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Showtime Chronicles: History of Musical Theater Unveiled

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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.

Showtime Chronicles: History of Musical Theater Unveiled

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.

Showtime Chronicles: History of Musical Theater Unveiled

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.)

Looking for emergency sub plans which are unique, creative and engaging?  Check out the Broadway Musical Composers Bundle. 

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.

Showtime Chronicles: History of Musical Theater Unveiled

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.

Showtime Chronicles: History of Musical Theater Unveiled

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.

Showtime Chronicles: History of Musical Theater Unveiled

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.

Showtime Chronicles: History of Musical Theater Unveiled

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

Showtime Chronicles: History of Musical Theater Unveiled

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

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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

Deborah Baldwin, Dramamommaspeaks

 

 

Six Great Lessons Students Can Learn from Ground Breaking Musicals

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Six Great Lessons Students Can Learn from Ground Breaking Musicals

Lin-Manuel Miranda is quoted as saying, “The musicals that leave us kind of staggering on our feet are the ones that really reach for a lot.”

I agree with him.  Recently, I happened upon a YouTube video of performers in a Smash Mob from Les Mis’.  The video was from 2017.  The singing made me cry it was so beautiful.

Certain musicals do leave me staggering, how about you?  I consider them to be ground breaking.

What are some ground breaking musicals?

That’s a tough question.  There are many, almost too numerous to list here.

Number One: Rent

My curiosity for information regarding those exceptional musicals was piqued.  Which musicals carved their own way in musical theater?  Looking around, I found this information.

“You might call this one, the “anti-Cats” musical. Drawing on his memories of his first apartment in New York — with rotting floorboards, no heat and a shower in the kitchen — and the friends he’d made then, writer Jonathan Larson created the musical “Rent.” Based on the Puccini opera “La Bohéme,” “Rent” tells the story of a group of struggling artists, and while it’s meant to capture the passion and love often associated with the Bohemian lifestyle, it also illustrates the dire aspects of being a “starving artist,” so to speak.

The re-imagining of the famed opera takes it from tuberculosis-riddled Paris to the East Village in New York City, at a time when AIDS was causing much distress. It depicts love and passion in spite of progressive, incurable illness. The musical, which dispensed with many Broadway staples, like dimming the lights and starting with an overture, went on to win a Pulitzer Prize for drama. It was only the seventh musical ever to earn the distinction.”

The lesson to be learned from Rent?  Live in the moment and to live every day like it is your last.

A teacher who used my unit of Rent, stated,  :Extremely satisfied This was fantastic for discussing and analyzing “Rent”. My student’s were completely focused and active participants. Thank you for such a professional and high quality resource.:

Other Ground Breaking Musicals

Lesson Two:  Oklahoma!

From the 1920s into the 1940s, popular tunes inevitably came from Broadway musicals. Composers such as Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Rodgers and Hammerstein and Irving Berlin were in the height of their careers. Oklahoma! was ground breaking in several ways. Rather than a huge ensemble number it opens with cowboy Curly singing, Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’! There’s a healthy dose of insanity and murder. Songs aren’t just musical window dressing anymore; they drive the story forward.

The lesson to be learned from Oklahoma!: Treat others with respect; follow the Golden Rule; Be tolerant of differences; Use good manners, not bad language; Be considerate of the feelings of others; Don’t threaten, hit or hurt anyone; Deal peacefully with anger, insults, and disagreements. Pick up my unit for Oklahoma here: Oklahoma! Broadway Musical Unit

One teacher who reviewed the unit said, “Extremely satisfied. This resource is very complete and provided lots of teaching options to use with my students. Versatile and appealing!”

Lesson Three:  West Side Story

Another innovative musical is West Side Story.  Wow, you can’t beat it, can you?  The carefully cut costumes of the Jets and the Sharks still look fresh from the dryer. There is no profanity (unless you count, “Krup you!”) and only one gun. But in the 1950s, a gang version of Romeo and Juliet packed with racial tension and a bittersweet conclusion was a big deal. Reviewer Walter Kerr of the New York Herald Tribune summed up the reaction after opening night when he wrote, “The radioactive fallout from West Side Story must still be descending on Broadway this morning.” The musical scored by Leonard Bernstein was also doubted initially as too operatic.

The lesson to be learned from West Side Story:  There are consequences of racial/ethnic/cultural hatred and what occurs when one’s pride controls a person’s behavior and attitude. You can find my unit here: West Side Story Broadway Musical Unit.

One review said, “Extremely satisfied. This resource is extremely detailed and well-written. I love West Side Story. This resource kept my older students engaged. What a awesome lesson!”

Lesson Four:  Jesus Christ Superstar

Let’s not forget Jesus Christ Superstar!  Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and librettist Tim Rice, both British, debuted with the first rock opera, all of the dialogue set to music. That style of libretto has since evolved into the norm for musicals. I remember hearing the musical for the first time at a youth group meeting–amazing experience.  If you haven’t seen the live television version of it, check out my blog post concerning the talent who portrayed Judas, Brandon Victor Dixon and  The Two Most Inspiring People I’ve Seen This Year

The lesson to be learned from Jesus Christ Superstar: There are consequences to success and the power that comes from it.  

Lesson Five:  Chorus Line

“Five, six, seven, eight!”  Those are familiar directions to a cast.  Chorus Line looks inside the lives of seventeen dancers competing for eight spots in a Broadway production. Before its fifteen-year run ended, the Michael Bennett musical further loosened the definition of how musicals had to be structured. With A Chorus Line, monologues and songs could serve as their own plot, if they stayed consistent with a central idea. This philosophy gave future musicals permission to try other, less traditional innovative forms.

The lesson to be learned from Chorus Line: Dreaming is important, but action is even more important.  

Lesson Six:  Hamilton

Here are several quotes from websites about Hamilton which I think say it better than I can,  “The show combines hip-hop, rap, R&B, soul, and traditional show tunes to create its novel score. And Miranda’s witty, sophisticated lyrics bring the familiar historical characters to life in a whole new way, drawing the audience in with their humanity and familiarity. The resounding success of Hamilton is undeniable.”

The blog, Broadwayinbound, mentions, “America’s founding fathers were all white, and many of them owned black slaves; in Hamilton, however, people of color play the leading roles — and Miranda says that was very intentional. “This is a story about America then, told by America now, and we want to eliminate any distance.”

Here’s another from https://www.cbc.ca, “From childhood Miranda loved musicals, and performed in several high school productions. One of his all-time favorites is Les Misérables, and that musical theatre classic inspired Miranda’s thinking on Hamilton. The things that you can see in Hamilton that are affecting people are also present in Les Mis. One, it’s trying to capture so much of the human experience that even if we fall short, we’ve got a lot of it. I mean, Les Misérables starts in prison. It’s ‘Look down, look down, you’re standing in your grave.’ And then it goes up from there,” he said in an interview.”

I especially like this quote from The Guardian, :Hamilton features black and brown actors, but its story never depicts a slave. That said, it’s also true that minstrelsy is crucial to Miranda’s project: he takes the long American minstrelsy tradition of white people in blackface on stage and reverses it.”

Isn’t it easy to understand why it is so popular?

Every season in the fall,  I look forward to the next ground breaking musical, don’t you?

I have several Broadway musical lessons (all useful for distance learning)  which demonstrate these lessons.  For more information about them, check out:  DramaMommaSpeaks

What musical do you think is significant?  I’d love to know.  Contact me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com or DeborahBaldwin.net

Deborah Baldwin of DramaMommaSpeaks

 

What’s on TV Tonight? Live Musicals on Television

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What’s on TV Tonight?  Live Musicals on Television

There has been a renewed interest in televised Broadway musicals. Let’s talk about that–What’s on TV Tonight? Live Musicals! Broadway hits like Sound of Music, Peter Pan, The Wiz, Hairspray, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Rent bring theater to all!

It is my opinion Jesus Christ Superstar is the best televised production thus far. Of course, I’m aware that they will never be perfect, but they do bring theater to the masses and that is what is most important.

I understand there are more movie versions in the works!  Playbill.com announced what is coming along soon. Are any of these your favorite?

What’s on TV Tonight? Live Musicals on Television

Since this post was written, many of these musicals have been released.  Hooray, I say.  How many  have you seen? 

ALADDIN
• Release Date: May 24, 2019
• Production Company: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, Lin Pictures
• Screenplay: John August
• Director: Guy Ritchie
• Cast: Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott, Will Smith
• A live-action adaptation of the Disney musical with songs by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, and Tim Rice, also featuring new songs by Benj Pasekand Justin Paul.
• Latest Update: Disney’s Live-Action Aladdin Sets Release Date 
 (9/12/2017)THE LION KING
• Release Date: July 19, 2019
• Production Company: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
• Screenplay: Jeff Nathanson
• Director: Jon Favreau
• Cast: Donald Glover, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Chiwetel Ejiofor, James Earl Jones
• A live-action adaptation of the Disney musical with songs by Elton John and Tim Rice.
• Latest Update: Elton John at Work on New Lion King Song for Beyoncé (2/15/2018)

In Development

13
• Production Company: CBS Films
• Screenplay: Bert V. Royal
• Director: TBA
• Cast: TBA
• An adaptation of Jason Robert Brown, Dan Elish, and Robert Horn’s musical about a teenager who moves from New York City to small-town Indiana.
• Latest Update: Teenage Dream! CBS Films Will Bring Jason Robert Brown’s 13 to the Big Screen (8/12/2014)
AMERICAN IDIOT
• Production Company: HBO
• Screenplay: Rolin Jones
• Director: Michael Mayer
• Cast: Billie Joe Armstrong
• An adaptation of Billie Joe Armstrong and Michael Mayer’s Tony nominated musical based on Green Day’s 2004 concept album of the same name.
• Latest Update: HBO Greelights Green Day’s American Idiot Film (10/6/2016)
BARE: A POP OPERA
• Producers: Hillary Butorac Weaver, Janet Billig Rich
• Screenplay: Kristin Hanggi
• Director: Kristin Hanggi
• Cast: TBA
• An adaptation of Jon Hartmere, Jr. and Damon Intrabartolo’s musical about the struggles of two gay high school students at a Catholic boarding school.
• Latest Update: Bare: A Pop Opera Film Adaptation in the Works (1/2/2018)
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BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL
• Production Company: Sony Pictures, Playtone
• Screenplay: Douglas McGrath
• Director: TBA
• Cast: TBA
• Tom Hanks, Gary Goetzman, and Paul Blake will produce a film adaptation of the musical about the early life and career of singer/songwriter Carole King.
• Latest Update: Beautiful, About Life of Carole King, Is Heading to the Silver Screen (3/22/2015)

What’s on TV Tonight?  Live Musicals on Television

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CATS
• Production Company: Universal Pictures, Working Title
• Screenplay: TBA
• Director: Tom Hooper
• Cast: TBA
• An adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical based on T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats.
• Latest Update: Andrew Lloyd Webber Pens New Song for Possible Cats Film (1/5/2018)

COME FROM AWAY 
• Production Company: The Mark Gordon Company
• Screenplay: Irene Sankoff and David Hein
• Director: Christopher Ashley
• Cast: TBA
• An adaptation of Irene Sankoff and David Hein’s musical about the nearly 7,000 airplane passengers stranded in Gander, Newfoundland in the days following 9/11.
• Latest Update: Director Christopher Ashley Reveals Plans for the Come From Away Movie (12/27/2017)

GUYS AND DOLLS
• Production Company: 20th Century Fox
• Screenplay: Danny Strong
• Director: Michael Grandage
• Cast: TBA
• A new film adaptation of Frank Loesser, Abe Burrows, and Jo Swerling’s Tony Award-winning musical.
• Latest Update: Michael Grandage to Direct Guys and Dolls Film Remake (5/31/2016)

 

In the Heights.jpg

IN THE HEIGHTS
• Production Company: Warner Bros.
• Screenplay: Quiara Alegría Hudes
• Director: Jon M. Chu
• Cast: TBA
• An adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda and Quiara Alegria Hudes’ Tony Award-winning musical about the residents of the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan.
• Latest Update: Warner Bros. Acquires Rights for In the Heights Movie (5/18/2018)

JEKYLL & HYDE
• Production Company: TBA
• Screenplay: TBA
• Director: TBA
• Cast: TBA
• Production company RP Media has reportedly purchased the film rights to Frank Wildhorn and Leslie Bricusse’s popular musical.
• Latest Update: Film Rights Purchased for Jekyll and Hyde Musical (1/21/2013)

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT
• Production Company: STX, The Really Useful Group, Rocket Pictures
• Screenplay: TBA
• Director: TBA
• Cast: TBA
• An animated feature based on Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s musical.
• Latest Update: Andrew Lloyd Webber and Elton John Are Working on a Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Movie (3/28/2017)

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LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
• Production Company: Marc Platt Productions, Warner Bros.
• Screenplay: Matthew Robinson
• Director: Greg Berlanti
• Cast: TBA
• A new film adaptation of Howard Ashman and Alan Menken’s musical about a man-eating plant.
• Latest Update: New Version of Little Shop of Horrors Film in the Works (12/7/2016)

LYSISTRATA JONES
• Production Company: Branded Pictures Entertainment, Peck Entertainment
• Screenplay: Douglas Carter Beane and Lewis Flinn
• Director: Andy Fickman
• Cast: TBA
• Andy Fickman is developing a film adaptation of Douglas Carter Beane and Lewis Flinn’s musical about a group of high school cheerleaders who refuse to “give it up” until their basketball-player boyfriends score on the court.
• Latest Update: Lysistrata Jones Will “Give It Up” on the Big Screen; Andy Fickman Will Direct Film Adaptation (6/14/2013)

MATILDA

• Production Company: TBA
• Screenplay: Dennis Kelly
• Director: Matthew Warchus
• Cast: TBA
• An adaptation of Tim Minchin and Dennis Kelly’s musical based on the Roald Dahl novel.
• Latest Update: Matilda Movie Adaptation Likely to Begin Shooting in Late 2016 (8/19/2015)

Memphis musical poster.jpg

MEMPHIS
• Production Company: Alcon Entertainment, Belle Pictures, The Mark Gordon Company, Warner Bros.
• Screenplay: Joe DiPietro
• Director: TBA
• Cast: TBA
• An adaptation of Joe DiPietro and David Bryan’s Tony Award-winning musical about a white radio DJ and his love for a black singer at the dawn of the Civil Rights movement.
• Latest Update: Film Adaptation of Tony-Winning Musical Memphis In the Works (10/15/2012)

MISS SAIGON
• Production Company: Cameron Mackintosh, Working Title Films
• Screenplay: TBA
• Director: Danny Boyle
• Cast: TBA
• Producer Cameron Mackintosh has said he would like to make a a film version of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schonberg’s 1989 musical as a follow-up to Les Misérables.
• Latest Update: Has Miss Saigon Film Found Its Director? (3/11/16)

OLIVER!
• Production Company: Walt Disney Studios, Cube Vision, Marc Platt Productions
• Screenplay: Danny Strong
• Director: Thomas Kail
• Cast: Ice Cube
• A new film adaptation of Lionel Bart’s Tony Award-winning musical.
• Latest Update: Danny Strong to Pen Script for Disney’s Oliver! Remake, Directed by Hamilton’s Thomas Kail (1/18/2018)

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PIPPIN
• Production Company: Storyline Entertainment
• Screenplay: TBA
• Director: TBA
• Cast: TBA
• An adaptation of Stephen Schwartz and Roger O. Hirson’s musical.
• Latest Update: Craig Zadan and Neil Meron Will Partner with Weinstein Company for Film Version of Pippin (12/9/2013)

SPAMALOT
• Production Company: Twentieth Century Fox
• Screenplay: Eric Idle
• Director: Casey Nicholaw
• Cast: TBA
• An adaptation of Eric Idle and John Du Prez’s Tony Award-winning musical.
• Latest Update: Movie Adaptation of Spamalot in the Works, Taps Casey Nicholaw as Director (5/3/2018)

SOUTH PACIFIC
• Production Company: Chicagofilms
• Screenplay: Lynn Grossman
• Director: Michael Mayer
• Cast: Hugh Jackman, Justin Timberlake, Michelle Williams
• A new film adaptation of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II’s Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical, with a screenplay incorporating additional details from James Michener’s Tales of the South Pacific.
• Latest Update: South Pacific, Directed by Michael Mayer, May Return to Screen With Michelle Williams (5/10/2013)

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SPRING AWAKENING
• Production Company: Playtone
• Screenplay: Steven Sater
• Director: TBA
• Cast: TBA
• An adaptation of Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater’s Tony Award-winning musical.
• Latest Update: Duncan Sheik Reveals Plans for Filming of American Psycho and Spring Awakening (4/28/2016)

SUNSET BOULEVARD
• Production Company: Paramount Pictures
• Screenplay: Christopher Hampton
• Director: TBA
• Cast: Glenn Close
• An adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber, Don Black, and Christopher Hampton’s musical based on the classic Billy Wilder film.
• Latest Update: Sunset Boulevard, Starring Glenn Close, Inches Closer to the Big Screen (8/17/2017)

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WEST SIDE STORY
• Production Company: Amblin Entertainment
• Screenplay: Tony Kushner
• Director: Steven Spielberg
• Cast: TBA
• A new film adaptation of Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim, and Arthur Laurents‘ classic musical.
• Latest Update: Steven Spielberg and Tony Kushner West Side Story Remake Issues Casting Call (1/25/2018)

WICKED
• Production Company: Marc Platt Productions, Universal Pictures
• Screenplay: Winnie Holzman
• Director: Stephen Daldry
• Cast: TBA
• An adaptation of Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman’s popular musical about the life of the Wicked Witch of the West.
• Latest Update: Think You Know Everything About Wicked? Think Again. (7/10/2017)

If you are interested in particular lessons on Broadway musicals, check out my store: Dramamommaspeaks

There are several you may like.

The Tony Awards
Rent, the Broadway Musical
Each musical mentioned above is worthy of your students to study or at the very least, enjoy. If you want a suggestion about which to study first, just email me. 
  Contact me at dhcbaldwin@gmail.com