9.3 Performance Styles of the Golden Age

Golden Age musicals were a spectacle of performance styles. From presentational acting to tap, ballet, and jazz dance, these shows demanded versatile performers. The era's stars, like Ethel Merman and Gene Kelly, set the bar high with their triple-threat talents.

Actors in these musicals had to master clear diction, seamless integration of skills, and high energy. They brought characters to life through exaggerated gestures and facial expressions, all while singing and dancing their hearts out. It was a golden age indeed for musical theater performance.

Performance Styles in Golden Age Musicals

Acting techniques in Golden Age musicals

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• Presentational style involves directly addressing the audience and using exaggerated gestures and facial expressions to convey emotions and character traits
• Clear diction and projection ensure that dialogue and lyrics are easily understood by the audience, even in large theaters without amplification
• Actors seamlessly integrate their acting with singing and dancing, creating a cohesive performance that tells the story through multiple mediums

Dance styles of Golden Age musicals

• Tap dance, a rhythmic and percussive style, emphasizes precision, speed, and syncopation, often featured in upbeat, show-stopping numbers (42nd Street)
• Ballet, a classical dance style, emphasizes grace, fluidity, and technical proficiency, frequently used in romantic or dream-like sequences (Oklahoma!)
• Jazz dance incorporates elements of African-American dance and is characterized by its energetic and expressive nature, often used in ensemble numbers and solo features (West Side Story)
• Ballroom dance styles, such as waltz, foxtrot, and tango, are used in romantic duets and large-scale production numbers (The King and I)

Role of triple threat performers

• Triple threat performers are equally skilled in acting, singing, and dancing, making them essential for leading roles in Golden Age musicals
• Performers faced rigorous rehearsal schedules and extensive vocal and dance training to meet the demands of their roles
• Maintaining high energy and stamina throughout performances was crucial, as was the versatility to adapt to different styles and genres
• Iconic triple threat performers of the era include Ethel Merman, Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, and Gwen Verdon

Key performers and their contributions

• Ethel Merman, known for her powerful belting voice and comedic timing, originated roles in musicals such as Girl Crazy, Annie Get Your Gun, and Gypsy
• Gene Kelly, celebrated for his athletic dance style and innovative choreography, starred in productions like Pal Joey, On the Town, and Singin' in the Rain
• Fred Astaire, renowned for his elegance, grace, and precision in dance, featured in musicals like The Band Wagon, Top Hat, and Funny Face
• Gwen Verdon, acclaimed for her versatility as a dancer and actress, originated roles in Can-Can, Damn Yankees, and Sweet Charity
• Mary Martin, known for her warm, expressive voice and charming stage presence, starred in South Pacific, Peter Pan, and The Sound of Music