are their own distortion and changing of the Edwardian Era. When I was looking at all the clothes, I was looking at various clothes from the Edwardian time, and then twisting them on their center. The twist actually has nothing to do with the tornado.” Check out this video about Hiferty’s costumes: Threadbanger: Interiew with Susan Hilferty, Costume Designer and/or pick up my new Costume Design with Wicked Characters Lesson

Will Wicked The Musical Ever Rule the World?

2. Set–Set Designer Eugene Lee won the Tony for Best Set Design. Concerning the set, “We opted to create an environment inspired by the inner workings of a clock. The shapes, textures, colors, and functional aspects of clock gears and mechanisms contributed to a permanent environmental structure, which defines the stage space.” What of the materials he used? We were interested in natural, realistic materials, not the newest industrial-strength polymers.

The wood we chose has proven to be the perfect material and continues to improve with age and distress. The show the deck, which is constructed of natural maple, is equipped with seven automated tracks, all lined with steel for visual interest. To stay consistent with our concept of clock mechanisms, many of the automated deck units are designed to reveal the mechanics that operated them.” Amazing, huh?

Have you ever considered decorating your or your child’s bedrooms with a Wicked theme? Check out this article for tips: Wicked Room Decor: Channeling Your Inner Witch

Behind the Notes: The Musical Genius of Steven Schwartz

3. Music--The very accomplished composer, Steven Schwartz wrote the music for Wicked. The easiest song to write? “Popular.” The most complicated? His fifth try of the angry roommate song, “What is this feeling?” The first song he wrote was (which is apparently not his usual way of beginning), “No One Mourns the Wicked.” The music was nominated for a Tony award this time for Best Music. I’m seeing a pattern here, are you? You can’t compare Schwartz’s music to anyone else. It is fabulous and something your students would enjoy studying.

4. Book--The origin of the script of Wicked is an interesting one. I won’t divulge it here, but suffice to say the writing of the script changed this author’s life…for good. Though the Tony award for Best Book of a Musical did not go to Wicked, it was nominated. That’s a tremendous accomplishment!

Drama Desk Awards for Wicked

Wicked won several awards from Drama Desk as well. Maybe that’s why Wicked could take over the world. They include: Outstanding Musical, Lyrics, Book of a Musical, Director, Orchestration, Set Design and Costume Design. Drama Desks are the only awards that consider Broadway, off-Broadway, and off-off-Broadway shows in the same competitive categories.

What about its message? At first glance, you may think it’s a revved up “Wizard of Oz”, but no. You need to look deeper than the flying monkeys and magic spells. This enchanting musical is really about friendship, identity, and standing up for one’s beliefs, even when it seems like the rest of the world doesn’t agree with them.

I see Wicked has just surpassed Cats to become the fourth longest running musical on Broadway. Read here.

Differentiation at its best

As I mentioned, I have a lesson about Wicked. In fact, I have several–one is a PDF, one is digital, one is for the Google classroom and one teaches through Boom cards.

This two-day lesson focuses on the Tony award winning musical Wicked. When Dorothy famously triumphed over the Wicked Witch of the West, we only ever heard one side of the story. Gregory Maguire‘s acclaimed 1995 novel, ‘Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West’, re-imagines the Land of Oz, creating a parallel universe to the familiar story written by L. Frank Baum and first published as ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’ in 1900. storm. Students have an opportunity to study the musical’s journey to Broadway, composers, plot, trivia, etc.

Additionally, the lesson can stand alone or be combined with one of my Famous Artist Biographies (Lin Manuel Miranda or Sarah Bareilles for example) or other musical lessons (Hamilton or The Wiz)

How do I use this in my classroom?

A drama, music, reading or a language arts class would enjoy this lesson. Study its music, story line, elements, cultural references–you name it!

The lesson contains:

Letter to Teacher
Warm Up–MY Version of a Popular Physical Warm Up
Teacher’s Script–what I say and how I say it!
Photos from the Broadway Production
Separate File of Slides for Teacher to Use to Lecture
Plot of the Musical
History about the Origination of the Production
Information concerning the composer, Steven Schwartz
Information about the playwright, Winnie Holzman
A Shortened Lesson on: What are the Tony Awards?
Tony Awards it Received
What are the Tony Awards
New York City Map with Competing Theaters Labeled
Student Note Page
Teacher Note Page Key
Trivia
Quotes from the Musical–Good for Discussions and Assignments
Extension Activities–One Pager Assignment, a Terrific Way to Secure the Learning and Enrich the Experience
One Pager Templates
Flip Book Template, Instructions and Assignment
Sources & Links to Film Clips from the Show

Will Wicked the Musical Ever Rule the World?

Here’s a two week resource about Wicked!

I can’t believe Wicked has been on Broadway since 2003! Frankly, it just seems like yesterday when I was gob smacked by it the first time. Check out this blog post for more Broadway musical info: The Reasons to Teach Broadway Musicals to Your Students

If the musical Wicked could rule the world, that would be fine with me! And the movie is now is a movie! Check it out here: Wicked the Musical movie. It’s full of wonderful elements, themes and messages which we all need to hear. What do you like most about the show? You know, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Contact me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com or DeborahBaldwin.net.

Has Covid Ended the Broadway Theater?

March 3, 2021 By dhcbaldwin 2 Comments

Has Covid Ended the Broadway Theater?

Recently, my husband and I caught a wonderful performance on BroadwayHD of “Slava’s Snow Show.” It is quinessential circus theater and we nearly wept with joy while watching it.. Even though it was a filmed performance, it was the closest thing we’d gotten to live theater in nearly a year.

These are unprecendented times, yes? Everyone in the world is in the same boat.

Will Broadway Theater Re-open?

It is hard to believe, but Broadway is coming back sooner than we think!

A time line has been drafted for the potential reopening of Broadway theaters and live entertainment venues.

As reported in Broadway News, New York state can reopen venues through a combination of quick Covid tests and socially distanced seating. Although audience numbers would be significantly lower than pre-lockdown levels, it’s the first step to Broadway being back open again.

Speaking about the framework, Governor Cuomo said: “The overall effort is headed towards reopening with testing. And we’re going to be smart, but also aggressive about it.” He also said that Broadway theatres could realistically open if everyone was proven to be Covid negative. As long as all safety protocols were signed off, “You can open a Broadway stage with a set percentage of occupants, where people have tested prior to walking into that Broadway theater.”

During the seven-month Pop Up Festival announced recently, small crowd sizes will be introduced for live performances. This will be the next step since the outdoor Bills Stadium reopened its doors, with up to 7,000 fans attending games.

Here’s the deal, though. On February 23, venues with a seating capacity of over 10,000 will be allowed to reopen. Of course, this doesn’t include Broadway theater which are much smaller, but hey that’s a start!

Not everyone is excited about this plan. From the newyorktheatreguide.com, ” … Broadway leaders previously stated theatres can’t open until Coronavirus levels are low enough to sustain full houses in auditorium.”

Theater is expensive! My personal experiences with administrating theater companies taught me it is not cost effective without a full house. According to nytix.com, “Some may say that any attendance is better than no attendance, but operating costs for Broadway plays are often so steep that they need to sell at least 80% of tickets (or more!) just to break even.

Spending the producers’ money to put on Broadway shows for just 10-25% capacity, could very well create even more losses than having no shows at all. It seems like a real world skit of the famous Nathan Lane show The Producers, but with real consequences for art and people. Broadway Theatres could increase ticket prices but they would have to be 2-3 times the normal cost and they would soon run out of patrons with pockets that deep to buy them.”

At present, Broadway theaters are closed until May 30.

Which Shows Will Re-open?

If you think about it–we are talking about over 97,000 people returning to their jobs and/or be cast. Unfortunately, they can’t just iron the costumes, turn on the lights and open the grand curtain. It will take several months for a production to open again.

I looked around to see if I could discern which shows would re-open first. It’s like trying to find a needle in a haystack. According to Broadwayworld.com productions are slated to open sometime in the fall.

Productions included are:

The Music Man by December 20, 21l.
Caroline or Change
David Byrne’s America Utopia
MJ the Musical

Many productions (Dear Evan Hansen, Aladdin, Book of Mormon, Aint Too Proud, etc.) haven’t made an announcement yet. I’ll update this list as news becomes available.

Who will open first?

Who will open first? According to the newyorktheatreguide.com website, there are rumors that Hamilton will be the first Broadway show to re-open, with potential performances from Jul. 4, 2021. Yippee!

Speaking to Variety, Lin-Manuel Miranda said: “I think when theater comes back it’s going to be in conversation with technology in an entirely different way. I don’t think we go back to a world where a show premieres on Broadway, and then no one can see it unless they have two hundred bucks. I think producers are going to have to start thinking about how they’re going to capture [their work] because in capturing it they can actually capture a much larger audience for their live show.”

I’m intrigued by this comment. Does Lin-Manuel mean covid precautions? Or recorded music?

Is Theater Dead?

As a theater lover, director, producer, actress and teacher I worry about theater even without the pandemic.

It’s easily misunderstood and not everyone understands the power of the performing arts. I didn’t know it at the time, but this post has come to pass: How Fulfilling is Life Without Theatre?

I’m always reminded of this quote by John Steinbeck, “The theater is the only institution in the world which has been dying for four thousand years and has never succumbed. It requires tough and devoted people to keep it alive.”

It does require grit from us in theater arts. All around you right now there are people working to bring back theater for all of us. Feel comforted by that thought–theater people are a harty bunch!

In the meantime, while we wait to see live theater I can help a little. Here are some lessons which might be of interest to you.

They are quite popular with other teachers. I’ll tell you a secret. (Most of my lessons come with a teacher’s script so a teacher doesn’t have to think what to say to begin the lesson. I’ve provided it for them.) I have lessons for grades two to twelve. If you don’t know about me, I am a retired drama teacher now selling drama resources. You can find them at Dramamommaspeaks Store

Hamilton

Boom Cards

Costume Design

Wicked

Come From Away

Costume Design

Storytelling

High School

Radio Theater

Readers Theater

Drama Vocabulary

Theater will live through this time. I’m certain it will take several months before we see packed theaters. How exciting will it be to see happy people roaming around Times Square before a performance. I plan to be there, don’t you?

If you could pick which musical and play you’d like to open first, which would you select? I’d love to hear from you. Contact me at DhcBaldwin@gmail. com or DeborahBaldwin.net

Five Reasons to Watch The Grinch Live! on NBC

November 11, 2020 By dhcbaldwin Leave a Comment

Five Reasons to Watch The Grinch Live! on NBC

Happy Holidays (okay, it’s a little early, but covid….)

Pretty soon, all of the holidays special will begin and luckily, this year is no exception.

On December 9, there is going to be a live version on NBC of the Broadway musical, “The Grinch”!

How awesome is that?

(Yes, I know this photo is from the movie.)

Five Reasons to Watch The Grinch Live! on NBC

#1 THE PLOT

If you don’t know the musical, (because you’ve been living in a cave or something) the story goes like this:

The action of the musical happens in mysterious Whoville. Christmas is a wonderful holiday, which is adored by all the residents of the fantastic town. Who doesn’t love this time of the year, when everything around is covered with fluffy snow, when we feel a smell of a fir-tree, and people exchange with magnificent gifts? Therefore, on the eve of the holiday, the inhabitants are concerned about purchases of the gifts, decoration of the houses and, of course, preparation of dishes for the holiday table.

Once upon a time, a man lived in a town. His was called Grinch. His body was green and hairy. That’s why nobody in the Whoville loved him. The main hero took offense on the inhabitants and decided to live on the lonely mountain, which was blown by winds. A dog was an only being, who kept his company. On this mountain, he sat in a cave and was angry at the whole world.

Breakfast with the Grinch from vastateparkstaff

Grinch hated Christmas most of all. While the population of a town had fun with all hearts, the indicator of already bad Grinch’s mood expressed something awful. Each Christmas appeared to be a terrible torture for the green hermit. One day, a spiteful inhabitant of the mountain decided to finish a holiday once and for all. While the carefree Whovilleans were sleeping in holiday night with pleasure, perfidious Grinch decided to steal Christmas from the citizens, to make nobody able to have fun anymore.

Now, as well as the residents of the town, Grinch is in cares: he needs to prepare an ideal crime, that nobody could follow his ways. Two teenagers and two girls got on the mountain, where Grinch lived, and it finally angered him. He left the cave, put on a fancy dress and went down to the city, where he began to frighten everyone, who occurred on his path. What to do, if the circumstance, which is hard to cope with, unexpectedly interferes into the plans of Grinch? To speak more precisely, it is the little girl, who even wants to make friends with the character.

Five Reasons to Watch The Grinch Live on NBC

The girl, who helped the father with mail, was frightened so much that she fell in the packing machine, but then, probably, Grinch felt sorry and pulled her out. Cindy thanked him. Being raged by the fact that someone can think that he is kind, Grinch wrapped her with the tinsel. Then the girl thought that, maybe, Grinch is not so bad as everyone speaks about him. She also absolutely cannot understand the sense of Christmas and wants to reconcile him with the residents. However, finally, Grinch realizes that sense of Christmas is not in gifts. The repentant villain decided to return the gifts to the inhabitants, and they accepted him to their society.

#2 MATTHEW MORRISON

Matthew James Morrison will portray Grinch! Morrison is an American actor, dancer, and singer-songwriter. Morrison is known for starring in multiple Broadway and Off-Broadway productions, including his portrayal of Link Larkin in Hairspray on Broadway, and for his role as Will Schuester on the television show Glee. He received a Tony Award nomination for his featured role as Fabrizio Nacarelli in the musical The Light in the Piazza.

#3 DENIS O’HARE

Denis O’Hare will play his dog, Max. O’Hare is an American actor, singer, and author noted for his award-winning performances in the plays and musicals such as Sweet Charity, as well as portraying vampire king Russell Eddington on HBO’s fantasy series True Blood. He has been nominated for an Primetime Emmy for Best Actor.

#4 THE COSTUMES

Personally, I think the costumes from the film version were exceptional. I don’t know if they can reach that level of detail, but I’m interested in seeing if they do so.

#5 THE CHOREOGRAPHY

From viewing the snippet on NBC, I can tell the choreography is fun and playful. That’s got to be a plus, huh? Here’s a trailer for the show:

https://www.today.com/popculture/nbc-bringing-grinch-life-new-musical-holiday-special-t198362

As you may know, several musicals have been performed live in recent years. In my opinion, some were better than others. I enjoyed NBC’s Hairspray and Jesus Christmas Super Star the most. I would hope these production companies are learning how to produce a better product each time they attempt one. Who knows?

Another was good production was A Christmas Story. In case you don’t me, I am a retired drama teacher having taught and directed for thirty-eight years. You can find my resume here:Teaching Resume

A Christmas Story Broadway Musical Lesson

Now I created drama education resources for my business, Dramamommaspeaks. I have a lesson about A Christmas Story which would complement the Grinch Live! If you are in a hybrid learning classroom or distance learning, these musicals work well for teachers.

You can find it here: A Christmas Story Broadway Musical Lesson

Need a quick emergency lesson plan? Or one for a substitute? Everything is provided for the busy teacher.

This Product includes:

Letter to Teacher
Two Warm Ups–MY Version of Popular Exercises
Teacher’s Script–what I say and how I say it!
Photos of the Production
Separate File of Slides for Teacher to Use to Lecture
Plot of the Musical
History about the Origination of the Production
Information concerning the composer, Pasek and Paul (who also co-wrote Dear Evan Hansen)
History about the Film and Musical Helping One Another
A Shortened Lesson on : What are the Tony Awards?
Tony Awards it Received
What are the Tony Awards
New York City Map with Competing Theatres Labeled
Student Note Page
Teacher Note Page Key
Trivia
Quotes from the Musical–Good for Discussions and Assignments
Extension Activities–Five different activities, individual and group
Sources & Links to Film Clips from the Show

This lesson works well with any grade level, although it was created for secondary students. Reading, Language Arts, Vocal Music and Drama classes have success with it!

Or pick up my holiday lesson bundle at: Drama Lessons Holiday Themed

I hope you’ll check out Grinch on December 9 and think about purchasing my Broadway lesson on A Christmas Story. If nothing else, both will put you in the holiday spirit!

Which Grinch character is your favorite? Mine is Max. I’d love to hear from you. Contact me at dhcbaldwin@gmail.com or DeborahBaldwin.net

« Previous Page

Tony Awards

Never Underestimate the Influence of Teaching with Videos

Never Underestimate the Influence of Teaching with Videos

Never Underestimate the Influence of Teaching with Videos

Hamilton!

Wicked!

Dear Evan Hansen

Never Underestimate the Influence of Teaching with Videos

Spongebob Squarepants

Hadestown

Never Underestimate the Influence of Teaching with Videos

Beetlejuice

Teach with Plays

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

To Kill a Mockingbird

Never Underestimate the Influence of Teaching With Videos

Share this:

Like this:

Doing Musicals the Right Way

Doing Musicals the Right Way: The Phantom of the Opera

Phantom of the Opera

Doing Broadway Musicals the Right Way

Doing Musical the Right Way: Les Miserables

Staging of Les Miserables

What’s a Sung Thru Opera?

The Music Man

A Crowd Pleaser

Broadway Musical Units

Share this:

Like this:

How to Be the Cool Theater Teacher When Broadway Re-opens

All About Hadestown

How to Be the Cool Theater Teacher When Broadway Re-opens

What is the origin of Hadestown?

How to Be the Cool Theater Teacher When Broadway Re-opens

Hades and Persephone

How to Be the Cool Theater Teacher When Broadway Re-opens

Who Wrote Hadestown?

Who directed Hadestown?

How to Be the Cool Theater Teacher When Broadway Re-opens

I’m Here to Help You!

How to Be the Cool Theater Teacher When Broadway Re-opens

Share this:

Like this:

Will Wicked The Musical Ever Rule the World?

“Times Square Fisheye” by Randy Le’Moine Photography

What makes Wicked so popular?

Four Reasons for Wicked the Broadway Musical’s Excellence

Will Wicked The Musical Ever Rule the World?

Behind the Notes: The Musical Genius of Steven Schwartz

Drama Desk Awards for Wicked

Differentiation at its best

How do I use this in my classroom?

Will Wicked the Musical Ever Rule the World?

Share this:

Like this:

Has Covid Ended the Broadway Theater?

Will Broadway Theater Re-open?

Which Shows Will Re-open?

Who will open first?

Is Theater Dead?

Share this:

Like this:

Five Reasons to Watch The Grinch Live! on NBC

Five Reasons to Watch The Grinch Live! on NBC

Five Reasons to Watch The Grinch Live on NBC

A Christmas Story Broadway Musical Lesson

Share this:

Like this:

Footer

Follow Us

FOLLOW US

Goodreads: read