Musical theater describes a stage performance that combines music, acting, and spoken dialogue. Musicals have been written all over the world for hundreds of years and in many genres of music. They can be comedies, dramas, tragedies or a combination. Common Characteristics of Musical Theater: • Includes a musical score, songs with lyrics, solos, and choral numbers • Incorporates choreographed dancing and movement • Has a theme or a plot that is developed by both the dialogue and the music • Performed on a stage with a set, costumes, and lighting design The term lyric describes the words or the text of the music. What to ask yourself when listening to the lyrics: • Do I understand the meaning of each word in the text? • Are the lyrics in a language that I understand? If not, do I have a copy of the translation in my language? • Which word or words are the most meaningful in each sentence? • How does the music reflect the lyrics? How do the lyrics reflect the music? • Do the lyrics or the music have historical significance? Which was written first or were they written at the same time?
42nd Street premiered in 1980 and tells the story of Peggy Sawyer, who comes to New York City to become a Broadway star. The story follows her as she arrives in New York City and is rejected after her first audition for a Broadway musical. Peggy eventually catches a few breaks that help her become a star. This piece is one of the final numbers of the show.
*The name of this musical comes from 42nd Street in New York City. There are many famous theaters at the intersection of 42nd street and Broadway. 1. How would you describe the tempo of this song? 2. Is the meter of this piece duple or triple? 3. Why do you think the composer chose to use that tempo and meter? How does the music reflect the lyrics of this piece?
The Sound of Music premiered as a stage musical in 1959 and was quickly adapted for the well known film in 1965. It tells true story of the Von Trapp family and their governess, Maria, a postulant who brings music, joy, and a fresh sense of life to their home during the turmoil of World War II. This song, Climb Ev’ry Mountain, is sung at the end of the Act I by the Mother Abbess as an inspiration to encourage Maria to take every step to finding her dream. The Sound of Music was written by Richard Rodgers (1902-1979) and Oscar Hammerstein II (1895-1960.) Together they composed many famous musicals, Rodgers composing the music and Hammerstein writing the lyrics. Some of their most famous musicals are: The King and I, South Pacific, Oklahoma!, and Carousel. 1. List one word to describe the timbre of the singer’s voice. 2. What is the mood of this piece? 3. What is one dream you have for your life? How will you “climb every mountain” until you reach that goal?
The Wiz was written by Charlie Smalls, and debuted in 1974. It is a retelling of the famous story, The Wizard of Oz, in the context of African- American culture. The song, Everybody Rejoice, is performed after Dorothy melts the wicked witch by throwing water on her. 1. How would you describe the mood of this piece? 2. What is the dynamic of this song? 3. What elements of the music reflect the mood of the text?
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat debuted in 1970 with lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber. It is based on the story of Joseph from the bible and his ‘coat of many colors.’ This song, Any Dream Will Do, is performed at the beginning of the musical to introduce Joseph and his dreams. Andrew Lloyd Webber was born in 1948 in England, and is a well known musical theater composer. He has won seven Tony Awards, three Grammy Awards, and an Academy Award. Some of his most famous musicals are: The Phantom of the Opera, Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, and Cats. 1. How would you describe the timbre of the singer’s voice? 2. Are the children in this piece part of a choir, a band, or an orchestra? (choose one.) 3. Name two things in this piece that let you know it is musical theater.
Ragtime debuted in 1996 with lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and music by Stephen Flaherty. This musical tells the story of three groups of people in the United States at the beginning of the 1900s: African Americans, Eastern European immigrants, and upper class suburbanites. The story tackles many social issues, some of which are still present today. This song, Make Them Hear You, is sung by a man just before he is shot by the police. It is a plea to all people to challenge society and make change by telling our stories. 1. How would you describe the articulation of the singer’s melody? 2. What is the mood of this piece? 3. What do the lyrics of this song mean to you personally?
Wicked premiered in 2003 and was written by Stephen Schwartz. It is based on the novel with the same name and tells an alternate story of the witches from the classic story, The Wizard of Oz. This song, For Good, takes place at the end of the musical when the two witches say goodbye forever. They will be who they are forever, because of each other. Stephen Schwartz was born in 1948 and is currently an American composer and musical theater lyricist. He is known for his famous musicals including Godspell, Pippin, and Wicked. He has won three Grammy Awards and three Academy Awards. 1. How would you describe the tempo of this piece? 2. Is this song a solo, duet, or a trio? 3. Who is one person who has changed you “for good?” Write about what they mean to you and how they have impacted your life.