Musicals are a very interesting and vibrant form of theatre. A combination of song, dance, and dialogue create a very dramatic and entertaining performance. As our textbook states, “Music and dance texts can reveal character, set pace and rhythm, create a mood, enliven, and entertain”. Around the world today, musicals are still a very popular theatrical form. Despite the change and progression of entertainment styles such as Blue Ray, Wii, and Hi-Def television, people still choose to see musicals as a fun form of entertainment.
(Felner)
The history of musicals can be traced all the way back to 5th Century B.C. in Greece. Even back then it was very common for the Greeks to incorporate music and dance into their performances. Some musicals were created using already existing songs, others wrote new songs just for the musical. In the 1700’s, two main types of musicals were born: ballad operas and comic operas. The ballad operas were usually created by re-writing original songs by changing the lyrics. These performances could cover anything from satire, comedy, or pastoral intent. (Musicals) The comic operas, on the other hand, used existing music and were usually romantic in nature.
(Musicals101)
(Felner)
The history of musicals can be traced all the way back to 5th Century B.C. in Greece. Even back then it was very common for the Greeks to incorporate music and dance into their performances. Some musicals were created using already existing songs, others wrote new songs just for the musical. In the 1700’s, two main types of musicals were born: ballad operas and comic operas. The ballad operas were usually created by re-writing original songs by changing the lyrics. These performances could cover anything from satire, comedy, or pastoral intent. (Musicals) The comic operas, on the other hand, used existing music and were usually romantic in nature.
(Musicals101)
American musicals are very popular and plentiful. Many of the most successful musicals here in America are usually featured in Broadway productions. Broadway refers to the “theatre district” in New York City that features many of the most popular musicals. There is a street called “Broadway” that runs through the theatre district, however, there are some Broadway theatres that are not located on this street. Currently some of the productions featured in Broadway include: The Lion King, Wicked, The Phantom of the Opera, and Mamma Mia!. There are approximately 40 professional Broadway theatres that can seat up to 500 people. So as we can see, musicals here in America are definitely still a beloved form of theatre.
(Anderson)
Musicals that have been especially successful have been re-created and transformed into film. These musicals-turned-movies have nearly always been a success in the world of film. Some examples of these would be: Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, the Phantom of the Opera, and Rent. Many times when musical are made into films, the directors will try and add new twists and effects to give the film the same excitement and energy as one would feel if they were actually watching the musical in person. Tim Burton, the director of Sweeney Todd did just this. Released in 2007, this shocking and thrilling musical is perhaps one of the only “R rated” movies of all time. Clever filming techniques, vibrant costumes, and superb acting were all combined factors that made this movie such a success. Though it would certainly be a good experience for everyone to view these musicals in person, for those who cannot, seeing the musicals in a film is an excellent option as well.
(Sweeney Todd)
So as we can see, musicals can be very exciting, interactive, meaningful, and inspirational. Musicals are a world-wide art form that incorporates music, dance, expressions and words to tell stories and ideas. Throughout centuries of time musicals have developed and changed, just like everything else in society. Nonetheless, musicals still remain an important part of the world of theatre. Even though what our culture has deemed “entertaining” over the years has evolved, musicals have still remained a classical favorite.
Here I've compared two similar clips: the first one is from a musical production of Sweeney Todd, the second is the same scene but from the movie Sweeney Todd.
The Musical Production:
The Film:
The Film:
Sources Cited:
"A History of a Musical." Musicals 101. 2003. Web. 13 Oct 2009.
Anderson, Mark. "What is Broadway Exactly?." Sports & Music Blog. 06 Sep 2008. Best Show Tickets, Web. 18 Oct 2009. http://www.bestshowticketslasvegas.com/articles/tour-broadway.asp.
Felner, Mira, Claudia Orenstein. The World of Theatre. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc. , 2006. Print.
"Musicals." InfoPlease. 2007. Columbia University Press, Web. 13 Oct 2009. http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/ent/A0834561.html.
"Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street." The Internet Movie Database. 21 Dec 2007. Imdb.com,Inc.. 18 Oct 2009
Picture #1: Unknown. Greek Amphitheatre.
Music of the Ancient Greeks. Web. http://www.aug.edu/~cshotwel/2001.Greeks.htm
Picture #2: McCoy, Patrick. The Phantom of the Opera. Web.
http://www.the-reel-mccoy.com/movies/2005/ThePhantomOfTheOpera.html
Picture #3: Rosenblatt, Josh. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. 21 December 2007. The Austin Chronicles. Web.
Video Citations:
Video#1 : Erekrose. "Sweeney Todd Part 10/27: Pirelli's Miracle Elixir". 08 February 2008. Online Video Clip. Youtube. Accessond on 18 October 2009.
Video#2: lulurollerss. "Sweeney Todd- Pirelli's Miracle Elixir". 23 May 2009. Online Video Clip.
You Tube. Accessed on 18 October 2009.
Hannah,
ReplyDeleteThorough and well done. Excellent.
Geoff