Today, I want to give you a brief history of showtime chronicles: history of musical theater unveiled. Musical theater is one of my favorite genres to teach to theater students. It’s fascinating!
Honestly, I shouldn’t be surprised by my love of musical theater. It’s in the family genes. Permit me to explain.
Musical Theater Talent is in the Genes
My grandparents were missionaries in Japan in the 1900s to late 1930s. My mother was born and raised there. At that time, there were few Americans living in Japan. Additionally, my grandparent’s presence was always in the public eye. My grandfather was a minister; my grandmother created the very first kindergarten in Japan. Consequently, the Japanese government was familiar with them.
When my mother was eleven years old, she was invited to sing the Japanese national anthem at a prestigious ceremony for Emperor Hirohito. I’m sure it was an amazing experience for everyone, including my grandparents. However, throughout my mother’s life, she had many regrets for her performance. She should have basked in the once in a lifetime experience as a fond memory.
Unfortunately, she forgot the words to the anthem. Sadly, that’s all she remembered about the experience. Did I mention she was singing in Japanese? That was a big ask of a little shy girl to sing for important people and the public. She had a lovely voice.
Musical Theater is Our Family’s Jam
My elementary music teacher, who also a member of our church, noticed my singing voice when I was about the same age. She planned for me to sing “Oh Holy Night” for a Christmas service. As you’d expect, I was ecstatic about this opportunity and hugely disappointed when it didn’t occur. Looking back, I wasn’t ready to sing solos publicly. It took me more than six years before I felt comfortable singing solos in choir and musicals.
However, to this day I enjoy singing in large groups but I especially enjoy singing in musicals. Once I was confident, I never looked back! (Above I am playing the role of Nancy in Oliver! with Columbia Entertainment Company.)
Not surprisingly, my own daughters have performed in several musicals. One is a professional actress and continues to perform. (Below, she is performing in Man of La Mancha at Musical Theatre Heritage.)
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Drama in Song: The Story of Musical Theater
In the grand tapestry of performing arts, few genres have captivated audiences and transcended cultural boundaries quite like musical theater. From the magical notes of Broadway to the charming tunes of the West End, the history of musical theater is a vibrant journey that intertwines with the evolution of society. In addition, it demonstrates the resilience of human creativity. Let’s embark on a melodious voyage through the fascinating history of musical theater.
Act 1: The Birth of a Genre
“The Black Crook” (1866): Often considered the first American musical, The Black Crook combined elements of a French ballet with a melodramatic plot. This groundbreaking production set the stage for the integration of music, dance, and drama.
Show Boat (1927): Adapted from Edna Ferber’s novel, this musical by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II tackled serious themes such as racial prejudice and spousal abuse. Most importantly, Show Boat is recognized for its innovation in storytelling and integration of music and plot.
Act 2: The Golden Age of Broadway
Carousel (1945): A collaboration between Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, Carousel delved into deeper and more complex themes than its predecessor, Oklahoma! The musical explored issues of love, redemption, and second chances.
The Sound of Music (1959):** Another masterpiece by Rodgers and Hammerstein, The Sound of Music became one of the most beloved musicals of all times, telling the heartwarming story of the von Trapp family against the backdrop of Nazi-occupied Austria. Looking for a Broadway musical unit to teach of Sound of Music? Check out– Sound of Music.
Act 3: Evolution and Experimentation
Rent (1996):This rock musical by Jonathan Larson was a modern reimagining of Puccini’s opera La Bohème. Rent addressed contemporary issues such as AIDS, poverty, and the struggle for artistic expression, marking a departure from traditional musical theater themes.
Wicked(2003): With music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, Wicked offered a fresh perspective on the classic story of “The Wizard of Oz.” Interestingly, it explored the untold backstory of the Wicked Witch of the West and the Good Witch of the North, challenging perceptions of good and evil. Pick up my four day unit for Wicked, the Broadway Musical.
Act 4: Diversity and Inclusion
In the Heights (2008): Created by Lin-Manuel Miranda, In the Heights celebrates the vibrant culture of the Washington Heights neighborhood in New York City. With a fusion of hip-hop, salsa, and traditional musical styles, the show highlighted the dreams and struggles of a diverse community. Pick up my unit of it here.
Fun Home (2013): Based on Alison Bechdel‘s graphic memoir, Fun Home marked a shift towards more personal and introspective storytelling. It explores themes of family, sexuality, and self-discovery, receiving acclaim for its emotional depth and authenticity. Looking for a Broadway unit for Fun Home? Check out–Fun Home
Six Reasons Students Should Study the History of Musical Theater:
Studying the history of musical theater is not just a journey through captivating stories and enchanting melodies. It can be a transformative experience for some students. Obviously, theater and music students benefit the most. Here are six reasons why delving into this rich history is a must for aspiring performers, directors, and creators:
1. Cultural Insight: The evolution of musical theater mirrors the cultural shifts of different eras. Understanding this history provides students with insights into the societal norms, values, and challenges that influenced the creation of iconic productions.
2. Artistic Evolution: The history of musical theater showcases the ever-changing landscape of artistic expression. Because there is a plethora of them, students can witness the evolution of musical styles and storytelling techniques. Reviewing the traditional melodies of the Golden Age to the experimental sounds of contemporary productions is simply fascinating!
3. Innovation and Experimentation: Aspiring theater professionals can draw inspiration from the innovative spirit of past musicals. For example, when students explore groundbreaking productions like Rent and Wicked they are encouraged to push boundaries, experiment with new forms, and challenge the status quo in their own creative endeavors.
4. Social Commentary: Many musicals serve as powerful tools for social commentary. When examining works like West Side Story and Fun Home, students can gain a deeper understanding of how musical theater addresses and challenges societal issues. Additionally, it fosters a sense of responsibility in using their art. The musicals themes provoke thought and discussion.
5. Collaboration and Teamwork: The collaborative nature of musical theater is a unique aspect that sets it apart from other art forms. More over, studying the history of successful collaborations between composers, lyricists, directors, choreographers, and performers emphasizes the importance of teamwork in creating memorable and impactful productions. Looking for a bundle’s worth of unique lessons? Pick up: Year Long Theater Curriculum
6. Diversity and Representation: The recent emphasis on diversity and inclusion in musical theater opens up new narratives and perspectives. Consequently, students exploring productions like In the Heights can appreciate the importance of representing diverse voices on stage and the potential for musical theater to be a platform for social change.
Musical Theater and Its Evolution
In conclusion, I say safely say that the study of musical theater history is not just a journey. It’s a vibrant tapestry reflecting society’s evolution and the unstoppable force of creative expression. The show goes on, my friends, with new influences and stories captivating audiences worldwide.
Have you considered teaching your students about Juke Box Musicals? Check out this blog post Exploring the Magic of Jukebox Musicals: When Hits Shape the Stage
I wonder what musical will next be created. What musical do your students enjoy the most? I’d love to hear about it. Feel free to email me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com
