KINGSBOROUGH COMMUNITY COLLEGE

THE CITY UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK

2001 Oriental Boulevard

Brooklyn, New York 11235

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS & PERFORMING ARTS SPEECH ARTS & SCIENCES THEATRE ARTS RADIO MANAGEMENT & TECHNOLOGY FILM STUDIES MUSIC & MUSIC TECHNOLOGY TELEVISION SYLLABUS

Course Title: History of the American

Number: THA 67

Credits/Hours: 3 credits/3 hours

Description: The nature, elements and history of the popular musical theatre are explored as art forms and an integrated whole. Particular focus is given to the American Musical, its roots in the culture and its significance as a performing art. Through the use of historical documents, recordings, videos, guest lecturers and experiential arts and fine arts students, as well as those interested in communications and the performing arts.

Textbooks: Kislan, R. (1995 ). The musical: A look at the american musical theatre. New York: Applause Books.

Prerequisite(s): No

Majors: No

Selected Students: Open to all

Rationale: The Musical Theatre is one of America’s most distinctive performing art forms. Dating from the early 1800s, the popular musical theatre form reached significant audiences and established itself as a major cultural force. Prior to the “musical” spectacles, variety acts, , burlesque and the minstrel show dominated the entertainment world. Each of these forms contributed to what became known as the “musical comedy.” Indeed as a truly American genre, the musical is indicative of and reflects the cross cultural influences in shaping a nation and a dominate performing arts form.

Satisfy CPI Requirements: No

Course Objectives:

1. To develop an appreciation of the musical theatre form

2. To gain an understanding of the elements within the development of “musicals”

3. To determine the historical significance of this unique American performing art

4. To chart the development of the American musical in relationship to the growth and development of America as a nation.

Methods of Teaching Course:

Lecture; demonstration; discussion

Assignments for Students:

Oral reports

Papers

Readings

Review of a live production

Method of Evaluation:

Critiques of oral presentations Written evaluations of papers

Examinations

Topical Course Outline:

I. Musical Comedy Structure

a. Elements

1. book

2. lyrics

3. composition

4. orchestration

5. choreography

b. Production Values

1. scenery

2. costumes

3. properties

4. Lighting effects

II. Historical Background

a. 1864 - 1907

1. the extravaganza/spectacle

2.

3. minstrel shows

4.

b. 1908 - 1925

1. Influences of early musicals

a. The Black Crook b. Humpty Dumpty

2. Before W. W. I

3. Post W. W. I

1. Pre W. W. II

a. contemporary themes in musicals

b. depression decade

2. Post W. W. II

a. new audiences

b. modern technology

d. 1950 - the present

1. the Book Musical

2. trouble with musical material

3. more lyrics, less book

III. Contemporary Activity

a. technology and spectacle

b. new books, old material

c. electronic compositions

Bibliography:

Aronson, A. (1985). American set design. New York: Theatre Communications Group

Bordman, G. (1982). American musical comedy. New York: Replica Books

Jenkins, R. (1988). Acrobats of the soul: comedy and virtuosity in contemporary american theatre. New York: Theatre Communications Group

Lumley, F. (1960). Trends in twentieth century drama ( 2nd ed.). London:

Richards, S., ed. (1976). Great musicals of the american theatre (vol. I & II). Radnor, PA: Chilton Book Company. Rischbetiter, H. (1968). Art and the stage in the twentieth century. Greenwich, CT:

New York Graphic Society