🎭Musical Theater Performance Unit 9 – Golden Age Musicals (1940s-1960s)

Historical Context and Influence

• Golden Age Musicals emerged during the post-World War II era, reflecting the optimism and prosperity of the time
• Influenced by the social and cultural changes of the 1940s and 1950s, such as the rise of the middle class and the growth of suburbia
• Incorporated elements of vaudeville, operetta, and musical revues, while also introducing new storytelling techniques and musical styles
• Addressed themes relevant to the era, including romance, social class, and the American Dream
• Contributed to the growth of the Broadway theater industry and established New York City as the center of American musical theater
• Influenced by the Hollywood musical film genre, with many Broadway shows adapted for the screen (Guys and Dolls, Oklahoma!)
• Reflected the changing roles of women in society, with strong female characters and actresses taking center stage (Ethel Merman, Mary Martin)

Key Composers and Lyricists

• Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II collaborated on numerous iconic shows (Oklahoma!, Carousel, South Pacific)
  • Rodgers composed the music, while Hammerstein wrote the lyrics and librettos
  • Their partnership revolutionized musical theater by fully integrating songs into the narrative and exploring serious themes
• Irving Berlin composed both music and lyrics for several hit shows (Annie Get Your Gun, Call Me Madam)
  • Known for his versatility and ability to write in various styles, from ballads to upbeat show tunes
• Cole Porter known for his sophisticated and witty lyrics, as well as his memorable melodies (Kiss Me, Kate, Anything Goes)
• Frank Loesser wrote both music and lyrics for popular shows (Guys and Dolls, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying)
  • His songs often featured clever wordplay and catchy tunes
• Lerner and Loewe partnership created lush, romantic scores (My Fair Lady, Brigadoon, Camelot)
  • Alan Jay Lerner wrote the lyrics and librettos, while Frederick Loewe composed the music

Iconic Shows and Their Impact

• Oklahoma! (1943) considered the first fully integrated musical, with songs advancing the plot and characters
  • Introduced the concept of the "dream ballet" to convey characters' inner thoughts and desires
• Carousel (1945) tackled darker themes, such as domestic abuse and the afterlife
  • Featured the iconic song "You'll Never Walk Alone," which became an anthem of hope and resilience
• South Pacific (1949) addressed racial prejudice and interracial relationships during World War II
  • Won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and numerous Tony Awards
• Guys and Dolls (1950) adapted from Damon Runyon's short stories, portrayed colorful characters from New York City's underworld
  • Featured a memorable score, including "Luck Be a Lady" and "Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat"
• My Fair Lady (1956) based on George Bernard Shaw's play Pygmalion, explored class differences and social mobility
  • Introduced the world to the character of Eliza Doolittle and the song "I Could Have Danced All Night"
• West Side Story (1957) reimagined Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet in a modern, urban setting
  • Incorporated elements of ballet and Latin American dance, with a score by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
• The Music Man (1957) celebrated small-town America and the power of music to bring people together
  • Featured the iconic song "Seventy-Six Trombones" and a charming romance between the lead characters

Musical Styles and Innovations

• Golden Age musicals incorporated a wide range of musical styles, including jazz, swing, ballads, and traditional Broadway show tunes
• Composers began to experiment with more complex harmonies, rhythms, and orchestrations
  • For example, Leonard Bernstein's score for West Side Story featured intricate jazz-influenced rhythms and dissonant harmonies
• Integration of dance as a storytelling element became more prominent, with choreographers like Agnes de Mille and Jerome Robbins creating iconic dance sequences
  • Dream ballets, such as the one in Oklahoma!, used dance to explore characters' inner thoughts and desires
• Overtures and entr'actes served to set the mood and introduce musical themes
  • Many shows featured memorable overtures that became synonymous with the production (Carousel, Gypsy)
• Leitmotifs, or recurring musical themes associated with characters or ideas, were used to create a cohesive score and underscore emotional moments
• Duets and ensemble numbers showcased the vocal talents of the performers and advanced the plot
  • For example, the "Bench Scene" in Carousel features an extended duet that explores the relationship between Billy and Julie
• Composers began to write more conversational, speech-like lyrics that flowed naturally with the music (My Fair Lady, Guys and Dolls)

Character Types and Archetypes

• Leading ladies were often strong, independent women who challenged societal norms (Nellie Forbush in South Pacific, Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady)
  • These characters showcased the talents of actresses like Mary Martin, Ethel Merman, and Julie Andrews
• Leading men ranged from charming rogues (Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls) to earnest, all-American types (Curly McLain in Oklahoma!)
  • Actors like John Raitt, Alfred Drake, and Gordon MacRae brought these characters to life on stage
• Comic relief characters provided humor and levity, often through witty dialogue and physical comedy (Ado Annie in Oklahoma!, Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls)
• Sidekicks and supporting characters added depth to the story and showcased the talents of the ensemble (Nicely-Nicely Johnson in Guys and Dolls, Bloody Mary in South Pacific)
• Antagonists and villains created conflict and obstacles for the protagonists (Jud Fry in Oklahoma!, Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady)
  • These characters were often complex and multi-dimensional, with their own motivations and desires
• Ensemble characters played a crucial role in creating the world of the show and advancing the plot through song and dance (the sailors in South Pacific, the Mission Band in Guys and Dolls)

Performance Techniques

• Actors in Golden Age musicals were expected to be "triple threats," excelling in acting, singing, and dancing
• Belting, a powerful singing technique, was popularized by performers like Ethel Merman and became a staple of musical theater
  • This technique allowed actors to project their voices over the orchestra and reach the back of the theater
• Legit singing, a more classical approach, was used for romantic ballads and dramatic moments (Julie Jordan's songs in Carousel)
• Diction and enunciation were crucial for conveying lyrics and dialogue clearly to the audience
  • Performers often trained in elocution and projection to ensure they could be understood
• Acting techniques, such as the Stanislavski method, were adapted for musical theater to create believable, emotionally grounded performances
• Dance styles ranged from ballet (dream sequences) to tap (show-stopping numbers) to social dances of the era (the "Kansas City" song in Oklahoma!)
  • Choreographers worked closely with directors and composers to integrate dance into the storytelling
• Ensemble work was essential for creating a cohesive performance, with actors working together to create compelling stage pictures and convey the world of the show

Staging and Production Elements

• Proscenium stages were the most common configuration for Golden Age musicals, with the action taking place behind an arch
  • This allowed for elaborate sets and scene changes, as well as the use of curtains and drops
• Set design became increasingly sophisticated, with realistic and detailed environments that transported audiences to different locations and eras
  • For example, the sets for My Fair Lady recreated the streets of London and the interiors of Edwardian homes
• Lighting design was used to create mood, focus attention, and enhance the emotional impact of scenes
  • The use of colored gels and spotlights became more common during this era
• Costume design reflected the fashions of the time period and helped to define characters and their social status
  • Designers like Cecil Beaton (My Fair Lady) and Irene Sharaff (West Side Story) created iconic looks that became synonymous with the shows
• Orchestrations grew more complex, with larger orchestras and more varied instrumentation
  • The use of leitmotifs and underscoring helped to create a cohesive musical experience
• Sound design and amplification became more advanced, allowing actors to be heard clearly throughout the theater
  • The use of body microphones and sound reinforcement systems became more common in the later years of the Golden Age
• Stage machinery, such as turntables and fly systems, allowed for quick scene changes and spectacular visual effects
  • For example, the original production of Carousel featured a revolving stage that allowed for seamless transitions between scenes

Legacy and Modern Interpretations

• Golden Age musicals continue to be revived on Broadway and in regional theaters, introducing new generations to these classic shows
  • Recent revivals, such as the 2018 production of My Fair Lady and the 2019 production of Oklahoma!, have offered fresh interpretations of these works
• The influence of Golden Age composers and lyricists can be seen in the work of contemporary musical theater creators, such as Stephen Sondheim and Lin-Manuel Miranda
  • Sondheim, who got his start as a lyricist during the Golden Age (West Side Story, Gypsy), went on to revolutionize musical theater with his complex scores and intricate lyrics
• Many Golden Age musicals have been adapted into successful film versions, bringing these stories to a wider audience (The Sound of Music, West Side Story)
  • These film adaptations often feature expanded production values and star-studded casts
• The themes and characters of Golden Age musicals continue to resonate with modern audiences, addressing universal human experiences and emotions
  • For example, the exploration of racial prejudice in South Pacific remains relevant in today's society
• Modern productions of Golden Age musicals often incorporate updated staging and design elements, while still honoring the original material
  • The use of projection technology and minimalist sets has become more common in recent years
• The legacy of the Golden Age can be seen in the continued popularity of musical theater as an art form, with new shows building upon the foundations laid by these classic works
  • The emphasis on strong storytelling, memorable characters, and innovative music and dance continues to shape the development of musical theater in the 21st century