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 Musical Theatre
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 Through the use of historical documents, recordings, videos, guest lecturers and experiential arts and fine arts students, as well as those interested in communications and the performing arts.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, vaudeville, 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. pantomime
3. minstrel shows
4. comic opera
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