In a 5+ page paper (12-point font, double-spaced) discuss an aspect of musical theater. POSSIBLE topics to consider:
Discuss the work of a composer-lyricist (or team). How has their work evolved over time?
Discuss the career of a famed Broadway performer. What is/ are their standout role(s)? How did their success affect the other parts of their career?
Discuss a Broadway musical and its revival(s). What changed in the revival(s)? What stayed the same? Which do you think was the most “successful” of the productions and why?
Analyze 3-5 songs from a musical or a composer/lyricist (or team). What are the most successful aspects of these works and the least? Why?
Consider and discuss the issue of race in the history of musical theater. Possible topics could include: how have productions evolved in terms of (a) dealing with issues of race and/or (b) casting people of color? What is “color-blind casting” and is it effective?
Check out this recent article on Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South
Pacific: https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2018/02/rodgers-hammerstein-michener-south-pacific
Analyze the libretto or book of a musical. How would you critique the lyrics? How would you critique the storyline? Character arcs? Could you suggest any specific changes?
Discuss a decade in musical theater history (or a shorter period). Was it a particularly exciting and/or fertile time for new musicals? Why or why not?
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