HISTORY OF MUSICAL THEATRE (2)

Where does musical theatre come from?

Musical theatre has roots in Greek theatre and Roman comedies, which included song and dance, as well as traveling minstrel shows and musical morality plays during the Middle Ages.

What is the difference between musicals and operas?

Musicals focus more on spoken dialogue and incorporate more dance, while operas prioritize music and singing.

What is a typical formula followed by musicals?

The formula usually includes meeting the main character, singing an 'I want' song, and unfolding a story through song, dialogue, and dance.

What are some sources that musical material comes from?

Musical material can come from novels, straight plays, myths, legends, historical events, films, and adaptations of operas.

How many professional theatres are currently on Broadway?

There are currently 41 professional theatres on Broadway.

What was the first true musical to hit the stage?

The first true musical to hit the stage was Show Boat.

What made Oklahoma! significant in musical theatre history?

Oklahoma! was significant because it integrated song, dance, and storytelling in a way that defines modern musical theatre.

Who were Rodgers and Hammerstein?

Rodgers and Hammerstein were a famous musical duo known for creating several classic musicals, including Oklahoma! and The Sound of Music.

What characterized the Golden Age of musical theatre?

The Golden Age featured integrated storytelling where songs advanced the plot, starting with works like Oklahoma! in 1943.

What was the impact of the 1960s on Broadway?

In the 1960s, Broadway faced decline due to the rise of television, live sports, and social upheaval.

What are rock musicals, and when did they become popular?

Rock musicals are based around rock music and became popular in the 1970s, with examples like Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita.

What defined megamusicals in the 1980s?

Megamusicals were characterized by large casts, big sets, and special effects, with titles like Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables.

Which musical holds the title for the highest grossing musical ever?

The Lion King is the highest grossing musical ever, with total ticket sales of around $8 billion.

What financial trend was observed in Broadway musicals during the 1990s?

Broadway musicals became expensive for the average household, leading to the emergence of alternatives like Rent.

What type of musicals emerged in the 2000s?

The 2000s saw the rise of edgy and quirky musicals like Spring Awakening, In the Heights, and Hamilton.

What is a jukebox musical?

A jukebox musical is based on a collection of songs by a specific artist or group, such as Mama Mia! or Jersey Boys.

Which musical is known for having the most Tony nominations and wins?

Hamilton holds the most Tony nominations and wins, being nominated for 16 and winning 11.

What was unique about the first performance of Show Boat?

Show Boat was the first serious musical with a real plot and characters, featuring black and white performers together.

What were common themes in the 1970s rock musicals?

Themes in 1970s rock musicals often included social and political commentary, as seen in works like Godspell and The Rocky Horror Show.

What was the significance of Gilbert and Sullivan in musical theatre?

Gilbert and Sullivan were one of the earliest and most famous theater partnerships known for their comic operas, some of which are performed as musicals today.

What did the musical 'Evita' address in its narrative?

Evita addresses the life of Eva Perón, the First Lady of Argentina, and her rise to fame and influence.

What was P.T. Barnum's contribution to the entertainment industry?

P.T. Barnum started an entertainment complex that combined performance, circus acts, and 'Freak Show' attractions, influencing the creation of musicals.

What were the challenges faced by theatres in the mid-1800s?

Theaters in the mid-1800s often faced bankruptcy or destruction by fire, despite a thriving following.

Which music hall was considered the largest in 1826?

The Bowery Theater opened in 1826 and was the largest theater at the time with a capacity of 3,500 seats.

What social movement in the 1960s influenced Broadway attendance?

The Civil Rights movement and the Vietnam War created social upheaval, which influenced Broadway attendance negatively.

What year marked the first Tony Awards, and what was the prize?

The first Tony Awards were held in 1947, and the prize was a cigarette lighter.

What is one of the most notable facts about the musical 'The Phantom of the Opera'?

The Phantom of the Opera is the longest-running show on Broadway, opening in 1988 and closing in 2023.