In 1943, Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein’s first collaborative musical production, Oklahoma! grabbed the audience’s attention from its first premiere, making the front page of PM Newspaper: “New Musical Plays Up Homespun U.S.A.” In lieu of World War I and the Depression, the theater-writing team of Rodgers and Hammerstein believed it was the perfect time to revitalize American morale through song, dance, and an entertaining plot. How did Rodgers and Hammerstein’s collaboration on their first musical, Oklahoma!, influence musical theater and entertainment in America? While reviving the American spirit, Rodgers and Hammerstien broke from the traditions of past musical creations and created a new musical comedy communicating American ideals …show more content…
A smashing success on Broadway but it grew in popularity with audiences due to its new form and its surprising elements never seen before in a production before this time. The change from European-influenced musical theater was recognized by audiences and critics alike through Rodgers and Hammerstein’s creation of a musical comedy. "The union of two sympathetic temperaments created the first all-American, non-Broadway musical comedy (or operetta; call it what you will) independent of Viennese comic opera or French opera-bouffe on the one hand, and forty-fourth street cliches and specifications on the other. Oklahoma! turned out to be a people's opera, unpretentious and perfectly modern, but of interest equally to audiences in New York and Des Moines.” Oklahoma! was independent of European influences and reflected cultural aspects of American pride, patriotism, and justice, freedom, and individualism, along with comedy that resonated with American audiences. Another review of the opening night of Oklahoma! praises the new, different, and innovative production combining many musical elements and comedy into a show all while sustaining a deep connection and integration of the inspiration source, Green Grows the Lilacs. “Wonderful is the nearest adjective, for this excursion of the Guild combines a fresh and infectious gayety, a charm of manner, beautiful acting, singing and dancing, and a score by Richard Rodgers which doesn't do any harm either, since it is one of his best. “Oklahoma!” is based on Lynn Riggs's saga of the Indian Territory at the turn of the century, “Green Grow the Lilacs”, like its predecessor, it is simple and warm. It relies not for a moment on Broadway gags to stimulate an appearance of comedy but goes winningly on its
It seems like it may be years, if at all that there will ever be such an influential couple of men such as Rodgers and Hammerstein that ever have such an impact on musical theater. Their names are synonymous with musical theater and that will never change. Without them, many Broadway stars may not have gotten their time to shine including Ezio Pinza and Mary Martin. It is fascinating how the two never thought that they would ever have a career together and then once paired they would make history from their first piece of work all the way up until their last with infinite fame coming from their many years of hard work. These men still get recognition to this day because many that are trying to fill their shoes and write new pieces of work
Rodgers and Hammerstein not only contributed to the mass of musical theatre genre but they completely reworded it and made it completely different to what it was known as before the 1943. When Oklahoma! came on the scene in 1943 it as the first of its kind, combining Rodgers sophisticated comedy within the musical and Hammerstein’s lyrics. The Broadway show was unique and the first of its genre, it involved an incredible and deep story line along with amazing talents showcased throughout the musical. Rodgers and Hammerstein Introduced story telling in a different way, even though every musical included songs they never quite make a shift or difference in the story line.
Rodger and Hammerstein 's Oklahoma! changed the form of musicals. By writing the music around the book, artists were able to focus more on stories, and how the music would support these stories. Along with Oklahoma!, shows that followed, such as Carousel, Kiss me Kate, and Guys and Dolls, used music as a means to further the story or a characters arch. Musical 's content during this time period were very different from their predecessors. For example the show On the Town explores women sexuality.
This musical tells a universal love story that will forever be applicable to audiences as it deals with highly sensitive topics such as racism, gender norms
When people think of musical theatre, they imagine jazz, kick lines, high notes, and jazz hands. This stereotype of musical theatre largely began in the 1920’s with the Ziegfeld Revues, though this art form has gone through a metamorphosis since those days the stigma stays (Lubbock). Hamilton contains almost none of these archetypal images of musical theatre. Perhaps that is why Hamilton has won 11 Tony Awards, a Pulitzer, and tickets are selling for $850 each (Lopez). However, as anyone who has been following the Broadway scene knows, there are hundreds of shows that break these conventions and think outside the box.
The first musical they produced was the one that marked the beginning of the best collaboration. The musical was named, “Oklahoma!”. The musical was originally named “Away We Go”. Before the show went on Broadway, there were a few changes to be made. These changes included, the addition of a show-stopping number, “Oklahoma!”
This musical was inspired, as I said before, by William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” using the familial differences in Shakespeare’s Verona and adapting it to a New York City of the 1950s and exploring race relations and stereotypes of the time. Common Theme One very clear very common
The towering marquees that advertise each production are a testament to the ephemeral nature of Broadway's theatrical feasts, yet they are also a testament to the enduring power of artistic expression. Each production that graces Broadway's storied stages is a microcosm of creative transcendence that captures the hearts and minds of audiences and leaves an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of America and the world. Broadway is a realm of artistic innovation, a crucible of creative potential that has given rise to some of the most indelible works of art in human history. From the early days of vaudeville and burlesque to the golden age of musical theater and beyond, Broadway has been a cauldron of creative expression that has captured the hearts and minds of generations. Its enduring legacy is a testament to the enduring power of artistic expression, a realm of creative potential that has left an indelible mark on the cultural fabric of America and the
Although some of Sondheim’s musicals did not achieve a great deal of success, nearly all of his musicals have only become more popular as times goes on. With such a broad range of styles and content, almost anyone could find one Sondheim musical that they like. Anyone Can Whistle was highly experimental musically and lyrically. Company, a concept musical, allowed for a whole new kind of musical to break through. Sunday in the Park with George brought a complexity to musical composition that had not heretofore been explored through its pointillist style.
Since Broadway music is performed live, it is easy to tell the message of the music from the way the actors are interacting with the song. To me, Broadway music is different because it presents both the auditory and visual message of the music. People do not have to imagine the message or a story when listening to Broadway music because it’s right there in front of them. Listeners are able to see the emotion between actors and visualize it very well because of the way Broadway music is presented.
Lin-Manuel Miranda's musical "Hamilton," inspired by Alexander Hamilton - one of America's founding fathers - has had a lasting effect on American culture and politics. Combining hip-hop, R&B music and other elements, the show tells Hamilton's tale through vibrant imagery. Lin-Manuel Miranda was deeply affected by his social and cultural environment, creating a musical that captures the aesthetic, political values of its time while reflecting those same cultural traits. Musicals fall within the genres of historical fiction and musical theater, each having their own distinct stylistic, dramatic, and formal characteristics. This analysis will explore the cultural and aesthetic values, as well as the historical background, of the musical "Hamilton," to gain a more in-depth appreciation for its impact. "
First off, The Musical Showboat had its first show in 1927 (Gernard). Before this production, there were not any shows that included a dramatically controversial plot. Shows were done simply as entertainment and therefore were all light-hearted, comedic shows (Gernard). When the public found out about the show “showboat” that was originally based on the novel by Edna Ferber was becoming a musical, it was a show that everyone had to see. This was the first musical with a realistic plot and did not have to do with only heavy operettas that dominated Broadway (Gernard).
Gypsy Carousel. South Pacific. The Sound of Music. Oklahoma!. Each of these now well-known musicals would not exist today if not for the partnership of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II.
I really enjoyed watching this musical because it made history entertaining. It gave